INTRODUCTION. 7 



actually employed in the details of management, 

 connected alike with the Timber and Coppice of 

 ancient Woods, with the planting and subsequent 

 treatment of Plantations and with Hedge- Row 

 Timber. 



Of course I am aware that much has been 

 said, and much has been written, by others who 

 have preceded me, on these subjects, but notwith- 

 standing that this be true, I am not at all of 

 opinion that this branch of rural economy has 

 received its fair share of attention, or that the 

 subject has been viewed in that particular aspect 

 in which it is here presented, highly important 

 and interesting as that view must be acknowledged 

 to be, when considered as it affects the growers 

 of Timber, the labouring poor, and the commu- 

 nity at large. 



There will be many, doubtless, who will dis- 

 sent from some of my opinions. They will have a 

 good and sufficient cause to do so, if they adjudge 

 them to be erroneous : they have just as much 

 right to hold their opinions as I have to hold mine, 

 but I wish it to be always remembered by those 

 who may read the following pages, that every 



