FOX-HUNTING
—has been for time immemorial a favourite sport with the natives of this kingdom, particularly in the prime of life; the pleasing exercise, and bodily exertion, contributing greatly to the PRESERVATION of HEALTH; but the fatigue and danger render it but ill-adapted to the AGED, the INFIRM, and the VALETUDINARIAN. The persevering speed and fortitude of the GAME, the constantly improving high mettled excellence of the HOUNDS, the invincible spirit of the HORSES, and the unrestrained ardour of their RIDERS, have given it a decided superiority over every other FIELD SPORT ever yet known to the people of this country. Its salutary effect upon both the BODY and MIND, has established its enjoyment upon a basis too broad ever to be shaken, even by time itself: the superlative pleasure of every scene, the diversities of the aggregate, and the extacy with which the whole is embraced by its infinity of devotees, have reduced the sport to a system of perfection never before known; and in this some of the most LEARNED, the most EMINENT, and the most OPULENT characters are principally and personally engaged in nearly every county, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.
Fox-hunting seems to be possessed of a charm, or magical inspiration, within itself, that even the most serious, the most cynical, and the most singular, cannot, with all the firmness of their resolves, summon resolution to withstand. It is the very kind of rapturous gratification to which every effort of the pen becomes inadequate in its attempts at description; it must be seen to be understood; it must be FELT to be ENJOYED. A FOX-HUNTING ESTABLISHMENT consists, in general, of what it has done for the last century past, at least with those PACKS most celebrated for the EMINENCE and OPULENCE of their OWNERS. The principal and second HUNTSMAN, the first and second WHIPPER-IN, three horses kept for each of the first, and two each for both the last; from TWENTY-FIVE to THIRTY-FIVE couple of HOUNDS, terriers, helpers, earth-stoppers, dog-feeders, and a long list of et ceteras, too numerous for minute description. Those who wish to acquire a systematic knowledge of the SPORT, (so far as it can be obtained from THEORY,) will do well to peruse attentively "Mr. Beckford's Thoughts upon Hunting, in a Series of familiar Letters to a Friend."—They are so truly the effusions of sound judgment, and so replete with the useful remarks of an experienced sportsman, that there is no room for any thing NEW or ADDITIONAL to be introduced upon the subject.
FREE WARREN
.—A FREE WARREN is a term totally distinct from FOREST, CHACE, PARK, MANOR, or WARREN; it is a franchise derived originally from the Crown; and the person having a grant of free warren over certain lands, possesses a SOLE RIGHT of pursuing, taking, and killing GAME of every kind within its limits; although there may be no one acre of land his own property through the whole district where he is possessed of this right. There are instances where a variety of circumstances render manorial rights and privileges so complex, and seemingly indefinite, as to produce litigation without personal enmity, but merely that the right shall be LEGALLY ascertained. It appears that where MANOR LANDS are situate in, and surrounded by, a FREE WARREN, the owner of such lands may kill game within his own manor, but he cannot introduce even a qualified person to KILL GAME there also, without the consent of the owner or possessor of the privilege of FREE WARREN over the whole; if so, the person introduced killing game, will be liable to an action for trespass, which action will lie.
A curious cause came on to be tried before a jury at the summer assizes of the present year, 1802, held at Abingdon, for the county of Berks, wherein John Westbrook, Gent. of the parish of Bray, (situate in Windsor Forest,) was PLAINTIFF, and a Game-keeper of his Majesty's the DEFENDANT. The action was brought to try the RIGHT of the DEFENDANT, as one of his Majesty's keepers, to KILL GAME within the enclosed grounds of the PLAINTIFF, situate in, and surrounded by, the wastes, commons, and within the boundaries of the said FOREST. When, without adverting to the laws relative to forests only, (with which the question was totally unconnected,) the Court held it good, that the King, possessing a FREE WARREN over the WHOLE, possessed likewise the privilege of appointing a KEEPER to kill game upon any, and within every, part of the said FREE WARREN, without the least exception as to enclosed lands, the property of others; when the jury instantly found for the defendant, by which the right is fully confirmed.
