A NEW FOREST OF WALTHAM. 29
it came into the possession of the Lord of Chigwell Manor, and
was of course enclosed. Its trees and undergrowth, however,
remain, and it is a beautiful example of the old natural woodland.
The price, £9,000, although much higher proportionately than
the rest of Mr. Buxton's proposed purchases, is very small for
land so much nearer the railway, and its acquisition as a
permanent open space is a matter of great importance and
urgency.
Should Mr. Buxton's efforts prove successful, and of this
there is now no reasonable doubt, the re-afforestation of Hain-
hault will rank as the greatest scheme of "open-spacing" (with
the exception of Epping Forest) ever carried out near London;
it is a matter of truly national magnitude and interest. The
growth of London within the last 30 years is one of the most
serious social questions of the age—the parishes lying only a few
miles from the "New Waltham Forest" have increased in
population by 600,000 inhabitants.
When the land is safely secured, doubtless Mr. Buxton's
idea that, as far as possible, nature should be allowed full sway,
will be intelligently followed. The various problems of sowing
and planting are even now exciting discussion among foresters
and arboriculturalists; the possibilities from the naturalist's
point of view are almost infinite, and the gradual upgrowth of a
"reserve" within 12 miles of London will present a fascinating
field for study.
But all these considerations must form subjects for future
papers. In a few months time we may hope that all legal and
financial difficulties will have been surmounted. It will then be
possible to give a map and the precise area of this noble addition
to our open spaces. The examination of the present natural
condition of the various lands, the fauna and flora of the
districts, will afford much work for observers for many years
to come, while the changes brought about by the re-afforestation
must be carefully noted from year to year.
The three plates drawn by Mr. H. A. Cole for this first notice
will give some idea of the nature of the ground, and in the future
we shall hope to present a series of sketches which will have
permanent value a generation hence, when the district re-asserts
its claim to be considered a part of the still noble remnant of the
great Forest of Waltham.