INTRODUCTION. 7 



its umbrageous branches far around^ forming a 

 pleasant shade. I invited the youths to sit 

 down, one on each hand. We were acquainted 

 presently. 



Now, my young friends/' said I, " as to 

 the size of the forest, I believe it greatly ex- 

 ceeds in extent the distance which you have 

 probably walked this morning. I understand 

 that this New Forest, as it is called, is reckon- 

 ed twenty miles long from Godshill to the 

 sea ; and you may travel about fifteen miles 

 across it." 



I am surprised," said the eldest, whose 

 name I found was Frederick, that they let 

 so much fine land lie waste. Was it always 

 as wild and rough as it is at present ?" 



No. It was once well peopled ; contained 

 many flourishing towns and quiet villages, and 



