A NEW FOREST OF WALTHAM. 29 



it came into the possession of the Lord of Chigvvell Manor, and 

 was of course enclosed. Its trees and undergrowth, however, 

 remain, and it is a beautiful example of the old natural woodland. 

 The price, ;^g,ooo, although much higher proportionately than 

 the rest of Mr. Buxton's proposed purchases, is very small for 

 land so much nearer the railway, and its acquisition as a 

 permanent open space is a matter of great importance and 

 urgency. 



Should Mr. Buxton's efforts prove successful, and of this 

 there is now no reasonable doubt, the re-afforestation of Hain- 

 hault will rank as the greatest scheme of "open-spacing " (with 

 the exception of Epping Forest) ever carried out near London ; 

 it is a matter of truly national magnitude and interest. The 

 growth of London within the last 30 years is one of the most 

 serious social questions of the age —the parishes lying only a few 

 miles from the " New Waltham Forest " have increased in 

 population by 600,000 inhabitants. 



When the land is safely secured, doubtless Mr. Buxton's 

 idea that, as far as possible, nature should be allowed full sway, 

 will be intelligently followed. The various problems of sowing 

 and planting are even now exciting discussion among foresters 

 and arboriculturalists ; the possibilities from the naturalist's 

 point of view are almost infinite, and the gradual upgrowth of a 

 "reserve" within 12 miles of London will present a fascinating 

 field for study. 



But all these considerations must form subjects for future 

 papers. In a few months time we may hope that all legal and 

 financial difficulties will have been surmounted. It will then be 

 possible to give a map and the precise area of this noble addition 

 to our open spaces. The examination of the present natural 

 condition of the various lands, the fauna and flora of the 

 districts, will afford much work for observers for many years 

 to come, while the changes brought about by the re-afforestation 

 must be carefully noted from year to year. 



The three plates drawn by Mr. H. A. Cole for this first notice 

 will give some idea of the nature of the ground, and in the future 

 we shall hope to present a series of sketches which will have 

 permanent value a generation hence, when the district re-asserts 

 its claim to be considered a part of the still noble remnant of the 

 great Forest of Waltham. 



