Chapter I: Part 1

Transcriber’s Note
Italic text displayed as: _italic_

REMARKS
ON
THE MANAGEMENT,
OR RATHER, THE
_MIS_-MANAGEMENT,
OF
WOODS, PLANTATIONS,
AND
HEDGE-ROW TIMBER.

BY J. WEST,
Land Agent, &c. &c.
NORTH COLLINGHAM, NEWARK, NOTTS.

NEWARK.
PRINTED AND SOLD BY J. PERFECT, CARTERGATE.
LONGMAN & Co. LONDON.

1842.

TO
JOHN EVELYN DENISON, ESQ.
M. P.

SIR,

Having had the honor to spend nineteen years in your service as resident Land Agent—having during that period, as well as since, received from you many marks of favour—having on your Estate laid the foundation, and to some extent tested the accuracy, of the opinions which are given in the following pages; I am, I assure you, deeply grateful for the kind permission with which you have favoured me, to dedicate them to you.

If I were to allow myself to indulge in the expression of feelings, which a recollection of my long connection with your Estates might prompt, I should risk your displeasure, for I well know, how distasteful to you would be the language of adulation; I shall therefore only add, that it gives me pleasure to dedicate my Book to you, because, from long experience, I know you to be the zealous patron of improvement in every department of rural economy, and because you are practically and intimately acquainted with the subject on which I have written.

Encouraging as it would be to me if it were so, I do not expect that you will concur with me in all the views to which I have given expression: nevertheless, I trust I may be allowed to hope that, in the main, the principles which are developed will approve themselves to your judgment, and command your approbation.

I have the honor to be,

SIR,

Your most obedient obliged Servant,

J. WEST.

_North Collingham, Notts.
13th June, 1842._

PREFACE.

It has probably been with many others as it is with the writer of this, who finds the little which he has to say by way of Preface, more disagreeable, and more difficult, than he has found any other part of his book. A Preface, however, of some sort or other, must be written.

The writer cannot say, as some have done, that he has pushed off his bark, and is content to leave it to its fate—he does not pretend, with Kent, the author of “Hints to Gentlemen of Landed Property,” that “these hints are published from no motives of interest whatever”—on the contrary he is ready to avow, that, while he would feel it, under a certain modification of circumstances, a most agreeable and congenial occupation of his time, to be employed in establishing a better practice in the management of Woods, Plantations, &c. he is not in a position to be _so_ disinterested as altogether to lose sight of his own interest in the matter. Further: while he feels it to be an object of vast importance to the great body of Landed Proprietors, and others, that a new system should be laid down and acted upon, the Author wishes not to disguise the fact, that he seeks the honourable distinction of being permitted to assist in correcting the evils, which he thinks he may have been the first so strongly to point out.

The Author cannot but hope that he has proved all that can be fairly considered _as implied_ in his Title; and if he have done so, it may be productive of much advantage to those who possess property in Woods, &c.: their attention being once strongly called to the subject, they cannot fail to perceive that there is plenty for them to do.

The Author needs not to be told, for of that he is quite conscious—that his book is very defective in arrangement, and faulty in style, but if he have succeeded in the attempt to be tolerably “plain and perspicuous,” and “not very ungrammatical,” that is as much, perhaps, as ought to be required of a practical man.

One word is necessary here, with reference to Sir H. Steuart, whose name, as a Planter, the Author has mentioned at page 58. He wishes to correct an impression which he may have produced, that the honourable Baronet is altogether opposed to the practice of preparing the soil previous to planting. This is not the case; but Sir Henry, with singular inconsistency, after speaking in the highest terms in favour of trenching, manuring, &c. declares the practice to be inapplicable to Plantations on a large scale. It is unnecessary to remark here, that on this point the Author is of a different opinion.

* * * * *

P. S. The Author reviews neglected Woods, Plantations, &c. and gives directions for their proper management, or he would contract with any Noblemen or Gentlemen to overlook their Woods, &c. at so much per acre per year.

INTRODUCTION.

In writing the few “PLAIN REMARKS” which follow, I shall, in a great measure, confine myself to the consideration of two main points, viz.—the _present state_, and the _present mode of managing_ such Old Woods, Plantations, and Hedge-Row Timber, as I deem to be under a course of improper treatment, suggesting, as I go on, an improved system of management of them all. Respecting both these points, I shall have to make statements which, to me, appear very important—statements, which I know cannot be controverted,—and which, though they may apply, as they are intended to apply, more particularly to some districts than to others, will, more or less, apply to all where Woods, Plantations, and well-stocked Hedge-Rows abound.

Upon the second point in particular,—I mean the present modes of managing property of this description,—I shall endeavour to show in what respects, and, as well as I am able, to what extent, it is erroneous or defective.

But first, I would remark generally, that although the treatment of Plantations is bad enough, it is not so grossly bad as is that of Ancient Woods and Hedge-Row Timber. I have, for some time, had it in my mind to write respecting the two latter, having been long convinced that a most extensive waste of property, and loss of time, was going on, but, until now, I have neither had leisure to prepare for, nor confidence to submit to, a “discerning public,” those views which have been matured during an eighteen years observation and experience.

