the Earl of Shaftesbury, its distinguished owner.

We trust that each successive paper shows improvement in our
arrangements, and proves also that our means of procuring answers to the
Queries addressed to us are likewise increasing. In the belief that such
is the case, we feel justified in repeating, even at the risk of being
accused of putting in _two_ words for ourselves under the semblance of
_one_ of our readers, "that it is obvious that our friends will extend
the usefulness of our paper in proportion as they increase its
circulation."

* * * * * {82}

MONMOUTH'S ASH.

_Letter from the Earl of Shaftesburg accompanying a short "History of
Monmouth Close," formerly printed by his Lordship for the information of
persons visiting that spot._

The whole of Woodlands now belongs to me. The greater part of it was
bought by my late brother soon after he came of age.

I knew nothing of Monmouth Close till the year 1787, when I was shooting
on Horton Heath; the gamekeeper advised me to try for game in the
inclosures called Shag's Heath, and took me to see Monmouth Close and
the famous ash tree there.

I then anxiously inquired of the inhabitants of the neighbouring houses
respecting the traditions concerning Monmouth Close and the celebrated
ash tree, and what I then learnt I have printed for the information of