( 153 ) 



be deftined to fhips of inferior fize, frigates, 

 floops, and cutters. During feven years it is 

 fuppofed this wood will yield a confiderable 

 fupply to the yards of Portfmouth. At prefent 

 however a refpite is given it; and the de- 

 predations, which have been made, have not 

 yet greatly injured it's beauty. In fome parts 

 they may have improved it*, by feveral open- 

 ings, which the wood-cutters have made ; 

 tho the fcenes of Norley-wood admit improve- 

 ments of this kind, lefs than almoft any other 

 fcenes in the foreft ; as they naturally abound 

 in openings, and recefles. If a few more 

 attacks however be made upon it, it's glory 

 will be extind y and Norley-wood like other 

 ravaged woods, will fuggefl only the remem- 

 brance of a fcene. 



And yet the various appendages of wood- 

 cutting — piles of bark, and fcattered boughs, 

 and timber- wains, are not unpleafmg objedls-f-. 

 The deep, hollow tone alfo of the wood-man's 

 axe, or of axes refponlive to each other, in 

 the different parts of the wood, are notes in full 

 harmony with the fcene, tho their mufic is a 

 knell. 



* See vol. I. page 276, f See vol. I. page 277. 



The 