I have now, however, resolved to print, and whatever may be the precise result to myself, if, by means of this publication, the attention of Noblemen and Gentlemen is drawn only to one hundredth part of their _neglected_ Woods and Plantations, and of their _abused Hedge-Rows_, so as to induce them immediately to determine to arrest the progress of the mischief that is going on, and not only to commence the work of improvement, but to proceed to the necessary extent in carrying it on, two most important results, _at least_, will be produced; viz.; to Proprietors themselves a very considerable present or prospective advantage—in some cases both—and a large measure of real benefit to the Labouring Classes, in the increased demand which will be created for the labour of their hands. This last object is so vastly important, that an enlightened and benevolent mind will always be ready to listen to any suggestions that may be thrown out to promote it; but at a period like the present, when one great constitutional change in our domestic policy has been made, and when there is too much cause to fear that another is about to be tried,—each of which is as much _an experiment in morals_ as any thing else,—it is invested with a much higher claim on the attention of those to whom the appeal may be made, than in ordinary circumstances it would be.

It will readily be seen that I refer to the new Poor Law and to the Corn Laws; the former of which throws the poor man almost exclusively on his own resources. To provide him therefore with _healthful employment_, at such a time, and under such circumstances, will tend more than any thing else can do, to lessen the difficulty and danger of the transition from the old to the new law, and to mitigate the perhaps necessary severity of the provisions of the latter.

Before I proceed any further I would state, that I shall not attempt any thing like a systematic course, nor shall I confine myself to a scientific arrangement of my subjects: nor again, shall I trouble myself about the _technical_ names of the several Trees which I may have to mention: nor, lastly, is it my intention to aim at elegance of composition. I do not write to establish a literary reputation, well knowing that to such an object I am unequal, and that if it were otherwise, there is a _want of adaptation_ in my subject; but I wish to be understood as addressing myself to those who, not being themselves _practically_ acquainted with the subjects here treated of, are not unwilling to listen to the opinions which I have formed, and profit by the experience which I have derived from close and extensive observation, while myself actually employed in the details of management, connected alike with the Timber and Coppice of ancient Woods, with the planting and subsequent treatment of Plantations and with Hedge-Row Timber.

Of course I am aware that much has been said, and much has been written, by others who have preceded me, on these subjects, but notwithstanding that this be true, I am not at all of opinion that this branch of rural economy has received its fair share of attention, or that the subject has been viewed in that particular aspect in which it is here presented, highly important and interesting as that view must be acknowledged to be, when considered as it affects the growers of Timber, the labouring poor, and the community at large.

There will be many, doubtless, who will dissent from some of my opinions. They will have a good and sufficient cause to do so, if they adjudge them to be erroneous: they have just as much right to hold their opinions as I have to hold mine, but I wish it to be always remembered by those who may read the following pages, that every conclusion to which I have been brought, and every inference that I have drawn, _has had its origin in actual experience_.

To practical men, and more particularly still, to such practical men as are like myself—to use a homely phrase—more at home in a Wood or Plantation than any where else—I need not make more than a general reference to what they daily see, in proof of the “mismanagement” which I intend to show, but as to the Proprietors it surely must be otherwise. They cannot, one would suppose, be at all aware of the fact, that one part, and that a most interesting and valuable part, of their property, is so _mismanaged_ as to call loudly for an immediate remedy! I affirm, however, without hesitation, that while _Agriculture_ has made rapid strides in the march of improvement, and while that first of all improvements in Agriculture, _Draining_—(although as yet but very imperfectly understood, and, in a very serious number of cases, _very ill done_)—has been extensively attended to—while the adaptation of Manures (although science has yet much to do, and much to teach us, on this point) has been carried to such an extent, as is unparalleled in any age, and almost in any country but our own; and withal so successfully, as to turn barren and hitherto sterile Wastes, Forests, and Moors, into productive occupations—while such an extraordinary degree of ingenuity has been applied to the invention and practical working of different implements, as to render the operations of husbandry comparatively simple and easy—and while yet once more, the attention which has been paid to the breeding and rearing of the various kinds of Stock, has raised them to a pitch of excellence which our forefathers never contemplated, and which scarcely leaves any room for further effort—while all this proves, I say, that the large landed Proprietors of this country, stimulated and assisted by the skill of the man of science, and by the enterprize and persevering efforts of the Tenant Farmer, have paid _almost_ adequate attention to one part of their estates, it is equally undeniable that the present condition of _a large proportion_ of the Woods, Hedge-Rows, and Plantations, furnishes proof of the grossest neglect, and a perfectly unaccountable want of attention. To point out wherein this neglect consists, and to prove this want of attention, will be the object of the following “Remarks.”

