oak, Scotch
fir, and larch, in proportions varying with the nature of the soil and
openness of the situation. In the parts where shelter was most
requisite, two-thirds of fir and one-third of oak were planted, in others
half of each, and in sheltered situations oak alone. A great many of
these plants perished in the spring and summer of 1825 from heat and
drought, and still more in 1826, which was the driest spring and summer
ever remembered. In some high and shallow parts nearly every tree died;
a great many also were eaten off and destroyed by the hares and rabbits.
There were now 3,000 acres of wood on the High Meadow estate, viz. 2,000
acres of old woods, and 1,000 acres lately planted. In the year last
mentioned the Fifth Triennial Report of the Commissioners of Woods, &c.,
was issued, signed by Charles Arbuthnot, Wm. Dacres Adams, and Henry
Dawkins.

By the spring of 1827 Mr. Edward Protheroe effected the opening of
collieries at Ivy Moore Head, Park End Main, Park End Royal Pits, and at
Birch Well, at most of which pumping and winding engines were put up, a
tramway 1,500 yards in length connecting them with the main road of the
Severn and Wye Company. The same year saw a reduction of the landed
property of the Crown by the sale of its rights in the Fence Woods,
Mawkins Hazels, and Hudnalls, comprising a total of 1,273 acres 3 roods 9
poles, for 925 pounds. The Crown's right in Hudnalls, although it
contained 1,200 acres, was of little value, as the inhabitants of St.
Briavel's had the right of cutting wood on it.

Passing over the next year, the earliest circumstance in order of time is
the opening of the important colliery at Crump Meadow, and the
construction of 1,200 yards of tramway, uniting it with the main line of
the Bullo Pill Company above Cinderford, all which was executed by Mr.
Protheroe.

We next find, under the date of March 16th, 1829, Mr. Machen
observing--"Although the Scotch firs have succeeded so well as nurses for
the oaks, and have brought them forward, making them healthy and thriving
on land that without shelter would only have produced them stunted and
unthrifty, yet I am inclined on the whole to prefer larch. They are a
shelter available for the purpose, although not so complete; but by that
means the oaks are not kept too warm and brought too forward, and the
larch is more valuable in itself. In some of our cold valleys, however,
the larch will not grow, the spring frosts cut