FOREST
.—A FOREST is a large tract of land in pasture, many miles in extent and circumference, the property of THE CROWN, mostly well stocked with timber, (from whence the navy is supplied,) as well as with a variety of underwood, furze, fern, &c. for the breeding and preservation of both VENISON and GAME. Forests are of great antiquity, and their immunities are protected by laws peculiarly and solely adapted to their preservation; the execution of which are lodged in principal officers, and their subordinates, as follows; JUSTICES in EYRE, CHIEF WARDENS, VERDERERS, REGARDERS, FORESTERS, WOODWARDS, AGISTORS, RANGERS, BEADLES, and KEEPERS.
A FOREST has its foundation under a commission bearing the great seal of England, and when proclaimed through the county in which the land so appropriated lies, "that it is A FOREST, and to be governed by the LAWS OF A FOREST," it then becomes a forest upon record, and the OFFICERS before mentioned are appointed. A forest has its "BOUNDARIES," its "PURLIEUS," its "PROPERTIES," its "COURTS," with a variety of regulations equally uninteresting and unentertaining, except to those who are resident within its precincts; to whom a variety of enlarged particulars will be useful, and may be found in "Daniels' Rural Sports," a recent publication of merit and celebrity.
There are said to have been SIXTY-NINE FORESTS in England, of which the New Forest, Windsor Forest, Sherwood Forest, and the Forest of Dean, have always been considered the principal. His Majesty's STAG HOUNDS are kept at the kennel upon Ascot Heath, in Windsor Forest, where he has for some years enjoyed the pleasures of the chase.
The beasts of forest, in all ancient records, were denominated "BEASTS OF VENERY," and consisted of the Hart, Hind, Hare, Boar, and Wolf: the complete extinction of the two latter has, however, long since rendered the term unnecessary, if not entirely obsolete, and the whole is generally comprehended under the appellation of GAME, and the LAWS enacted to prevent its destruction.