This being a question of privilege, tried on the part of an individual against the prerogative of the Crown, it might be fairly considered conclusive upon the subject of FREE WARREN; but as it cannot be too clearly understood, for the prevention of ill neighbourhood, and expensive litigation, another decision is subjoined, which took place about the same time, though in a different county.
On the 12th of July, in the same year, a writ of inquiry was executed before the Under Sheriff at Hertford, in an action wherein Henry Browne, of North Mimms, Esq. was PLAINTIFF, and Thomas Greenwood, the Younger, DEFENDANT. The action was brought for a trespass committed by the DEFENDANT, in shooting game within the FREE WARREN belonging to the PLAINTIFF, who is Lord of the Manor of North Mimms, and entitled to free warren through the whole of the Manor. It appeared, that the land on which the trespass was committed, and the game killed, by the DEFENDANT, was not, in point of fact, the land of the PLAINTIFF, but, on the contrary, belonged to Justinian Casamajor, Esq. However, as it was proved to be within the Manor of North Mimms, and the right of free warren extending over the whole of the Manor, the Jury, after considering the circumstances of the case, and the defendant's conduct, who persisted in shooting after being warned to the contrary, gave a verdict of TEN POUNDS with costs.
FRET
.—The disorder which (in the country) is called by this name, is the FLATULENT CHOLIC, and occasioned from a retention of wind, and a rarefaction of air in the intestinal canal. It is immediately discoverable by the fulness and extreme tension of the carcase, the agonizing pain of the horse, the rumbling of the confined air, the partial and very trifling expulsions of wind, the laboured respiration, frequent groaning, suddenly laying down, and as hastily rising, constant looking back to the flank on one side or the other, as if soliciting relief from those who surround him. The great and leading object is, to promote a plentiful EXPULSION of WIND: this is in general followed by excrementitious discharges, by which ease is obtained, and the disorder near at an end. Warm, spicy, aromatic CARMINATIVES, blended with ANODYNES, are the medicines best adapted to this species of CHOLIC, and to which it speedily submits; more particularly if plenty of ASSISTANTS are at hand to bestow the necessary portion of flank rubbing, (and belly wisping,) to an unceasing perseverance in which, success is equally to be depended upon with the administration of MEDICINE; as in most cases little is to be expected from one without collateral aid from the other.
FROG
,—in HORSES, is the centrical soft kind of horny substance at the bottom of the foot, spreading wide from the heel, having a cleft in the middle, and terminating in a point toward the toe. To the internal parts the lower extremity of the TENDONS are attached, and the FROG is the basis by which their elasticity is supported, and from whence is derived the deceptive reasoning, that the FROG must indispensibly (in action) touch the ground. The frog is subject to a defect, called the FRUSH, or THRUSH, and this, when become virulent, is termed running thrush: it sometimes arises from internal heat, by standing too much upon foul hot litter, (particularly in the livery stables of the Metropolis,) as well as from a STAGNANT state of the FLUIDS in the extremities, for want of proper exercise, leg rubbing, and keeping the feet clean.
FROTH
.—A HORSE displaying a profusion of FROTH when champing upon the BIT, either in action upon the road, or in the FIELD with HOUNDS, may be considered a distinguishing, and almost invariable sign of both good spirit and sound bottom; for a dull jade, or a HORSE of the sluggish cart breed, is very rarely to be seen with this appearance. It is also no inferior criterion of HEALTH, and may, in general, be considered truly indicative of CONDITION: few, if any, horses of this description flag upon a journey, or tire in the field.
FRUSH
.—A disorder or defect in the centrical cleft of the FROG, at the bottom of the foot, was formerly so called; but is now more generally known under the denomination of Thrush, which SEE.
