[ ae J 
proper criterion by which timber in woods ought to 
be cut, if it be the wih of the owner, as it is bis in- 
tere, to keep up that proper proportion of timber 
and underwood, by which each fhall receive be-~ 
nefit from the other, and the land produce the 
greateft profit, of which, in a {tate of wood-land, 
it is capable. 
Strate of Woops in the WresTERN CounrTIts. 
Hants. 
Of all the Weftern counties, Hamp/bire has un- 
doubtedly the pre-eminence, with refpect to the 
quantity of wood-land, and the profit arifing from it. 
The peculiar aptitude of the foil to the growth of 
wood, and particularly of oak timber; the xumber of 
ufes for which underwood is there particularly want- 
ed; the rapid growth of oak timber in that county, 
and its vicinity to ¢he /ea-ports, where the great de- 
mand for oak timber is, and always will be; are the 
reafons why it has hitherto had, and why, in all 
probability, it will always keep that pre-eminence. 
WILTs. 
The fouth-eaft part of Wiltfhire, which adjoins 
to the county of Hants, viz. part of the New Foreft, 
and from thence to Winterflow, is exceedingly well 
wooded, and the woods partake much of the pro- 
perties of thofe of Hants. The middle parts, or 
downs 