It is really surprising that in an age like this, when there is an onward movement in almost everything else, such instances of “mismanagement” of Woods, &c. should every where meet the eye. If any one well acquainted with the subject, were to take horse and ride through every county of the kingdom, he would find in ninety cases out of a hundred, the Old Woods especially, to be in as bad a condition as if they were solely intended for fox or game covers, and incapable of being turned to any other use. They are permitted to continue precisely in the same uncultivated state in which their present possessors found them, Gentlemen too often totally overlooking the important fact, that while they might, by proper attention to the draining and improvement of their Woods, and the best mode of disposing of the produce, give employment to a very considerable number of their poor dependents; increase the present revenue, and lay the foundation of a greatly improved permanent income from them, they would, to a very small extent, if at all, injure the covers for sporting purposes.

As to Plantations, the treatment may be said to be somewhat better, but, as I have before said, in most cases it is bad enough, as I shall hereafter show.

Of the Hedge-Rows I affirm, that they are, very generally, either left entirely to themselves, or to the tender mercies of the occupiers of the soil, who, having no interest in their success, but rather the contrary, cannot, of course, be expected to exercise any care in their preservation.

Having thus briefly introduced the various subjects which it is my intention to notice more fully under separate and distinct heads, I shall commence my first chapter with “Ancient Woods.”

CHAP. I.

ANCIENT WOODS.

While professionally employed, and while passing from one part of the country to another, my surprise has often been great, when I have witnessed, from its effects, the indifference which many gentlemen manifest, as to the state and management of this description of property: there appears, in comparatively few instances, to be any thing worth the name of an effort to rescue them from that state of wild unproductiveness in which they have been for ages! One generation passes away after another, and like as was the father, so is the son—and as was the agent of the former, so is the agent of the latter! All they have done for ages gone by, they do now, and little or nothing more. They calculate, with tolerable accuracy, the return of the year, when, according to immemorial custom, they ought to “cut, and hack, and hew,” and they go into the wood for the purpose of _setting out_ the piece which they intend to fell: this they divide, in many districts, into a certain number of lots, or ranges, of what they call “Gad Wood,” which vary considerably in size, but which, as far as they go, include _all_ the Underwood. At the same time, the sapient woodman contrives to satisfy himself—and it is seldom that his superiors make any inquiry into the matter—as to the number of _Oak Trees_, &c. that it is proper to take down; and then, after due notice given, the whole is sold, Underwood and all, by Auction.

It is a common practice to describe a _ring_ round a portion of the Standard Trees which are to remain—such as the Oak, Ash, &c.—and these, of course, are intended for future timber, the selection being often as bad as it well can be, but the whole system, from the beginning to the end, is most objectionable, and it is matter of astonishment that it should have continued so long. It is objectionable for many reasons, among which I mention the following: viz.: because the Proprietor throws out of his own hands that _control_ which a gentleman ought to have over every person who enters his woods, whether as a purchaser or as a workman. This control is absolutely necessary in order to secure two things, for which Conditions of Sale, however well they may be drawn up, offer but a very feeble security—I mean _the prevention of entry by teams, &c. at an improper season, and the clearing of the Woods at a given time_. There are other reasons which apply more or less strongly, according to the condition of the wood, _as to its stock, and the staple of its soil_. Carting, or rather _teaming_, for carts are not often used, will inevitably do much injury in woods that are _well stocked, if the utmost possible care is not taken, whatever the soil may be_; but if it be a _tenacious, retentive, cold, clay_, damage would be done in two ways: viz.: in the poaching of the land, and in that which would be done to the _stock_ by the _wheels_. The injury to which woods are liable from these two causes, and others, may be almost wholly prevented by the active supervision of an intelligent woodman. Such a person will take care to divide his cuttings as nearly as he can to suit the local demand, and to begin _as early as possible_, so that every opportunity may be seized, in _suitable weather_, for getting away the produce, and it must be his own personal duty to see that no _avoidable_ injury is done to the stools by the carriages. These reasons appear to me to be quite sufficient to establish a decided preference for the mode which I recommend over the system to which I have referred; but there is another, which I cannot but think will be deemed of importance enough by itself to decide the question, and it is this: viz.: _the impossibility of deciding, before the Underwood is cut_, what Oak Trees _ought_, or _ought not_, to come down. It is quite possible, I admit, to jump to a _conclusion_ on the subject: to deny this in the face of the evidence which every succeeding Winter affords, would be absurd; but I affirm that no woodman can do it _correctly_. He ought, at least, to have a _clear coast_, to enable him to give due consideration to the various points on which he should be fully satisfied, before he cuts down that, which his whole life would not suffice to set up again. How little consideration enters into these matters, it is easy for those who really understand them to judge. For my own part, I am compelled to say, that I never yet saw a single instance, where timber was selected in the way to which I refer, without gross blunders being committed. But more than this may be affirmed—and it is not an over-weening fondness for my own plans, but a perfect conviction of the _utter want of adaptation_ in the present practice of many, which induces me to say it—there is not _one solitary argument that can be advanced in favour of the practice which I have condemned_. If this be so, then let all gentlemen abandon it; if not, let the arguments be brought forward.

