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 house…