Vlll PREFACE. 



will ensure its standing firm for more than 

 one generation. 



Some years ago our horned sheep caused 

 extensive and irreparable destruction on 

 our young plantations by their teeth, and 

 likewise by their wool. The poisonous ef- 

 fect of the latter sticking on a plant is ex- 

 traordinary. The substitution by the hat 

 manufacturers of Denton and other dis- 

 tricts, of that trade, of gossamer bodies for 

 their hat crowns, instead of those of felted 

 wool, and the encouragement of grouse 

 preserving since the late reforms in the 

 game laws, have lessened the flocks of these 

 destroyers of young timber, who will readily 

 scale any of our three-quarter walls, unless 

 they are prevented by an under coping- 

 stone. But of fencing I shall make espe- 

 cial mention hereafter. 