I have said that the whole system is wrong, and I add, that no good will be done by a patchwork attempt to amend it. So long, for instance, as a proprietor retains the “Gad-Wood” plan, he will insure the continuance of the old system of “mismanagement.” He might as well think of bending, by his own personal strength, one of the sturdy stems of his well-grown oaks, as attempt to turn his woodman gently aside out of his usual track—especially if he be an old man—there must be a total revolution effected—he must be put into an entirely new course, if either the condition of the woods, or the revenue arising from them, is to be improved.

Unfortunately it seldom happens that customers are not found for all that may be offered, in almost any neighbourhood, and in any way. I say unfortunately, inasmuch as it keeps the managers of many woods exactly _stationary_, while everybody else is going on. If they had a little difficulty to contend with, it might, perhaps, induce a _little_ reflection, and raise a doubt in their minds as to the propriety of the course they were pursuing; which would be a great point gained, as there has been _very little thought_ applied to the management of this species of property, either by its owners, or by the persons they have employed.

There are, no doubt, many refreshing instances of good management to be met with—I could myself mention a few, were it not invidious to do so—but in a large majority of cases, from mistaken management, woods are in a high degree, and for many reasons, a discredit to those who belong to them. If the Woodman’s account were fairly examined—if a _Dr._ and _Cr._ balance sheet were exhibited, it would be found that the land was paying _a very small rent indeed from the underwood, even where there might be very little oak_, which most assuredly ought not to be the case; for I contend that there is no Ancient Woodland which is not considerably below the average quality of what I have seen, that is not quite capable of _growing a full crop_—either of underwood or of oak; and for this plain reason, viz.; because _the period of pecuniary sacrifice, the infancy of the wood_, is gone by: and that woodman’s management is essentially defective, who cannot show, upon _every_ acre under his care, a good crop either of the one or the other. I would here remark, that a _full crop of both_ cannot contemporaneously grow up together; and this consideration is of far more importance in the management of woods than is at first sight imagined, or, than by a slight acquaintance with the subject would be perceived.

If there is found in a wood a superabundance of oaks, and if they are seen to be _thrifty_, nothing could possibly be so _ill judged_ as to _thin them too freely_, even though the _crop of underwood were entirely sacrificed_; for, the very objects most to be desired, can only be attained by bringing about that state of things which is here supposed, and which necessarily involves _the sacrifice of the underwood_, or, at the least, all idea of any considerable _profit_ from it. Under these circumstances, the exertions of the skilful Woodman will be directed to the securing of _great length of bole or stem_; for these, and these alone, are the trees which have any legitimate right to a place in a wood: and, of course, the longer their boles are, the better.

Having attained this object, the woodman will then anxiously employ the best means in his power, for encouraging the growth of the underwood, so far as, at least, to _keep it alive_, and _as healthy_ as possible; and if he have well considered the subject, he will have contrived to lay down a plan, a regularly systematic plan, that his successors can neither mistake, nor, without some good reason, depart from, by which, during the period that the crop of oaks is being taken, the stock of underwood shall gradually be acquiring strength and vigour, and getting well hold of the soil; as well as that, they shall be so equally diffused over it, as fully and beneficially to occupy the ground, _when the oaks are all gone_. All these calculations, and many more, which it is impossible to enumerate, will suggest themselves to the mind of a man well-skilled in the management of woods; but there are very few indeed, who either see the necessity of making, or will give themselves the trouble to make, any calculations at all. In the oversight of woods, &c. much more is included than is generally supposed. He who imagines, as too many do, that when woods have been cut, they may be safely left to themselves; and that when the period comes round again for felling, they will do all that could be expected from them, has a very imperfect knowledge of the subject, or, rather, no knowledge at all: and further; he who does not know that woods will ultimately pay well for the highest degree of care, attention, and culture, is not a fitting person to have the oversight of them. But such is the ignorance on the part of many, who call themselves woodmen, and the carelessness of their employers, that there is a total negation of _forethought_ and _calculation_, instead of every step that is taken having reference to a remote period.

A nobleman, or gentleman, or his agent, may calculate what will be the effect upon a farm at the expiration of a lease of twenty-one years, if it be not cultivated as it ought to be, and, by introducing certain clauses into the lease, he may secure himself against the certain and serious loss which would accrue to him from bad management; and he who does not so calculate, has a very inadequate idea of the nature of the contract which he is about to make; but the man who takes upon himself the management of woods, and whose views and plans are not extended over _several of those cycles of time which intervene between the seasons of cutting_, does not rightly comprehend the peculiar duties which he has undertaken to perform, and ought, at once, to be relieved from them, and provided for in some other way; for if woods are worth having at all, they are worth looking after, and _if they will pay for proper culture_, which no one who understands the subject will deny, they ought to receive it, for various weighty reasons, which have been before adverted to.

