184 S Y L V A BOOK in 



covert : For it is rightly observ'd, that the most fruit- 

 ful places least abound in wood, and do most stand in 

 need of it. 



i. 



Example by Leicestershire, 



What soil can be better than that 



For any thing heart can desire ? 

 And yet doth it want ye see what : 



Mast, covert, close pasture, and wood, 

 And other things needful, as good. 



2. 



More plenty of mutton and beef, 

 Corn, butter, and cheese of the best, 



More wealth any where (to be brief) 

 More people, more handsom, and prest, 



Where find ye (go search any coast) 

 Than there where inclosure is most ? 



More work for the labouring man, 

 As well in the town as the field ; 



Or thereof (devize if ye can) 



More profit what countries do yield ? 



More seldom where see ye the poor 

 Go begging from door to door ? 



In wood-land the poor men that have 

 Scarce fully two acres of land, 



More merrily live, and do save 

 Than t'other with twenty in hand : 



Yet pay they as much for the two 

 As t'other for twenty must do. 

 If this same be true, as it is, 

 Why gather they nothing by this ? ) 



