The painting is titled "An oak close to Mr Roper's" and is dated July 23rd 1880. Cows and sheep graze in the pasture while the herdsman rests under the oak tree on a summer's afternoon - a typical rural picture which for many people summarises the essence of the idyll that was country life: an almost timeless scene which had hardly changed since the Middle Ages and a pace of life far removed from the hectic world of today.

As with many of the paintings which illustrate this trail, the background is stylised rather than a photographic record, so accurate location of this view is difficult. It would seem however to be a westward view in the general direction of Alderton.

The Mr Roper mentioned in the title was the Duke's Agent who lived at Grafton Lodge.