ANCIENT AND MODERN FORESTRY 39 



there was a general complaint that the foresters 

 oppressed and extorted money from the people, 

 not only directly, but also by appointing an un- 

 necessary number of walkers and under-keepers, 

 who, receiving no payment, lived only by extor- 

 tion. Freeholders and those exercising rights 

 of common had hay, corn, lambs, pigs, and the 

 like, as well as money, wrung from them clan- 

 destinely, and this was a serious aggravation of 

 forest laws savage and brutal enough in them- 

 selves. Extortion of this sort had subsequently 

 to be prohibited by statute, as also the custom 

 of illicit Scotale, or extortion * colore Officii] by 

 keeping of an ale-house or the sale of drink by 

 any officer of the forest, where men were induced 

 to go and spend their money in order to avert 

 the displeasure of the official. The Swainmote 

 was charged to inquire into cases of unlawful 

 Scotak, and to punish and dismiss from office any 

 forester found guilty of this offence. Although 

 prohibited from such extortion * by colour of 

 his office,' yet he was entitled to various benefits 

 or lawful Scotale ' by virtue of office ' ; for he had 

 the right of making collections by tenure, grant, 

 and prescription. Thus he received five shillings 



