Then, as now, England was dependent on her Navy.

But the stock of Oak timber suitable for the requirements of the naval dockyards had become almost exhausted.

From a tonnage of 17,110 tons in 1603, our fleet had risen to 57,463 tons in 1660, and during the 25 years of Charles II's reign it increased to 103,556 tons.

To supply these rapidly expanding requirements the stock of timber in the country was feared to be inadequate.

From 197,405, loads of timber fit for the Navy in the New Forest in 1608, the stock sank later to 19,873 in 1707; and in the royal forests in Gloucestershire a similar state of affairs obtained.