of such timber supplied from
Dean Forest is stated to have averaged at this time about 2,000 loads.
Probably the most correct view of the disposition of the woods,
plantations, &c., and of the district in general, is afforded by Mr.
Taylor's map of the county of Gloucester, published in 1777. It
indicates the enclosures formed since the beginning of the century, as
well as a considerable extent of woodland; indeed we know, from the
return made to a Parliamentary survey taken in 1783, that the Forest
contained 90,382 oak-trees, amounting to 95,043 loads, besides 17,982
beech-trees, in which were 16,492 loads; to protect which more
effectually, Mr. Pitt instituted the place of "watch-man," attaching to
it a dwelling-house on Oaken Hill, and a small quantity of land, with a
salary of 10 pounds, and any fines or rewards obtained on the conviction
of timber stealers.

Very mischievous devastations and encroachments were nevertheless still
continued. For instance, Mr. Slade, the purveyor to the navy, stated to
the Treasury, that "he had discovered and was informed of most shameful
depredations of the oak timber, which was cut every day by persons living
round the Forest; and that for some years it had been the custom to steal
the body of the tree in the night, and cut it into cooper's wares,
leaving the top part on the spot, which the keepers took as their
perquisite; and that whole trees were conveyed every spring tide to
Bristol; and that when he was at Gatcomb, in one day there were five or
six teams came with timber, planks, and knees, winter-felled, and other
timber, among which were several useful pieces for ships of fifty and
sixty-four guns." It was also stated by Mr. Pitt, the Surveyor-General,
that "everything in his power had been done to put a stop to them, but
that the offenders had become so desperate and daring as to bid defiance
to his deputies, and render every attempt of his in a summary way totally
ineffectual," adding that, "not long before, a number of persons in
disguise had openly cut down two large timber-trees at Yorkley, in Dean
Forest, and wounded several keepers who attempted to oppose them." Mr.
Colchester likewise informed the Government that "the greatest part of
the fine timber this Forest has been so famous for has been cut down, and
the large and extensive tract of land formerly covered with the noblest
timber is now become a barren waste and heath."

Mr. Thomas Blunt, the deputy-surveyo