TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE LORD DUNCANNON,
AND HIS MAJESTY'S COMMISSIONERS OF WOODS
AND FORESTS.
December 24th, 1831.
My Lords,
Soon after my election by the freeholders of the
County of Essex as one of the Verderors of the
Forests of Waltham and Hainault, I felt a con-
siderable degree of surprise, and indeed of con-
cern, in observing an extent of land of above
13,000 acres, great part of good quality, advan-
tageously situated, both for the growth of timber
and the produce of corn, in the vicinity of the
metropolis, remaining uncultivated, and perfectly
useless ; except as a shelter and harbour for the
commission of crime, and every species of vice
and immorality. At that time, apprehensions
began to be entertained of the danger of a super-
abundant population in future ; and I conceived
that there was not a spot in His Majesty's domi-
nions better calculated for the employment of
agricultural labourers, distressed for want of
work, than the soil of these Forests. I have ever
been of the same opinion with the renowned
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