New Forest Act 1697

VI. Breaking down Inclosures, &c.

Penalty and Imprisonment.

And for the more effectual raising Wood and Timber in the said Forest and preserving the Covert in the same be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That all and every Person or Persons who shal break down any of the Inclosures to be made for raising Nurserys of Wood and Timber as aforesaid (which Inclosures are intended and shal be kept up and carefully maintained and preserved for the space of Twenty Years at least from and after the respective times whereon the same shal be made) or shal burn Heath or Fern destroy any of the Covert or steal any of the Wood of the said Forest every such Person at the next Attachment or Swain-mote Court to be held for the said Forest be presented for the same and upon proof made thereof by any credible Person or Persons whatsoever the Verderers of the said Forest or any Two or more of them shal have Power and are hereby authorized to fine any Person or Persons so offending for every such Offence in any Sum not exceeding Five Pounds and to commit the Party to the next common Goal for Three Months or until Payment of the Sum set as aforesaid which Fine and Fines so to be set and paid shal be received by the High or Under-Steward of the said Forest one Moiety whereof to be to the Informer and the other Moiety to be accounted for by the said High or Under Steward as his Majesty shal think fit.