ITS HISTORY.
25
a committee, called the " Epping Forest Com-
mittee," which has all the powers of the conserva-
tors, and which consists of twelve members of the
Court of Common Council and four verderers,
resident within the Forest, to be elected by the
commoners. A superintendent has since been
appointed, and a staff of twelve keepers preserve
order in their respective beats. The section of
the Act which concerns us most, and which ought
to be written in letters of gold, is that which pro-
vides that the Forest is to remain for ever "as an
open space for recreation and enjoyment." This
is probably the first time that the public right of
the use of open spaces has been recognised in
law. That it is fully appreciated is shown by the
increasing numbers who annually visit what is
theirs by inalienable right.
It remains only to say one word as to the future
of this beautiful woodland. The Act provides
that "the conservators shall at all times as far as
possible preserve the natural aspect of the Forest."
Such a reminder was perhaps hardly needed.
The body to whom this charge has been com-
mitted are fully impressed with the importance of
providing, for those who live the artificial life of
our great city, the means of studying nature where
it is unrestrained by art. If there were any fear of
their forgetting this, it is probable that they would
hear of it from the Essex Field Club—a society
which comprises some hundreds of members more
or less interested in natural history, and who bring
to bear a vigorous public opinion in favour of the
preservation of all the wild life which finds a home
in the "waste." It is in its varied aspects that
the greatest refreshment is to be found for the eye