MORE EPPING FOREST.
139
ford Hatch to Walthamstow, and striving to keep within the bounds
of the forest, had to traverse a narrow strip of land, known as the
"Driftway" or "Sale." This way skirted Higham Park, and was
partly margined by the the Ching Brook. Mr. Buxton's proposal
was to extend this avenue to an average width of 150 yards, by
acquiring the timbered wilderness of the western side of the park, and
also the fine lake, so as to secure some water views, a kind of scenery
sadly lacking in the forest. The whole quantity of land proposed to
be acquired was estimated at 271/2 acres. An independent valuation of
£6,000 had been made, for which sum Mr. Courtney Warner was
willing to part with so much of his park. If £3,000 could be raised
locally, Mr. Buxton was hopeful that an equal sum would be
contributed by the Corporation of London from the Capital Fund
under the Epping Forest Act, 1878. Towards the local contribu-
tion Mr. Buxton, Sir T. Fowell Buxton and a relative, generously
offered £1,800. A resolution in favour of the scheme, proposed by
Mr. W. Cole, and seconded by Mr. Batey, was unanimously carried.
A Local Committee, with Mr. Buxton as chairman, and Mr. W.
Cole as hon. secretary, was also formed, to make the proposal
widely known, and to solicit subscriptions towards the funds required.
At public meetings called by the Local Boards of Walthamstow and
Woodford grants from the rates of £500 and £250 respectively
were voted, and in response to the request of a deputation which
waited upon the Common Council on the 25th of September, the
Corporation resolved to grant the £3,000 required. The Drapers'
Company contributed £210, Mr. Warner £100, the Commoners'
Compensation Fund £100, and the balance was made up by smaller
contributions.
The quantity of land proposed to be acquired under the original
scheme was, as above stated, 271/2 acres. During the course of the
negotiations carried on by the City Solicitor, this was increased by
three acres, and the exact measurement of the land and water added
to the forest is 30 a. 2 r. 39 p. The shady avenues, and the lake
with its tributary stream, the Ching, are exceedingly picturesque, and
the whole forms a most valuable addition to the open lands of the
forest. The evidences of human handiwork proper to a park
combine charmingly with the natural luxuriance of a piece of
primitive woodland, the tract having been at one time forest land, or
was at least land subject to the forestal rights of the king. This is
evident from the following facts :—