On the verge of the forest, as it is now circumscribed, are three
considerable lakes, two in Oakhanger, of which I have nothing
particular to say; and one called Bin's or Bean's Pond, which is
worthy the attention of a naturalist or a sportsman. For, being
crowded at the upper end with willows, and with the carex
cespitosa,* it affords such a safe and pleasing shelter to wild-
ducks, teals, snipes, etc., that they breed there. In the winter this
covert is also frequented by foxes, and sometimes by pheasants;
and the bogs produce many curious plants. [For which consult
Letter XLI to Mr. Barrington.]
(* I mean that sort which, rising into tall hassocks, is called by the
foresters turrets, a corruption, I suppose, of turrets.
Note. In the beginning of the summer 1787 the royal forests of
Wolmer and Holt were measured by persons set down by
government.)

By a perambulation of Wolmer-forest and the Holt, made in 1635,
and in the eleventh year of Charles the First (which now lies before
me), it appears that the limits of the former are much
circumscribed. For, to say nothing on the farther side, with which I
am not so well acquainted, the bounds on this side, in old times,
came into Binswood; and extended to the ditch of Ward le ham
park, in which stands the curious mount called King John's Hill,
and Lodge Hill; and to the verge of Hartley Mauduit, called
Mauduit-hatch; comprehending also Short-heath, Oakhanger, and
Oakwoods; a large district, now private property, though once
belonging to the royal domain.

It is remarkable that the term purlieu is never once mentioned is,