e of the witnesses recommended that the larger portion of the
wood should be cut, and the remainder converted into arable or pasture
land, it was shown by others that to do so would be like cutting a crop
of wheat whilst green, and be defeating the original intention of the
Government, which was to raise timber for the use of the navy, which the
private woods of the kingdom could not supply. Much, too, of the soil
was said to be unsuited for farming purposes, being so precipitous in
some parts, and stony in others, as to be unfit for ploughing. Much of
the timber was reported to be of the finest character, and the young
trees, for the most part, doing very well. No improvements in the
management of the estate were suggested, and at the close of the inquiry
the committee reported that the plantations were growing luxuriantly,
having been well thinned, and did credit to all concerned in their
management.

The succeeding year of 1850 is chiefly noticeable for a general meeting
on behalf of the fund for defraying the expenses of the contemplated
Industrial Exhibition of all Nations, to take place the next year. It
was held upon Wednesday the 12th of June, on the green in front of the
Speech-house, under the presidency of Mr. Machen, supported by the
magistrates and master-miners of the district. The day was fine, and at
least 5,000 people attended--three bands of music accompanying them from
the different sides of the Forest. A large waggon constituted the
platform on which the speakers stood. The sight was a striking one,
amidst the fine foliage of the surrounding Forest, and all passed off in
a manner worthy of the occasion.

The Commissioners of Woods' Report, dated the 27th of June this year,
informs us that gales of coal had been granted, under the names of the
Beaufort Engine, Oaken Hill, New Bridge, East Slade (lapsed), and the
Injunction Iron Mine--paying a total rental of 54 pounds. In November
following this Forest contributed its quota of navy-timber, amounting to
388 loads 22 feet, towards the total of 1,000 loads levied upon the Royal
Forests; which quantity was delivered at the Pembroke Dockyard at the
cost of 992 pounds 8s. for carriage. It may also be mentioned that at
the Gloucester Summer Assizes of this year the action of Lord Seymour, as
Chief Commissioner of Woods, _versus_ Morrell, for arrears of dead rent
which accumulated to the amount of 1,291 pounds 1s. 2d., was tried before
Lord Chief Ju