The foregoing remarks will apply, of course, most directly, to woods where there is an _apparent redundancy_ of oak. I will now suppose the case of a wood where there is a _deficiency_, or little or no oak. Here there ought, unquestionably, to be _a full crop of underwood_. This underwood ought to be adapted, as to _kind_, first, to the nature of the soil; and, secondly, to the _local demand, if the local demand be good_: and as to its _age_, of course it must be that which best suits the market, or when, comparatively, it will fetch the best price; so that in some districts, as in Kent, for instance, it will _sell_ best, and therefore ought to be _cut_, at about twelve years of age: in others it would not sell so well at less than from fifteen to twenty years old. But it does _not_ follow as a matter of course, that because a wood has always, previously, stood from twenty to twenty-five years, it should for ever continue to do so; on the contrary, I should say, that there are _very few woods indeed, if any_, which ought to stand more than twenty years, and a great proportion of them, nothing like so long. The great reason why the produce of woods does not earlier come to maturity, is the gross “mismanagement” to which they are subjected: but when the time shall arrive that they shall be deemed worthy of as much “care, attention, and culture,” as any other part of an estate, then will they be found, probably, to yield quite as good a return for it; and the present _no system_ management will be exploded.

In all cases where the cycle has run beyond twenty years, it will, at least, be well for the proprietor, or his manager, to sit down and calculate whether the stuff would not pay better if felled some years earlier. The inquiry can do no harm; and much good may possibly arise out of it. In the case last supposed, viz.: a wood with little or no oak, _and well stocked with underwood of a suitable kind_, there cannot be a doubt upon the subject; for if the stock—by which term I mean the shoots which have sprung up from the stools—has been properly treated, it will have arrived, in twenty years, at a size quite large enough for agricultural uses, and it can very seldom be allowed to stand longer without _serious injury to the stools_. A very little consideration will convince any one, who does not resist conviction, that such ought to be the state of a wood so circumstanced as to oak; but nevertheless the actual condition of most woods is widely different from this: instead of there being a full crop of underwood, where there is a deficiency of timber, or a full crop of timber, where there is little or no underwood, it too frequently happens that there is neither the one nor the other, even on land which is, as was remarked before, capable of yielding a handsome revenue! And here let it not be supposed that I am speaking of _extreme cases only_, or that there are but _few_ woods in this state: the cases are numerous: I have seen, and could point out many, but this I shall not do: I rather choose to leave these observations with “all whom they may concern,” to work conviction where they are seen to be _just_, quite indifferent as to the effect which they may produce on the minds of any who may oppose them.

And now let me ask—_if this be the state of many woods—if neither a crop of timber nor of underwood is found—to what is it owing?_ the reply is not difficult: it is _mainly_ attributable to proprietors themselves, and to their agents: to woodmen in a subordinate degree. In proof of my first position, I would respectfully remark, that if a gentleman _chooses_ to sacrifice every thing to the idea of having _good covers_; and, supposing that any thing which interferes with the primeval state of his woods, is incompatible with this object, _refuses to do any thing at them_, the woodman may not bear the blame. Again: if a proprietor happen, unfortunately, to have _such an aversion to felling timber_—and there are many such—that he will sooner let it _rot down_, or _allow one tree to destroy another_; or again; suffer the timber trees to stand so thickly that they not only totally destroy each other, but the underwood below also, the woodman ought not to be censured; except indeed, he have advised such a course, which I can hardly think any man accustomed to woods could do, in the present day. Once more; if gentlemen lack the moral courage—and I have met with _some_ of this description—to treat with the contempt which it deserves the vulgar meddling, the idle tattle of those who are ever ready to say, when timber is felled, that the owner’s _poverty_, and not his _will_, consents to the deed, we are furnished with abundance of reasons for the serious waste of property that is going on, but the woodman is not in fault, neither ought he to be blamed. Lastly: if proprietors commit the management of their woods to persons who are wholly incompetent—as is too often the case—to discharge the duties confided to them, I cannot see that the men are to be condemned, but rather their employers. Wherever such “mismanagement” prevails as I have attempted to describe, and have seen so much cause to lament, it may generally, I think, be traced, either to ignorance on the part of woodmen, or inattention on the part of their employers: but it will be quite clear to all, who will allow themselves time to think on the subject, that the _grossest_ mismanagement is to be met with, not on first, nor even on second, but on _third_, and _fourth-rate_ estates, where _regular woodmen_ are not kept, and below that grade downwards, to property which is in the hands of Trustees, or mainly under the control of Solicitors, or Corporate bodies; or, which is probably worse than all, under the supreme direction of men who having, during the whole of their business life, had too many Stewardships, &c. _for any human being to look after and manage well_, cannot of course be deemed capable of judging rightly on a subject which requires _the closest possible attention, the nicest discrimination, and an extended and varied experience_.

