Agricultural Capabilities of the New Forest. 
since been disenclosed and thrown open, and 955 acres have been 
enclosed again. Bj the Deer Removal Act, 10,000 acres were 
further allowed to be enclosed, of which 3090 acres were actually 
enclosed in 1867, and since then a further 1552 acres up to the 
present time, making together -1642 acres ; and leaving 5358 
acres over which the Crown has not yet exercised its rights. In 
addition to this, there are between 5000 and 6000 acres of 
ancient Forest which do not appear ever to have been enclosed. 
There are thus 12,772 acres that may be considered open Forest, 
11,597 acres in the form of enclosures, and 5358 acres intended 
to be enclosed under the powers of the Deer Removal Act, 
making altogether a sum total amounting to within a few 
thousands of half the Forest. It is to be hoped that if the 
Forest is to be dealt with as a whole for the general interest, 
the Crown will not exercise its rights over the parts not yet 
enclosed ; so that any additional planting may be put in practice 
on the poor sands, and confined to fir, with a view of obtaining 
a soil by the time the plantations are fit to cut. 
The planting of the recent enclosures of the Forest has been very 
effectually done, and according to the Returns moved for in 1867, 
with great attention to economy, the total expense being under 
6/. per acre, of which two-thirds is for labour. As this amount 
comprehends the expense of open drains, 25s. per acre, the 
expense of planting fir alone would not amount to moie than 4Z. 
per acre, unless the land were trenched or broken up. 
The geographical divisions of the Forest consist of 15 walks, 
each being under the supervision of a particular officer, whose 
duty formerly consisted chiefly in looking after the deer. Thus 
we have, as our map will show, the following walks : — Ashley, 
Ashurst, Bramblehill, Broomy, Boldrewood, Burley, Castle- 
Malwood, Denny, Eyeworth, Holmsley, Irons Hill, Lady Cross, 
Rhinefield, Whitby Ridge, and Wilverley. 
The officers of the Forest are the Deputy Surveyor, first, 
second, and third Assistants ; Clerk, eight Foresters, and twelve 
Woodmen, including Constables. The annual expense for the 
past year was 2489/. for salaries and allowances. 
The expenditure for planting for the same year was 4466Z. 8s. 5</., 
which, however, includes 1468/. Is. 6flf. as the value of trees and 
plants supplied to the Forest by its own nurseries. 
The receipts for the sale of produce amount to 8310Z. 13s. 8c?., 
but the labour in preparing this for sale was 2192/. 14s. lOrf., 
and 2236/. for labour and materials, under the head of main- 
tenance. Altogether the expenditure exceeded the receipts by 
223/. 17s. 3f/ ; but then the large sum above stated was ex- 
pended in planting. It is proper to state that no less than 
640/. was received for fees for licenses to sport over the Forest ; 
