298 PLANTS OV ENFIELD CHASE. [OctobeV, 



ENFIELD CHASE, AND SOME EEMAEKS ON ITS RAKE 



PLANTS. 



This ancient forest lies on the north of the metropolis, and in 

 the eastern part of the county, stretching from Finchley, or rather 

 from Finchley Common, — a common only in name, like Enfield 

 Chase, — to the borders of Essex or to the river Lea, which sepa- 

 rates this ancient tract of woodland from Epping Forest. This 

 last named district is destined, at no distant date, to share the 

 fate of Hainault Forest, on the eastern side of the river Roding 

 " — a tract now under the woodman's axe, i. e. undergoing the 

 process of disforestment. 



The Chase extends several miles northward, and ends in Hert- 

 fordshire. 



Here several edifices bear testimony to the former grandeur of 

 this regal park, viz. South Lodge, West Lodge, North Lodge, 

 South gate, Potter's Bar, etc. ; and there are still remnants of 

 kingly residences both at Enfield and Cheshunt. 



This hunting demesne, once abounding in deer and other beasts 

 of chase, was disforested by Act of Parliament in 1779. It had, 

 like Epping Forest, been long forsaken by royalty, and probably, 

 from its vicinity to London, was becoming a nuisance in the 

 neighbourhood. 



What has become of Epping hunt, and when was the last royal 

 stag exhibited to give cockney equestrians an opportunity of dis- 

 playing their skill in horsemanship, and of wearing their leather 

 unmentionables ? What changes have Norwood and its ancient 

 denizens, the gipsies, seen in our days ! 



Dulwich Wood and the charming braes of Norwood are now 

 in the process of conversion into suburban viDas ; gipsies are 

 now as rare in Surrey as parks and woods will soon be near the 

 metropolis. 



What would the British Solomon, James I., have said if he 

 could have foreseen this change, and the conversion of the noble 

 parks in London's vicinity into villas for its citizens ? Let the 

 ghost of Isaac D'lsraeli answer this question if it can, and has 

 nothing better to do. 



One comfort remains. Enfield Chase, though now enclosed, 

 and of course cultivated, is not densely populated ; and it will 



