CSAPTER li. 



MODERN WOODS AND FORESTS. 



Section I. — Forests. 



The teclinical distinction drawn aforetime between woods 

 and forests, and chases and parks, it is expedient to axiopt 

 in treating of the woods and forests of England. We 

 have found that technically, according to older usage, the 

 characteristics of a forest in England are these : — It must 

 contain animals for the chase ; trees or underwood for the 

 shelter of them; and it must belong to the sovereign. 

 Amongst the principal old forests, were reckoned by Man- 

 wood — the Sherwood Forest, the Dean Forest, and the 

 New Forest ; but he makes mention of about sixty others. 

 From amongst these Epping Forest may be cited as sup- 

 plying in its early history information in regard to early 

 forestal] usages, and as having local peculiarities dififering 

 from those in the others. 



A. — Sherwood Forest, 



The mention of Sherwood Forest at once calls up 

 memories of much which has been heard in regard to 

 Robin Hood, or Robin i' the Wood, and his bold com- 

 panions. But beyond this allusion to the fact we may not 

 tarry, excepting to tell that near to the ruins of an old 

 nunnery, the Kirklees, not far froto Huddersfield, is a 

 tomb over which wave the branches of the pine, while the 

 Vhole surrounding scenery is befitting companionship to 



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