CHAPTER II.

New Forest -- Retains more of its Forest Character than any other -- Boundaries now nearly the same as in Charles II.’s time -- Places in the Forest -- Its Features as you pass through it -- as compared with other Forests -- not the Ruin of a Forest, but a Forest in its Prime -- the Cause of this -- Picturesque Style of the Cottages and small Enclosures in its Neighbourhood -- a Day’s Stroll through it by the Author -- Feelings inspired by its Solitude and Air of Antiquity -- Forest Farms, Swine, Cattle and their Bells -- Spot where Rufus was killed, near Stony-Cross -- the Descendants of Purkess, who conveyed the body of Rufus to Winchester -- Tradition of the Cart-wheel -- Gilpin’s Parsonage and School -- his Opinion of the Origin of the New Forest Horses -- Wild Population of the Forest -- Adventure of a Physician with them -- Forest Walks and Lodges -- Stirrup of Rufus preserved at Lyndhurst -- the Forest Court a singular Scene, as described by Mr. Stewart Rose 366