In the days of King George III, a common decree was that any tree greater than 24" in diameter 'belonged to the king'. In other words, reserved exclusively for building materials for ships of the Royal Navy. It was forbidden to cut them down by commoners. However, if a big tree was felled by natural causes, such as a windstorm, then it was free and available for use by anyone. Thus a 'windfall' became applied to any unexpected stroke of fortune.
That's interesting Master Chief. I didn't know that term originated in the Navy. I'm waiting for my windfall. Maybe I'll get lucky in the lottery. Yeah, right.
Originally posted by mmcmss: In the days of King George III, a common decree was that any tree greater than 24" in diameter 'belonged to the king'.
I am afraid that you are a little off course with that one. Centuries of ship building had denuded the English countryside of timber suitable for masts, and in the early 18th century, Parliament turned a hungry eye toward their North American colonies. The White Pine Acts of 1722 and 1729 reserved for the King, all white pine trees 24" in diameter, 12" from the ground. Such an Act of Parliament had devastating effects on the Northeaster timber industry, and had an impact throughout the colionies. Ignoring the Act, the Americans then found "windfall" most profitable.
In his masterful "In the The Stamp Act Crisis: Prologue to Revolution (1953)", Yale's Edmund S. Morgan argued mos successfully that the "White Pine Acts" were one of the "early minor irritants" the grew and festered, eventually leading to revolution and independence.
Maybe I'll get lucky in the lottery. 
Yeah, right.
Okay Masterchief. Lets call this Naval Lore. Here is one for you Shiver Me Timbers. I say this the other night on the History Chanel. Westpac Willie
