120 THE MANAGEMENT OF EPPING FOREST.
not been pollarded, forming a dense canopy of leafage, and constituting a distinct
feature. We recommend moderate and periodic thinning.
(17) Lord's Bushes.—At this point there is a struggle between healthy young
trees (Oaks and Beeches), and a number of old Pollards, some of which are
dying, Having regard to the preponderance of Pollards in the Forest, we should,
as a rule, let the young trees take the lead, preserving the finer and more
picturesque Pollards. 
(18) As profit is out of the question, we consider that the thinning of the Oak
trees should be done in winter, without regard to the value of the bark. Less
injury will accrue in this way to adjoining trees. All cutting should be done in
late autumn and winter.
(19) In conclusion, we may say that we are not prepared to endorse the
strictures which have been passed upon the work carried out in Epping Forest.
We are of opinion that much has been done judiciously and well. In some
instances we should not, perhaps, unanimously approve of the whole of the action
of the authorities. In others, we may consider that more might have been done.
But of one thing we are certain, that whatever has been done has been animated
by earnest desire to preserve the finest features of the Forest and through intimate
knowledge of its necessities and peculiar conditions.
We have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
A. B. Freeman-Mitford, William Schlich, A. D. Webster, W. Robinson, and
Lames Anderson.
To Sir John Monckton.
June 8th, 1894.
(20) We think the practice of Gravel Digging should be discontinued as
tending to the disfigurement and injury of the Forest, as may be seen at
Strawberry Hill.
W. Schlich, James Anderson, A. B. Freeman-Mitford, A. D. Webster, and
W. Robinson.
(21) As we have expressed a strong opinion against the re-planting of the
Forest in the ordinary sense, we think there is no need for a Nursery, and that it
should be discontinued.
A. D. Webster, W. Robinson, James Anderson, and A. B. Freeman-Mitford.
While there is not much in the Report that is new to those who
have carefully considered the matter, it will, we believe, be accepted
by them as a correct statement of the present condition of the
Forest, and although there may be some slight differences of opinion
in matters of detail, they will be prepared to endorse most of the
recommendations of the Special Committee.
We are very glad to see the condemnation of excessive artificial
drainage (paragraph 10). We have always strongly opposed deep
drainage in the Forest, as being in the highest degree detrimental to