] 20 THE MANAGEMENT OF EPPINO FOREST. 



not been pollarded, forming a dense canopy of leafage, and constituiing a distinct 

 feature. We recommend moderate and periodic thinning. 



(17) Lord's Bushes. — At this point there is a struggle between health}' young 

 trees (Oaks and Beeches), and a number of old Pollards, some of which are 

 dying. Having regard to the preponderance of Pollards in the Forest, we should, 

 a,s a rule, let the young trees take the lead, pre5er\ing the ;fiiaer. and inor? 

 picturesque Pollards. , - :...'" 



(18) As profit is out of the question, we consider that the thinning of ihe Oak 

 trees should be done in winter, without regard to the-value of the bark. Less 

 injury will accrue in this waj' to adjoining trees. All cutting should be done in 

 late autumn and winter. 



(19) In conclusion, we may say that we are not prepared to endorse the 

 strictures which have been passed upon the work carried out in Epping Forest. 

 We are of opinion that much has been done judiciously and well. In some 

 instances we should not, perhaps, unanimously approve of the whole of the action 

 of the authorities. In others, we may consider that more might have been done. 

 But of one thing we are certain, that whatever has been done has been animated 

 by earnest desire to preserve the finest features of the Forest and through intimate 

 knowledge of its necessities and peculiar conditions. 



We have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your obedient Servants, 

 A. B. Freeman-Mitford, William Schlich, A. D. Webster, W. Robinson, and 

 James Anderson. 



To Sir John Mon'ckton. 



June %th., 1894. 



(20) We think the practice of Gravel Digging should be discontinued as 

 tending to the disfigurement and injury of the Forest, as may be seen at 

 Strawberry Hill. 



W. Schlich, James Anderson, A. B. Freeman-Mitford, A. D. Webster, and 

 W. Robinson. 



(21) As we have expressed a strong opinion against the re-planting of the 

 Forest in the ordinary sense, we think there is no need for a Nurser}', and that it 

 should be discontinued. 



A. D. Webster, W. Robinson, James Anderson, and A. B. Freeman-Mitford. 



While there is not much in the Report that is new to those whc, 

 have carefully considered the matter, it will, we believe, be accepted! 

 by them as a correct statement of the present condition of the' 

 Forest, and although there may be some slight differences of opinior 

 in matters of detail, they will be prepared to endorse most of tht 

 recommendations of the Special Committee. 



We are very glad to see the condemnation of excessive artificia" 

 drainage (paragraph 10). We have always strongly opposed deep 

 drainage in the Forest, as being in the highest degree detrimental tc 