Much mischief has also arisen from the employment by gentlemen, and by their agents, of persons, who, while they may, usefully and creditably, fulfil their duties as village carpenters and the like, cannot possibly possess those enlarged, comprehensive views, which are necessary to the proper management of timber generally, and Ancient Woods especially. I must here protest against the conclusion being drawn, that I am doing injustice to any class of men in remarking, as I have done, on their manner of discharging the trust committed to them. As to the professional gentlemen, either their _engagements_, their _position_, or their _habits_, interpose an insurmountable difficulty, and relieve them from the charge of wilful neglect: and as to the others it is no injustice to them to affirm, as I do most positively, that there are principles and considerations involved in this subject, which they can, in no wise, grasp or comprehend: and so perfectly clear is this to me, so fully am I borne out by a long course of “observation and experience,” that I have never yet seen one solitary instance, where _the timber taken down in thinning_, either in woods or plantations, _when in such hands_, has been properly done; and in _very few_ cases indeed, either here, or higher up the scale, without the most _serious blunders_. One case has fallen under my observation this Winter, (1842,) where _oak timber trees were selected and marked for sale, which were exactly, in every respect, such as a good judge would wish to see in every wood; and not only, not too thick, but, from the same injudicious mode of selecting and marking at previous auctions, much too thin_. They were also in a state of _high vigorous health_, and moreover, there was no underwood which could be benefited! I admit that this was a more flagrant outrage against the principles which ought to rule in selecting, than is usually committed, but the work is hardly ever done as it ought to be.

But whatever difference of opinion may arise among practical men, upon the points now under consideration, and on whomsoever the blame may rest, it is unquestionable that the actual state of a large proportion of our Ancient Woods is very bad indeed: they are either crowded _with inferior oak timber_, along with the most miserable rubbish as underwood; or, if they contain any thing valuable in either the one or the other, no _principles_, or rules of any kind, are applied in the management of them; and, consequently, they are, on some account or other, and of course more or less rapidly, _passing through the stage of deterioration_, and are annually losing to their owners, _a heavy per centage on their value_. In many cases, the oak, from ages of “mismanagement,” is stunted in growth, and of a _form, and shape, totally unsuited to the place where it stands_; and the underwood consists of that alone which is indigenous to the soil, and which, therefore, no neglect can destroy, nor any culture improve: in addition to all this, they are often, nay almost always, on clayey, retentive soils, _ruined with water_: they are periodically _shut up_, for from eighteen to twenty-five years, during which time, it is impossible to do any thing at them; and, when they are cleared of the underwood, instead of the opportunity being gratefully seized, for the purpose of effecting those operations which can only be carried on at such a time, they are _shut up again_, and left in their original state—except indeed they may have been despoiled of some of their oak—nothing being _done at them_, or, if any thing, probably so little, or so _ill_ done, that no good result is produced. But what ought to be the course pursued at such a time? Why, as it is only during the year of “hagging,” and the following season, that any work of magnitude, any improvement worth mentioning, can be carried on; a proprietor should more carefully examine his woods when they have been cut, than he would any other description of property: he should himself, if he understand it—which, however, is very seldom the case—or if he do not, by a person who is conversant with such matters, make a most rigid, and particular survey, in order to satisfy himself _as to what ought to be done_; and this he must do _immediately when the underwood is cut_, or rather, as soon as any considerable portion is done, so that he may have before him _all the time which he can possibly command_, for carrying on, and completing, his improvements. He must not be deterred from commencing them by any consideration of _the remoteness of the prospect of return upon his outlay_; but, instead of visiting the sins of his fathers upon the generations following him, he must, if the case demand it, make a _present_ sacrifice, for the benefit of his posterity: I say if the case _demand_ it, but this will not very frequently happen, as there are very few instances of “mismanagement” where _the fear of cutting timber_ has not been one of the principal causes of that mismanagement; and where this is so, there is at once found a source from whence may be obtained _the means of amply paying for any outlay that may be required_. I have thus far remarked only on what may, and what ought to be done, when Ancient Woods come to be _felled in the regular way_, and _at the usual time and age_; but there are vast numbers of cases where, first, the condition of the woods is so bad, that all considerations about the _usual_ time, are merged in the necessity for immediately commencing the work of renovation; and, secondly, the instances are not few, where the same course is desirable, in order that a more profitable way of disposing of the produce may be introduced, to supersede the old jog-trot mode of getting rid of it.

