INTRODUCTION. 7 



management of the Woods and Forests of England have, 

 I doubt not, felt the same. 



In the absence of some such work as was projected by 

 the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, now twelve 

 years ago, I prepared for myself a rough sketch of the 

 history of British forests, and the treatment of them from 

 the earliest times to the present ; and this having served 

 my purpose, I have filled up the outline and revised the 

 compilation for the press, hoping that in the lack of 

 something better it may he acceptable to others desiring 

 such information. 



The treatment of forests and woodlands in England 

 admits of division into that to which they were subjected 

 previous to the present century, and that to which, in 

 consequence of wars arising out of the French Revolution, 

 they have since received. That in the former era alone is 

 reported in this volume. 



