Appendix No. 1. xxxix
After a few years' strict preservation of the Foumart, all the pleasures
of the chase might be once more enjoyed in Epping Forest, as they still
are in some parts of the North of England, and more especially in Cum-
berland. Otter hounds are admirably adapted to this sport; and, accom-
panied by two or three good terriers, a small pack of these might lead
many a future John Huggins across the wilds of Epping.
One of the very best methods of giving variety to the birds of the Forest
is to drop a strange egg here and there into the nests of some birds of
kindred habits. Thus we may and do raise amongst our Pheasants, Pea-
fowl, Turkeys, Guineafowl, &c, which take to the high trees as readily as
their companions the Common Pheasants.
VII. General Remarks.—If the objection be raised that the introduction
of anything recommended above would encourage attempts at capture or
lend to wanton destruction, my reply is that in the prevention, detection,
and even punishment of offenders, when necessary, the staff of Epping
Forest, which appears to be a very full and efficient one—would be most
usefully employed—far better than in effecting clearances on an extensive
scale. Salutary lessons might thus be taught to the town rough, the
careless and thoughtless, if not reckless, countryman, and the sneaking
poacher and incendiary. With ample provision for the enjoyments of all
classes, a splendid national recreation-ground, such as Epping Forest is
destined to be, will soon be looked upon by the more respectable part of
the community as possessing great claims upon their individual care and
protection, as well as upon that of the verderers, the superintendent, the
keepers, and the reeves. The chances of wanton destruction or mischief
of any kind escaping detection and condign punishment will thus be
reduced to a minimum. And, amongst other things, the idiotic possessor
of what may perhaps be his first pocket-knife will find better uses for it
than carving his hideous-looking initials upon the smooth bark of a free-
growing tree, which but for these would ornament the Forest.
A. J. Burrows.
Thanks to the able guidance of Mr. E. N. Buxton and the "lifts" in
the carriages he kindly provided, we were able to make a somewhat careful
examination of most of the most typical portions of the main area of
Epping Forest, between Buckhurst Hill, Chingford, and Ambresbury
Banks. Entering it at Lord's Bushes, close to Buckhurst Hill Station,
we had an example of the felling of Pollards that has already been
done. Though not here, perhaps, excessive in the proportion of trees
removed, there was not much judgment evinced in their selection.
There is here a valuable and picturesque undergrowth largely composed
of Holly, which, being evergreen, flourishes under shade too dense for the
Hawthorn, and might well be planted in many other parts of the Forest.
It was generally agreed among our party that the underwood should be
preserved in every part of the Forest, if only for the sake of the birds ;
and that, though it was desirable to gradually eliminate the most decayed
and hopelessly-deformed Hornbeams, no pollard Oaks, and perhaps hardly
any Beech need be felled, these species making fine trees even after
pollarding. It was suggested that the pollard Hornbeams having been so
thinned as to leave room for the few remaining to spread laterally, they
should be made to do so by being once more re-pollarded. Though in my
opinion highly desirable, this practice would necessitate great vigilance,
owing to the increased facility it would afford for illicit lopping, which is
at present a serious difficulty. Another point observed here was the
harmful exercise of the right of gravel-digging by the parish surveyors,
pits being sunk close to valuable trees, and undercut in the most reckless