[71c] The proximity of the Severn, and particularly the Wye, to the mine works of the age is here shown.
[71d] Printed “pichard,” meaning, possibly, the Wye coracle.
[71e] The French word “gree,” for agreement or composition, is familiar among our early poets and writers, and occurs in the old statutes.
[72a] In this and in several other passages of this document, “myne “ is used for mineral or ore.
[72b] This word and its variations is technical, and is nearly equivalent to a prohibition or injunction.
[72c] This general liberty of mining, without apparent restriction as to surface ownership, is to be found in the earliest charters of the Stannaries, and was and still is extensively prevalent in Germany and elsewhere. The authorities are collected in Mr. Smirke’s volume already referred to. It was this remarkable liberty that Lord Nelson noticed when visiting the Forest in 1802.
[72d] In very early times the smith ranked very high among artificers, and was honoured in proportion.
[72e] Probably carbon, old iron cinders, are still found at these places.
[72f] The gate being the spot where justice was administered, in accordance with remote practice.
[73a] Or Court of the Mine held in the castle.