timber_ has not been one of the principal causes of that mismanagement; and where this is so, there is at once found a source from whence may be obtained _the means of amply paying for any outlay that may be required_. I have thus far remarked only on what may, and what ought to be done, when Ancient Woods come to be _felled in the regular way_, and _at the usual time and age_; but there are vast numbers of cases where, first, the condition of the woods is so bad, that all considerations about the _usual_ time, are merged in the necessity for immediately commencing the work of renovation; and, secondly, the instances are not few, where the same course is desirable, in order that a more profitable way of disposing of the produce may be introduced, to supersede the old jog-trot mode of getting rid of it. With regard to the first, it will at once be perceived, by a practical eye, and a sound judgment, whether a wood is in such a state, _as to the prospect of a crop_, that it is the proprietor’s interest to _make a sacrifice in the underwood_ and _cut it_, although it may sell for nothing but faggots, _rather than finish, or run out, the term, at the end of which it would be cut in the usual course_. I have seen hundreds of such cases: there are many in almost every neighbourhood where woods exist at all; and I confidently ask, what would be the use, or how would it be possible to show the propriety, of completing the term of the cycle, if, first, _the wood contained nothing valuable as underwood_; and if, secondly, _it contained a considerable portion of timber that required immediate attention_, on some account or other? I should, for instance, instantly determine to cut, where I found a wood crowded with a class of unhealthy oaks, or other timber: but it is not necessary to particularize, as I would not pretend to give such directions here as would enable a gentleman to decide, for that could only be done _after inspection_. So many points have to be considered, that a careful survey of a wood must be made. This done, fortunately there is no difficulty in coming to a correct conclusion upon such a question as this. A practical man, who understands what he is about, will be in no danger of committing an error in the decision to which he will be led, for these are not subjects on which a difference of opinion might naturally arise upon an examination taken. The various considerations for _cutting_, or _forbearing to cut_, would _so certainly present themselves_ to the mind of a person _really competent to judge_, that I should say there would be no doubt whatever, of his deciding correctly, if he were not interfered with by the personal wish, or taste, of his employer. It is with this as with most other subjects:—wherever men understand what they are about, and are guided and governed by _fixed principles_, matters go on well; but the misfortune, with regard to woods, is, that ages of “mismanagement,” and