PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION
As the public have absorbed several thousands of
this little guide, I am tempted to reissue it with
some emendations and additions. Those whose
duty it is to manage the Forest are the target of
numerous criticisms and suggestions. I have
therefore written a chapter on the Management
of the Forest, in which I have examined the
debatable questions of policy and principle upon
which the well-being of the woodland and its
continued natural character depend.
The number of those who study some branch
of natural history within the precincts of the
Forest is largely on the increase. I have en-
deavoured to give some directions for the guidance
of these students, and I have been so fortunate as
to secure the co-operation of Mr. T. V. Holmes,
Mr. Henry Woodward, Mr. W. Cole, and Mr.
M. C. Cooke, in those branches of science of
which they are distinguished exponents.
Since the first issue of this book in 1885, Mr.
Fisher's learned and exhaustive work on the Forest
of Essex has appeared. To its pages I am in-
debted, and to them I would refer all who desire
to study those ancient forestal customs upon
which I have but briefly touched. I am also
indebted to my neighbour Mr. W. C. Waller, who