H. —OB

34

ABSTRACT STATEMENT of the Total Acreage, Extent actually under Wood, Description of Timber, and Nature of the Rights of the Crown in each of the Royal Forests and Woodlands (compiled from a Return to the House of Commons in 1863).

rame of Forest or Woodland. Acreage (measured or estimated). Acreage under Wood. Description of Trees. Nature of Crown Eights. Remarks. Acres. 65,000 Acres. 22,319 2,000 acres are freehold, of which 668 acres are let to tenants. In 63,000 acres the Crown has the right to the soil and timber, and of enclosing parts of such land not exceeding 16,000 acres at any one time, such enclosures to be thrown open when the trees are past danger of damage ty cattle, and a like area enclosed for planting purposes. 592 acres are freehold, of which some 25 acres are let to tenants, and a ached to Whitemead Park ,ges. to the soil and timber in r to enclose not exceeding ;ime, such enclosures to be Forest, and like areas enIn addition to the 65,OOOacres there are 26,000 acres in the forest the property of private individuals, with regard to which the Crown rights appear uncertain, if indeed any exist. The extent under timber has been considerably increased since 1863, and now amounts to at least 24,500 acres. There is a complete register of commoners and of therights to which they are entitled. few Forest Oak and beech, with outside belts and clumps of Scotch fir and larch in the" older plantations, and oak, Scotch fir, and larch in the younger plantations. Oak, beech, and fir, with a little chestnut and walnut. There is a complete register of free miners and owners of " gales " in the forest, but none of the commoners entitled to exercise forestal rights, nor has there been any inquiry into or definition of such rights and who are privileged to exercise them. lean Forest 22,870 14,754 considerable portion atti and the woodmen's cotta The Crown has the right 19,000 acres, with powei 11,000 acres at any one t thrown open as in New closed for planting. The Crown's rights as to a regulated by the Acts 1 < 3,278 acres are the property Crown is not entitled t and plant the land, but pc Oak and fir linerals and sub-Btrata are & 2 Vict. & 24 & 25 Vict, y of private persons, and the ;o the timber nor to enclose assess certain forestal rights. Freehold Bere . Parkhurst . !igh Meadow lice Holt . Voolmer 3,359 2,039 2,808 1,456 1,160 3,359 2,039 1,235 1,456 1,160 Oak, with 100 acres larch and ash. Scotch fir, larch, and pine, with a little oak. Oak . ' . Oak, larch, beech, chestnut, Scotch fir,andstone pine. Oak, larch, and Scotch fir. Freehold Freehold Freehold Freehold Purchased under the provisions of Act 57 Geo. III., which recites the expediency of the purchase owing to the quantity of thriving oak, forest, &c. In addition to the 3,359 acres there are 60 to 80 acres belonging to the Crown let to tenants in various small holdings. Planted under the provisions of Act 52 Geo. III. Planting commenced in 1812 and finished in 1836. Planted under the provisions of Act 52 Geo. III. as above. Planting commenced in 1813 and finished in 1836. 1,572 acres are unfit for the growth of timber. Planted under the provisions of Act 50 Geo. III., passed in 1810. Planting commenced about 1812. Planting commenced about 1814, under the. provisions of Act 52 George III. All planted since 1817 under the directions of Act 52 Geo. III. 1,400 acres have been let as farms. Planted between 1832 and 1846 under the authority of Act 6 Geo. IV. Planted between 1830 and 1835 under the authority of Act 5 Geo. IV. Planted between 1853 and 1859 under the authority of the Lords of the Treasury and the Commissioner of Woods, &c. This forest should really not appear as one of the Royal forests and woodlands, but I have exhibited it as it appears in the statement from which this is compiled. Delamere 4,022 2,622 Freehold Salcey . 1,277 Oak ... . Freehold 1,277 Hazleborough 489 489 Oak ... Freehold Chapwell 896 896 Chiefly larch, some Scotch pine, alder, and birch. Freehold Epping 7,000 The Crown is not the owner of any woods or plantations in Epping Forest (so called), but is entitled to certain forestal rights. Those rights over 4,000 acres have been sold. 'otal acreage 112,376 51,606