158 SYLVA BOOK in 



the breaking up of those intervals, advance the growth 

 of the trees to an incredible improvement. 



2. It is therefore insisted on, that there is not a 

 cheaper, easier or more prompt expedient to advance 

 ship-timber, than to solicit, that in all his Majesty's 

 forests, woods and parks, the spreading oak, &c. 

 (which we have formerly described) be cherish'd, by 

 plowing and sowing barley, rye, &c. (with due supply 

 of culture and soil, between them) as far as may 

 (without danger of the plowshare) be broken up. 

 But this is only where these trees are arrived to some 

 magnitude, and stand at competent distances ; a hun- 

 dred, or fifty yards (for their roots derive relief far 

 beyond the reach of any boughs) as do the walnut- 

 trees in Burgundy, which stand in their best plow'd- 

 lands. 



3. But, that we may particularize in his Majesty's 

 Forests of Dean, Sherewood, Enfield-Chase, &c. and 

 in some sort gratifie the quaeries of the honourable 

 the principal officers and commissioners of the Navy; 

 I am advis'd by such as are every way judicious, and 

 of long experience in those parts ; that to enclose 

 would be an excellent way : But it is to be considered, 

 that the people, viz. foresters, and borderers, are not 

 generally so civil and reasonable, as might be wished; 

 and therefore to design a solid improvement in such 

 places, his Majesty must assert his power, with a firm 

 and high resolution to reduce these men to their due 

 obedience, and to a necessity of submitting to their 

 own and the publick utility, tho they preserved their 

 industry this way, at a very tolerable rate upon that 

 condition ; while some person of trust and integrity 

 did regulate and supervise the mounds and fences, 

 and destine some portions frequently set apart for the 



