xxxvi Appendix No. 1.
know but little of the history of the Forest; but I conclude that the
paucity of species in many parts is attributable to the treatment the
trees received, and that what now remain afford examples of the " survival
of the fittest."
Undergrowths of Hazel, Elder, Rhododendron, Mahonia, and common
Bramble might be greatly extended; and, as a tree-guard and most
efficient nurse, the Myrobella Plum (Prunus myrobalana). This plant
would grow freely in every part of the Forest; and the rigidity of its
wood and its formidable spines render it invaluable as a fence and a pro-
tection against stock.
Of avenue planting, so strongly recommended by some persons, I
would say but little. Though avenues may be admissible in the vicinity
of a railway station, or near a town or village, they are entirely out of
character with the wilder parts of the Forest. Any one turning from the
formal mutilated avenue of trees stretching across the Green in the
direction of Debden Hall to look at the fine clump of Elms near the
Theydon Bois Station, will have but little to say in favour of planted
avenues.
If enclosures are anywhere admissible, there are many sites in which
the Wellingtonia would grow freely. In Kent, in the open woodlands,
where the ground-game is very destructive to the young Pines and Firs,
and where we have a very poor cold clay, the Wellingtonia grows rapidly
and remains unmolested.
If exotics or variegated trees are to be planted either singly or in
masses, these should be confined to selected spots where those only would
see them who went in quest of them. Elsewhere, however much the
sight of them might please the few, their incongruity would offend the
eyes of persons of taste.
After examining somewhat carefully the state of the standards in all
the principal woods throughout the Forest, and considering what de-
struction natural decay will effect even during the next half-century in
spite of every care which may be taken to arrest it, I have come to the
conclusion that extensive—but at the same time careful and judicious—
planting should receive the first consideration. Thinnings in some places
are urgently required, both for the sake of the remaining standards, for
the development of larger heads with greater variety and more picturesque
effects, and also for the preservation of abundant undergrowth. But for
some years to come planting should take precedence- All other things
are of secondary consideration. And nothing will, in the end, contribute
more to the success of this operation than the immediate formation of an
extensive home nursery.
II. Thinning.—Highly necessary as this operation is in many parts, in
numerous others it is not urgently required. Only a close observer can
form an adequate idea of the ravages which time will make—among the
Pollards in particular. The decay which has commenced upon the
crowns of most of them makes it the more necessary that at first thin-
nings should be very sparingly executed. Instead of extensive and
regular thinnings over large areas, I would strongly recommend the
selection of a few sites for experimental treatment. After counting the
number of Pollards on a given area it would be well to ascertain the pro-
portion of sound boles. A careful study of the natural arrangement of
clumps, as exhibited in many places on both sides of the road between the
"Wake Arms " and Ambresbury Banks, would be the best guide to those
entrusted with the work of thinning. Here groups of all forms and sizes,
composed of Pollards of all ages, may be met with; and innumerable
beautiful open glades enable the traveller to see these in every variety of
form and under every aspect. Such effects are worthy of reproduction;