156
EPPING FOREST
but large numbers of meaner ones have been cut
out. There has been more frequent and more
drastic thinning in this grove than in any other
part of the Forest. Enough has now been done,
I think, at any rate for some time to come.
The result of it, and of the fact that there are no
commoners' cattle turned out here, is shown in the
vigorous growth of holly and of young saplings.
But it is the old oak pollards which give it a
character all its own, and which cannot be
matched in any other part of the Forest. Many
of these have been killed by the overshadowing of
the lusty young beeches; but others have been
taken in time, and saved from the slow but sure
process of choking. The excellent foresters who
were consulted in 1895, and who are generally
referred to as the " experts," seemed to ex-
press an opinion in their report adverse to this
policy, but I cannot help thinking that there
must have been some mis-apprehension, as no one
can doubt that the ancient boles to which I refer
will continue to give a venerable air to this wood
for many centuries to come.
Walthamstow Manor and Gilbert's Slade.—The
hornbeams throughout this area are for the most
part small and unhealthy ; but their place is being
taken by fairly active young oak trees, and the
holly, which is abundant, should be encouraged.
I do not know what is the reason of the absence
of beech from these thickets, for much of the
ground seems suited to them. Possibly it is
due to the idiosyncrasies of some Lord of the
Manor. This is a pity, for I think they would stand
the showers of blacks from London chimneys, which
fall upon the trees in this crowded neighbourhood,
better than the oaks will do. The hornbeams
being in a moribund condition, these woods will
be ultimately composed mainly of oak and holly,
as Lord's Bushes is of beech and holly. Much
injury has been done to these woods by ill-con-
sidered gravel-digging. It is now stopped, I hope
never to be revived.
The woods in Wanstead Park are chiefly com-