With regard to the first, it will at once be perceived, by a practical eye, and a sound judgment, whether a wood is in such a state, _as to the prospect of a crop_, that it is the proprietor’s interest to _make a sacrifice in the underwood_ and _cut it_, although it may sell for nothing but faggots, _rather than finish, or run out, the term, at the end of which it would be cut in the usual course_. I have seen hundreds of such cases: there are many in almost every neighbourhood where woods exist at all; and I confidently ask, what would be the use, or how would it be possible to show the propriety, of completing the term of the cycle, if, first, _the wood contained nothing valuable as underwood_; and if, secondly, _it contained a considerable portion of timber that required immediate attention_, on some account or other? I should, for instance, instantly determine to cut, where I found a wood crowded with a class of unhealthy oaks, or other timber: but it is not necessary to particularize, as I would not pretend to give such directions here as would enable a gentleman to decide, for that could only be done _after inspection_. So many points have to be considered, that a careful survey of a wood must be made. This done, fortunately there is no difficulty in coming to a correct conclusion upon such a question as this. A practical man, who understands what he is about, will be in no danger of committing an error in the decision to which he will be led, for these are not subjects on which a difference of opinion might naturally arise upon an examination taken. The various considerations for _cutting_, or _forbearing to cut_, would _so certainly present themselves_ to the mind of a person _really competent to judge_, that I should say there would be no doubt whatever, of his deciding correctly, if he were not interfered with by the personal wish, or taste, of his employer. It is with this as with most other subjects:—wherever men understand what they are about, and are guided and governed by _fixed principles_, matters go on well; but the misfortune, with regard to woods, is, that ages of “mismanagement,” and other causes, interpose obstacles and difficulties which it will be no slight task to overcome. To give a brief summary of my views upon this important point, I would remark, that no wood ought to be allowed to _run out its term_ which is not _stocked as it ought to be_, or which, if stocked tolerably well, _is suffering injury from imperfect drainage_. As I have just said, these points must be determined by an examination of the wood by some person whose judgment may be relied upon; but any gentleman may see at once, if he will, that if a wood is really in the state which I have supposed, viz., without either timber or underwood _worth standing_, &c. it would be perfectly absurd to _let it stand_; for at the end of the cycle it would be very little better than at the beginning, and so much more time would be irrecoverably lost.

As to the second point—_the improvement of revenue to be derived from a different mode of disposing of the produce_, I am of opinion that much might be done, in many places, without laying an increased tax on the local buyers, who are generally either farmers, or their tradesmen, the wheelwrights and carpenters of every neighbourhood, and who already pay quite enough for what they get; and especially the _former_, to whom I would much sooner recommend their landlords to allow an _abatement_, as an encouragement to them to keep their fences, gates, &c. in good order, than any thing in the shape of an advance. But still, much may be done to increase the returns from woodland property, by an improved system of management, and, first, I should advise _a careful assortment of the stuff after it is felled_: I would here, as in every thing else, _classify_, by which means, the different kinds, as well as the different sizes, and shapes, will come into the hands of such persons as they may exactly suit, instead of jumbling all sorts together, so that a buyer is obliged to purchase that which he _does not want_, in order to come at another portion of the same lot which he is desirous of having.

Secondly: There is room to doubt, I think, as hinted before, whether mistakes are not often made, in not adapting the produce of woods better as to its _age_, both to the local demand, and the interests of the proprietor.

Thirdly: So numerous are the facilities in the present day, to what they used to be, for the transmission of produce of every kind from one place to another, and so many demands have, by commercial enterprize, been opened out, which were altogether unknown a quarter of a century ago, that it may, even as to heavy produce, like that of woods, be always questioned, _when the demand is slack, and when prices are low, whether the local market be indeed the best market_, or whether the produce may not be much better disposed of in some other way. That this sometimes occurs, I can prove from my own experience in many cases, but I will mention only one, which was that of an Ancient Wood, a twentieth portion of which was felled every year, and in which, from “mismanagement,” a large quantity of the stuff was annually left unsold, but where, after the introduction of a better system, the whole was disposed of without difficulty.

Fourthly: A great increase of revenue may be derived from _a better mode of managing the stock_, both of timber and underwood: the latter may, by timely and judicious pruning, by a proper attention to draining, &c. _be brought to maturity_ at a much earlier period than it has hitherto been done in many places, and thus, of course, be made to return a greater rent.

It is incredible how little is done to Ancient Woods compared with what ought to be done, _in the way of draining, pruning, stubbing up rubbish_, and _filling up with young plants_; although it is manifest that, whenever a wood is opened, these important operations _should_ claim the very particular attention of the proprietor or his woodman. But they do not receive it; and hence one cannot wonder at the _stunted, unhealthy_ appearance, which many woods exhibit. They are almost always without any _effective drainage_, it being generally thought quite sufficient to open out a few paltry drains, which the falling leaves of the first Autumn will _choke_ up. It will indeed very seldom be found, that even the outside ditches are well looked after: whereas it should always be the anxious concern of the woodman to provide, as well as he possibly can, for the _effectual drainage_ of a wood after being felled, not only during a year or two, but for the term of the whole cycle. Of course I am aware that the leaves _must_ fall, and, consequently, that the free egress of the water must, in some degree, be _impeded_, but, nevertheless, it is in the power of the woodman to provide, in a great measure, if not wholly, against this contingency, by making a sufficient number of ditches, of _ample capacity_, and by putting them in the best direction. But instead of this, it will very rarely be found, as I have just now said, that even the outside ditches are properly attended to. The consequence is, that the _oaks_, and our best underwood, the ash, not liking too much moisture, become diseased, and make comparatively slow progress: in fact, their _existence_ is shortened by it, as the former will be found upon cold clay land, having a strong subsoil, to be very stunted and sickly in their appearance, and ultimately to die at the top, when, of course, they must be cut down; while the latter will much sooner become hollow, and they too, will finally perish. A small outlay in draining, if judiciously expended, would, in most cases, prevent these effects, and as it would only require to be done once in fifteen or twenty years, it could not lay more than a trifling charge upon the land.

