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that the Forest now consists of 8091 acres, 107 of which are in 
ponds; that the present timber is estimated at .£00,000 ; 2 that it 
is almost all of a size, & about 100 years old ; that it is shame- 
fully abused by the neighbouring poor, who lop it, & top it as 
they please ; that there is no succession because all the bushes are 
destroyed by the commoners around ; 3 that y r . old favourite Oak, 
the Grindstone Oak, is estimated at 27 loads of timber; that the 
The Grindstone Oak. 
* This survey and valuation was made in 1787. Wolmer, with but two 
enclosures within its precincts, then extended over 5,949 acres ; the royal 
forest of the llolt, with its enclosures, was found to comprehend 2,744 
acres. The timber of the Holt was valued at £61,000. See Letter VIII. to 
Pennant. — J.E.II. 
3 The wrong-doers in this case were the poor of the parishes of Binstead 
and Frinsham, Bentley and Kingsley, who layed claim to “ the lop and top” 
in opposition to Lord Stawell, the grantee. “ Forty-five of these people his 
lordship served with actions.” See Letter IX to Pennant.— J.E.II. 
