FORESTRY 17-1 



of old trees had to be left on the ground. This 

 precluded us from clear cutting and planting, 

 however correct that method seemed to be. But 

 I, with others, observed and learnt, in Germany, 

 certain methods of cultivation of trees by natural 

 regeneration, and these methods seemed to suit 

 the dilemma of the New Forest very well. 



In certain plantations, notably in Aldridge 

 Hill and Rhinefield Sandys, both woods of good 

 oaks, but already decimated, we again thinned 

 the standing crop very heavily, leaving only a 

 few trees per acre as parents, first, of course, re- 

 enclosing the ground against cattle. The result 

 of these thinnings, done by degrees, was to 

 bring in to the Exchequer a good many hundreds 

 of pounds. The ground between these trees was 

 cleared of undergrowth, the fern kept down, and 

 the soil partly broken. 



The result, though gradual, has been very 

 encouraging. The ground is gradually becoming 

 covered with young plants and scions of the 

 best of the parent trees, and there seems every 

 reason to hope that the rising generation of 

 foresters will see an abundant crop of young 

 trees surrounding all the standards that are left, 

 so that it can use its discretion whether or not 

 it will turn into the round sum of money that 

 they represent these trees of 1815, secured by 



