AN ADDITION TO EPPING FOREST. 59
about the 'completion' of the forest. He (Sir Fowell Buxton) ventured to hope
that the process he and his brother had suggested might yet be carried a little
further—(hear, hear)—so that other islands might go out of sight. (Cheers.)
Mr, E. N. Buxton said his brother was really the main instigator and originator
of the scheme, and his own share in it was a comparatively small one, and he
hoped, if they called this a double-barrelled toast, they would remember that one
barrel was much bigger than the other. (Laughter.) The Verderers were subject
rather more to criticism than other members of the committee, but they had the
great privilege of being on the spot, and having the delight and pleasure of being
daily able to view the forest for themselves."
At the earliest possible moment after the announcement thus
made, the members of the Club were afforded an opportunity of
expressing their thanks for this noble gift to the forest. At the large
meeting of the Essex Field Club, held at "Writtle Park," near
Chelmsford, the residence of P. W. Colley, Esq., J.P., on the occasion
of the Field Meeting on May 11th, the following resolutions were pro-
posed by Mr. William Cole, Hon. Secretary, and seconded by Prof.
R. Meldola, F.R.S., and carried unanimously :—
" That the best thanks of the Essex Field Club, as a body deeply interested in
the welfare of Epping Forest, be sent by the Secretary to Sir T. Fowell Buxton,
Bart, J.P., and to E. N. Buxton, Esq., J.P., Verderers, for their very generous
and acceptable gift to the public of the piece of land known as 'Oakhills,' in
Theydon Manor. In the opinion of the society, this land is a most valuable
addition to Epping Forest, and it is with a deep feeling of gratitude that the
members hear of its rescue from the hands of the auctioneer and builder."
" In connection with the generous gift to Epping Forest by Sir T. Fowell
Buxton and E. N. Buxton, Esq., of the piece of land known as 'Oakhills,' in
Theydon Manor, the members of the Essex Field Club hope that some means may
be adopted to except it, and any other similar additions to the forest, made from
time to time, from the rights of commonage exercised over other portions of the
forest, so as to prevent deterioration by the intrusion of cattle. And the Secretary
is requested to forward a copy of this recommendation to the Epping Forest
Committee, and to Sir Fowell Buxton, and Mr. E. N. Buxton."
The second resolution was prompted by the feeling that, inasmuch
as "Oakhills" had been excepted from the judgment of the Master
of the Rolls, and consequently had not formed part of Epping Forest
under the Act, all rights of feeding over it having been sold years
ago, no legitimate cause of complaint could be raised by the Com-
moners if the slight wire fencing at present surrounding it were
allowed to remain, stiles or gates being made, of course, to allow of
free public entrance. The speakers to the resolution evidently
expressed the opinion of the members of the society when they
pointed out how unjust it would be to the public that such pieces of
land, added to the forest by the kindness of its well-wishers, should