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Very few plantations, except fnnall ornamental 

 ones, have been made in this neighbourhood. 



The raifing of oak timber for future navies was, 

 I know, confidered as an objed of great national 

 importance by John Pitt, efq; late furveyor-general 

 of the King*s^woods and forefts; who directed his 

 attention to planting part of thofe unprofitable lands. 

 Near twenty years ago he feledted two thoufand 

 acres for planting in different parts of the Foreft of 

 Dean, and one thoufand acres in the New Foreft. 

 The lan4 was inclofed for that purpofe at a very 

 confiderable expence. Since receiving your letter 

 I have feen part of thofe plantations in the New 

 Foreft, and have been well informed refpedting the 

 remainder. I am truly forry to add, that they ap- 

 pear to have been neglefted, expofed to damage, 

 and arc now in a deplorable ftate. 



The growth of timber in general, and oak timber 

 in particular, is, I fear, much on the decline. Rough 

 uncultivated land is the natural nurfery of a young 

 oak ; but every foil is not well adapted to its growth. 

 \Vhen fuitable land is farmed out, an induftrious 

 tenant will probably clear, and bring it into cultiva- 

 tion. If left in its uncultivated ftate, cattle are 

 turned in, and dcftroy the young plants. It has 



generally 