Pruning is also a very necessary operation in Ancient Woods, both of the oak and of the underwood. I shall not here enter upon an inquiry into _the general question of pruning_, but, continuing to treat my subject practically, venture to remark, that, as our woods are now circumstanced, pruning, of some kind or other, is, as far as the oak is concerned, quite _indispensable_. Whether it should be by _fore-shortening_, _close pruning_, or some other method, must be determined upon an examination taken, but I do not hesitate to express my belief, that _the pruning of oak trees in woods_, may be almost wholly dispensed with, after the few first years, _if they are well trained from the beginning_; but that being the case with very few, pruning _must_ be resorted to. And as to the underwood, the question has still less difficulty in it. When a wood is well stocked with underwood of the right sort, the object to be aimed at by the woodman is _to bring it to maturity as soon as possible_, and one means which he possesses, if he will make use of it, is _pruning_; which he should commence, after one year’s growth, and occasionally repeat—say on the fourth and sixth years, allowing the intervals to pass without interfering with it. If this operation be performed as it ought to be, the stools will have a number of poles proportioned to their size and capacity of supporting them, and the poles themselves will not only be more of an uniform size, but they will be much straighter, and on every account better adapted to the use for which they may be intended. But if a wood be stocked with nothing but rubbish, such as hazel, birch, alder, &c. it will not be _worth_ pruning, and the best course to take with it, would be to _stub it up_, and get rid of it altogether.

Finally, on this point, and more particularly with reference to timber, if the pruning be _judiciously done_, it will tend greatly to improve the health of the wood, but _the indiscriminate_ use of the pruning knife might do much harm, it should, therefore, only be done under the most careful direction.

_Stubbing up rubbish_, such as _thorns_, _briers_, _birch_, and, in many places, _hazel_, is much to be recommended, as by this means, light and air will be admitted more freely, and the health of the wood promoted, and, of course, its growth facilitated. It is perhaps just possible, that there may be a few cases where the demand may be such for birch, hazel, or alder, as to warrant a woodman in keeping them as a part of his stock; but I have generally found, upon inquiry, that they have fetched such a miserable price, as to yield very little more than would pay expences.

_The absolute necessity of filling up with young plants_ must be universally admitted, although _in practice_, it is very rarely done, or, if done at all, it is very generally so ill done, as to produce no perceptible improvement in the stock.

It too often happens that sufficient care is not bestowed in _selecting the plants_. They are frequently put in _too small_, and when they are long enough, they are often _deficient in thickness_. All plants put into old woods, should be of _good size_, _stiff_, and _well rooted_. Again: it will be admitted, that they are often planted in a most slovenly and careless manner.—The following is a specimen of what I have _seen_. The workman takes his spade, and inserts it in the ground as far as it will go, _in a sloping direction_; he then raises it to a _perpendicular position_, which, of course, produces a “_nick_,” into which he _thrusts the plant_, and having put his heavy foot upon it, there and thus, he leaves it to its fate, and pursues his ill-directed labour, without a gleam of light breaking in upon him, as to the possibility of his being more usefully employed, or doing his work in a more effective manner! In this way, or in some such way as this, thousands of acres of Ancient Woods are treated every year; but it must be clear to every one, that such a practice is a disgrace to those who pursue it. If the workmen are asked their opinion of it, they will, in most cases, assure you, that the plants will “_all grow_,” but the misfortune is, that _experience_ is against them. Both theory and practice are directly opposed to their view. But independently of facts, which every where condemn such methods, no one acquainted with the _rudiments_ of the subject, needs to be told, that it is utterly unlikely that either an oak or an ash plant should grow, under the manifest disadvantages in which it is placed, when its roots are thus _jumbled together_, and forced into a “_nick_” fit only for a willow set; and when, moreover, it has to commence its course in competition with other underwood, which has already possession of the ground. It is absurd to suppose that it should succeed.

I do not presume to say that some woods do not receive different treatment, in _all_ respects, to that which I have denounced: that would not be true; but these are the exceptions, and even where the management is best, there is much to complain of.

In commencing the subject of Planting, I am impressed with a sense of the importance which should be attached to it in such a work as this. I mean planting by way of filling up, in Ancient Woods. I am quite aware that it demands such a largeness and comprehension of view, that it might well be supposed likely to discourage one of stouter nerves than mine. It is important because, first, every wood in the kingdom ought to be _well planted_, whether it is or not: It is so, secondly, because there are very few that are properly planted.