FUMIGATION
—is a most useful PROCESS in all cases where the DISEASES of HORSES particularly affect the HEAD. In recent colds, obstinate coughs, glandular tumefactions under the jaws, STRANGLES, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, low fevers, and even in dulness, over-fatigue, or when a horse is off his appetite, and refuses food, it is very frequently of perceptible utility. Horses may be fumigated by boiling ROSEMARY, LAVENDER, MARSHMALLOW LEAVES, and CAMMOMILE FLOWERS, in a few quarts of water over the fire for a quarter of an hour, then straining off the liquor, and strewing the hot herbs from one end of the manger to the other, fastening the horse's head up with the rack rein, by which means he cannot evade the EFFLUVIA. In want of these, or where they are difficult to obtain, a mash made of GROUND MALT, with boiling water, is a very substantial and proper substitute, into which stir two ounces of aniseed, and two ounces of carraway seeds, both fresh, and previously beaten to powder in a mortar. This mash most HORSES will afterwards EAT, when sufficiently cold for the purpose; which, with the effect of the fumes upon the THROAT, the NOSTRILS, the GLANDS, and the HEAD, in general will promote a discharge, and relieve the subject.
FUNGUS
—is the too-fast shooting granulations of new flesh during the incarnation of WOUNDS, particularly in HORSES, with whom it is invariably exuberant, and requires some degree of judgment in the suppression: it is too frequently attempted by Roman vitriol, corrosive sublimate, and other caustics; but they are only productive of disappointment, in constituting an eschar upon the surface, and leaving the cure at a more remote and uncertain distance, than before their application. Slight scarifications, both transverse and longitudinal, with a LANCET or BISTORY, is a far preferable mode of treatment, and that followed by a dressing of lint covered with proper digestives.
FURNITURE HORSE
.—In many parts of the United Kingdom, the SADDLE, BRIDLE, CLOTHS, and every other part appertaining to the body of the horse, passes under the denomination of horse furniture.
G.
GALLS, or GALLING
.—Lacerations occasioned by the too tight pressure and friction of an uneasy and ill-fitted saddle, or heavy harness, are so called. They are seldom seen with either the judicious or the enlightened; experience having taught both how to appreciate PREVENTION. The prudent SPORTSMAN will never take his horse to the field, nor the humane driver his carriage-horse to the road, till personal examination has convinced him the necessary apparatus is not only firm, but proportionally easy; and this should become the more predominant in memory, because it is natural to conclude, no man existing would, by neglect or inattention, give pain to the very animal from whose exertions he is to derive his own PLEASURE.
Injuries of this description, if unexpectedly sustained, should be immediately attended to; a repetition, and that soon, upon the part so injured, is frequently productive of trouble, expence, loss of time, and disappointment. When the side of a horse is galled, as it sometimes is, by the girth-buckle having been most improperly placed upon the edge of the pad, it is not unlikely, for want of early or proper attention, to terminate in a SITFAST, and then can only be completely cured by extirpation with the knife. The WITHERS being affected in the same way, and the saddle or harness continued in use by which the injury was originally occasioned, the foundation of FISTULA may be laid, and will be likely to ensue. In all slight and superficial galls, two or three moistenings of the part with cold vinegar will allay the inflammation, and harden the surface; but where the long-continued heat and friction has occasioned a destruction of parts, it must be dressed and managed as a wound, which can only be completely cured by incarnation.
GALLOP
—is one pace of THE HORSE, well known by that general name; though it will admit of gradational distinctions. A CANTER is the slowest gallop, in which a horse bears most upon his haunches, but lightly on the bit; it is a pace which spirited, good-tempered horses seem to enjoy, and is peculiarly calculated for the accommodation of a lady. A RATING-GALLOP is the increase of action to such pace, as the particular horse may or can go with ease at his rate in common stroke without being exerted to speed; and this is the HUNTING GALLOP of thorough BRED HORSES, who will always lay by the side of HOUNDS at it, without being in the least distrest. A BRUSHING GALLOP upon the TURF, implies an increased degree of velocity, but not equal to utmost speed.
GALLOPADE
—is a term in the MILITARY MANEGE.
GALLOWAY
—is the appellation given to that useful kind of small horse from THIRTEEN to FOURTEEN HANDS high; they are rarely to be seen of exact SYMMETRY, uniform STRENGTH, and adequate ACTION; but, if well-bred, their qualifications, and endurance of fatigue, exceeds description.
GAMBLERS
—consist of two sets; first, those whose thirst for GAMING, (called PLAY) is insatiate, and who have PROPERTY to LOSE; these are GENTLEMEN, who, possessing a refined sense of HONOR themselves, never meanly descend to suspect the INTEGRITY of others. An accurate description of their opponents will be found under the head "Black Legs," where the practices of "the family" are more fully explained.
