The common opinion that Scotland was at one time closely wooded, is at least questionable, and some circumstances lead to an opposite belief: as,

The careful stipulations found in the most ancient deeds, about giving or withholding a limited use of wood for building and fuel.

The use of foreign timber for our greater buildings, when to be had; thus, Norway timber used for building the Abbey of Arbroath, in the 15th century.

The importation of bow-staves and spear-shafts, such long straight timber not being procurable at home.