[82]. [Gigantic hollies!] Particular groups of hollies of great age and size are here alluded to, as in Needwood Forest p. 19. Having been lopped for the deer in winter, (the upper part of their remaining trunks and branches being again cloathed with their fresh ever-green shoots) they had somewhat the appearance of ruins.
[83]. [Fair Virgin!] The Hon. Catharine Venables Vernon died in the summer of 1775.
[84]. [Hark the same bell!—take, sister bier,] The Hon. Martha Venables Vernon died while the Author was writing this poem.
[85]. [Yes, Holly-Bush!] Formerly the residence of the Author, where many alterations have since been made and are making.
[86]. [Inland look;] In contradistinction to its former forest character, in which sense this word is repeatedly used by Shakespear in “As you like it,” though there applied to persons.
[87]. [Unambitious brow &c.] Needwood Forest p. 8.——[Favourite Tree Sycamore;] Needwood Forest p. 10.
[88]. [Hall, whose kind arm &c.] T. K. Hall, Esq. has purchased Holly Bush with a considerable portion of the adjacent Forest land, the scenery of which he intends to preserve.
[89]. [Revered Swilcar;] Needwood Forest p. 41, 42. &c.
[90]. [Horrid!—I see thee far!] The present appearance of Swilcar oak over a broad and hitherto uncultivated part of the late Forest, where not another tree remains, is very striking. He is fenced off from a new road.
[91]. [And some, with strength &c.] Alluding to the complimentary verses printed with Needwood Forest, and others afterwards sent to the author.