10
French philosopher, who, in his Esprit des Loix,
" declares, that the cultivation of the soil is the
greatest of all manufactures, and the truest source
of riches." On this subject, I had the misfortune
to differ with my three brother verderors ; but I
was confirmed in my opinion by a *Report of the
Commissioners of Inquiry, and the adoption of
their advice and recommendation by the Com-
missioners of Woods and Forests, your lordships'
predecessors, who caused a Bill to be introduced
into Parliament for vesting in His Majesty cer-
tain parts of the King's woods, which passed the
Commons, but was thrown out by the Lords.
The Commissioners in their Report particularly
mentioned the loss which the Crown had for
many years suffered, and the great injury com-
mitted by the deer, not only on His Majesty's
young timber, but on the crops of corn in the
vicinity of these Forests, which were so much
injured, that more than 200 owners and occupiers
of land petitioned for a disafforestation and a
removal of the deer. I can certify, that the same
injury now prevails to a great degree, having
been an eye-witness of, the damage done, and
knowing an agriculturist who can prove that his
loss is not less than fifty pounds per annum.
Now, my Lords, I submit to your lordships'
* See Appendix, No, 1,—Report of Commissioners.