II 



FORESTRY IN GREAT BRITAIN IN LATER TIMES 



THE second period into which I have divided this 

 brief historical review merits our most careful atten- 

 tion at the present juncture. For it presents 

 parallels to our present position in timber supplies 

 and to the question of afforestation. 



2. FROM THE PASSING OF THE STATUTE OF EN- 

 CLOSURE, 1482, TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A 

 PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE IN 1885. 



It was during this second period that the science 

 of British forestry had its origin, reached its zenith, 

 and, from various economic causes closely bound up 

 with the history of the trade of these islands, sub- 

 sequently declined, until by the end of the period it 

 had practically ceased to exist as an economic factor 

 of importance in the life of the people. 



Towards the close of the period already described 

 the Government became uneasy at the rapid rate 

 at which the forests of the country were disappearing, 

 and in 1482 the " Statute of Enclosure " was enacted. 

 This was only applicable to the Royal forests, chases, 

 and purlieus of the " disafforested " lands (i.e. the 



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