GAME
—for the preservation of which such a succession of LAWS have been enacted, were, in many of the former preambles to the different ACTS of Parliament, extended to "the Heron, Pigeon, Mallard, Duck, Teal, Widgeon, or any such Fowl;" but in the present construction, GAME is generally considered to imply no more than the HARE, PHEASANT, PARTRIDGE, HEATH-FOWL, and MOOR GAME, which are the whole of what is intentionally included in the GAME LAWS; and what persons possessed of certain qualifications, as well as an ANNUAL CERTIFICATE, are empowered to kill. Deer of every description are also denominated GAME; but they are protected by LAWS appropriate to their peculiar preservation. Rabbits were also included in many of the earliest acts relating to GAME, but are now considered of no consequence, except in WARRENS, where being private property, and productive of annual profit, they have LAWS for the security of THE OWNER, with very heavy penalties annexed to their destruction. Proprietors of DOVE-HOUSE PIGEONS have likewise legal means of redress, upon their pigeons being wantonly shot at or destroyed. The mallard, wild-duck, widgeon, teal, &c. are not without LAWS for their increase, and proportional preservation. See Decoy.
GAME COCK
.—The true-bred GAME COCK is a species of fowl almost peculiar to this country; his natural and instinctive courage will never permit him to yield to an opponent, however he may be superior in WEIGHT and STRENGTH; but he will, even under those disadvantages, continue to fight till literally cut to pieces. After the loss of eyes, with the body wounded and perforated in every part, when even the use of his legs are gone, and he is no longer able to stand, but lays extended upon the sod, with his victorious opponent exultingly CROWING over his mangled frame, he will continue to shew fight with his beak, to the last remains of life.
Those NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN who have (from hereditary rule, and local custom) continued the sport of COCKING, in the neighbourhoods where their country mansions and landed estates lay, have been, and are, exceedingly circumspect and cautious in the BREED, lest any chance of contamination should creep in, by an injudicious, improper, or unlucky, cross in the blood; for as some HUNDREDS of POUNDS are frequently depending upon ONE MAIN, and that main upon the battle of a single cock, no such money can be betted with a probable or equal chance of winning, unless the unsullied purity of the BREED is most accurately ascertained. In confirmation of which remark, it is to be observed, that whenever a COCK, in FIGHTING, declines the battle, no longer faces his adversary, but repeatedly turns tail, and runs away, his blood is no longer to be relied on; and such cock has not only his neck broke in the Pit, but the whole of that breed are destroyed, to prevent farther contamination, as well as future loss, disgrace, and disappointment.
Game cocks are bred of various colours, according to the fancy or opinion of different AMATEURS, many of whom have their favourite plumage; their colours are technically described by the variations in feather, and are as follow: The black or pheasant-breasted RED; the black-breasted GINGER; the speckle-breasted ginger dun; the black-breasted YELLOW DUCKWING; the turkey-breasted DITTO; the SMUTTY DUN; the BRASS-WINGED BLACK; and the SMOCK, which is a milk-white, having the appearance of a common barn-door fowl; and the odds are proportionally against them whenever they are brought to Pit, which is now but seldom, the breed being nearly or quite destroyed.
Two opinions have always been, and still are, entertained respecting THE COCKS most proper to breed from, admitting the standard of bone, strength, weight, and standing, to be just the same. Some prefer breeding from A COCK who has WON many hard-fought battles, by which his own blood is so fairly proved; whilst others maintain the consistency of breeding only from the full brothers of such, (who are called MAIDEN COCKS, as never having fought,) under an impression, that the former must have sustained material injury by the wounds received, and the blood lost, in the battles he had formerly fought. However those who BREED GAME FOWL may differ upon this particular point, it is an opinion nearly unanimous, that if you breed entirely for the Pit, that no cock should be bred from younger than TWO, or more than SIX, years old. Although it is right to breed from a strong, bony, close-made, majestic, high-standing cock, yet it is by no means prudent so to do from cocks much above match weight; that is to say, never to exceed FOUR POUNDS, TWELVE OUNCES, at the utmost; for should the HENS prove large also, the progeny might run still more into size and bone, and never fall into any match whatever.
