rf is then cut, and the stick forked down by two
other sticks, the turf put over it, and the party galing the work is then
considered to be put in full possession. The free miner, having thus
obtained possession, is compelled to proceed with the work by working one
day in the following year and day, and a day in each subsequent year and
day (forfeiting the gale if he fails so to work), and to pay an annual
sum of two guineas to the gaveller for each vein of coal he intends to
work, till he gets at the coal, after which he agrees with him for the
amount of the composition to be paid to the King in lieu of his fifth,
which, in case of their not agreeing, must be taken in kind by the King's
putting in a fifth man. The right to the gale is considered by the free
miner to carry with it that of timber for the use of the works; this
seems to extend no farther than to the offal and soft wood; and the mode
of obtaining it is for the miner to apply to the keeper of the walk in
which his mine is situated for an order, which he takes to the clerk of
the Swainmote Court, who, on receiving a fee of one shilling, as a matter
of course gives him another order directed to the keeper of the walk in
which there is timber fit for the purpose," in the following form:--

_Copy of a Warrant or Order for the Delivery of Timber to a Coal
Miner in Dean Forest_.

"[Forest of Dean.] At the Court of Attachments, holden at the Speech
House, the 25th day of Sep. 1784, came Phil. Hatton, and demanded
Timber for himself and Verns, for the Use of their Coal Works called
Young Colliers, in Ruerdean Walk, within the said Forest.

"JNO. MATTHEWS, Steward.

"To Mr. John Bradley, Keeper of the said Walk.
(by Certificate.)

"Some Timber to be delivered fit for sinking.
Indorsed '4 Oaks.'

"The miner cuts the timber when assigned, and until within about the last
ten years paid a fee of two shillings to the keeper, there being no limit
to the amount of timber if applied for the use of the works. If the
gale-ground was situated within the hundred of St. Briavel's, but
belonged to private parties, the free miner still claimed his right to
open the ground, the proprietor being let in as a partner, making a
sixth, the only exception being churchyards, gardens, orchards, and Crown
plantations."

A jury of twelve,