Since 1895 the National Trust has (1) the preservation of places of historic interest and natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Today the Trust (2) is not a government department but a charity depending on the (3) support of the public and its own members--is the largest landowner and conservation society in Britain. (4) you go, you are close to land that is protected and (5) by the National Trust. Over 350 miles of (6) land, lakes and forests in one area of natural beauty (7) ; prehistoric and Roman ruins; moorlands and farmland, woods and islands; lengths of (8) waterways; even seventeen whole villages—all are (9) the public at all times subject only (10) the needs of farming, forestry and the protection of wildlife. But the Trust’s protection (11) further than this. It has in its possession a hundred gardens and (12) two hundred historic buildings which it opens to paying visitors. Castles and churches, houses of (13) or historic importance, mills, gardens and parks (14) to the Trust by their former owners. Many houses retain their (15) contents of fine furniture, pictures, and other treasures accumulated over (16) , and often the donor himself (17) to live in part of the house as a (18) of the National Trust. The walking-sticks in the hall, the flowers, silver- framed photographs, books and papers in the rooms are (19) that the house is still loved and (20) and that visitors are welcomed as private individuals just as much as tourists.