INTRODUCTION 



15 



hundred respectable farms ; and so on. But 

 then we must look elsewhere^ and perhaps in 

 vain, for a sufficiency of oak timber to build 

 our national navy. You see what fine trees 

 are growing up all rounds of all ages and sizes. 

 If these be taken proper care of, the older 

 trees may be cut down^ as they become fit for 

 use; and thus a constant supply of excellent 

 timber is secured for the defence of our im- 

 portant little island : you would not have that 

 neglected^ surely?" 



But besides that/' said Harry, we Avant 

 wood, I suppose, to build houses ; and fag- 

 gots, to burn in them. It would not, I think, 

 be very wise to grow nothing but food, and 

 so have no fires to cook it with, nor houses to 

 eat it in," 



" And yet. Sir," said Frederick, turning to 

 me, " you spoke of making a forest of this 