In breeding GAME CHICKEN, to breed with success, there are some general rules, which should be strictly attended to, and invariably persevered in. No BROOD-COCK should walk with more than four hens; three being, in fact, fully sufficient. Game hens should never be permitted to bring forth a clutch of chickens before the last week in February, nor after the first week in May; those hatched in March and April are only adapted to the Pit, and are always preferable, in SIZE and GROWTH, to those hatched at any other season of the year. Hens after hatching should be cooped asunder, where the chickens cannot intermix; as the hens will not only kill the young of each other, but FIGHT THEMSELVES with the same inveteracy as THE COCKS. If a game hen, with chicken, retreats when attacked by another in the same state, her produce has been suspected to prove, in future, defective in courage; this opinion has, however, been founded upon false principles; because it is a very common circumstance for the younger hen to give place to an older, as it always is for THE STAG to submit to the OLD COCK, who must and will continue master of his walk.
During the first year after being hatched, they are called individually CHICKEN; from twelve months to two years old, they are termed STAGS, and from that period called COCKS, being then thought in their prime; but they are probably more so AT THREE, if properly walked. Cock chickens should never be permitted to run too long together, but be separated as soon as they begin fighting with each other; and this ought to be the more strictly attended to, because it frequently happens, that out of a whole clutch, by neglect or inattention, what with scalped heads, loss of eyes, broken beaks, or deformed feet, not one has ever been brought to the scale.
Cock chicken, when first removed, at three or four months old, are placed where they continue to walk under an OLD COCK, and will continue obedient and submissive till nine and ten, or sometimes TWELVE MONTHS old; the experiment is nevertheless too hazardous to be made; they had much better be taken to a MASTER-WALK in proper time, to avoid the probability of either one or both being SPOILED. The most eminent BREEDERS, as well as the most enthusiastic BETTERS, have one mode of endeavouring to fix a criterion, how far they can depend upon the heel, the fight, and the blood, of any particular BREED or CROSS they may have been induced to adopt. This experiment (dreadfully cruel as it is) is termed "CUTTING OUT," and consists in pitting such CHICKEN of seven, eight, or nine months old, unarmed, against their own brothers, or others of superior age, weight, and strength, having SILVER SPURS; if the chicken, so unarmed, and without the least chance of success, continues the combat till completely deprived of life, without displaying the least tendency to cowardice, or consciousness of defeat, more of his brothers have the same severe and "fiery ordeal" to undergo, when, if the result is just the same, the cross is admitted to be good, and the BREED is persevered in, till, from circumstances, the blood is thought to degenerate, when new crosses are adopted, and new experiments made. See Cocking, Cock-match, and Cockpit.
GAMING
—is that destructive vice which has annihilated some of the most princely fortunes in this, and, perhaps, in every other kingdom: it is a whirlwind of devastating infatuation, which destroys every thing before it: like the effect of unrestrained fire, it continues its ravages so long as there is a single combustible to feed the flame. The most MAGNIFICENT MANSIONS, the most LORDLY POSSESSIONS, the most MAJESTIC "towering woods," and the most extensive FERTILE VALES, have been in one night swept away by this infernal and definitive propensity. Thousands, educated in AFFLUENCE, and left in a state of the most flourishing INDEPENDENCE, have been reduced to the greatest want, and died miserable repentants within the dreary CONFINES of a PRISON, by the certain effect of an attachment to this most dreadful of all vices, which the united WISDOM of the Legislature has so strenuously endeavoured to suppress. Laws have been framed, and are rigidly enforced, for its prevention; heavy STAMP DUTIES have been laid upon CARDS and DICE, that those who use them may voluntarily contribute to the support of the State, by which both person and property are protected; and, as a farther proportional prohibition, no GAMING DEBT is recoverable BY LAW where the sum sued for shall exceed TEN POUNDS. See Betting.
GAMING-HOUSES
—are those infamous NOCTURNAL RECEPTACLES of the most abandoned iniquity, where such scenes of villainy are in perpetual practice, that the most fertile pen must be inadequate to even a tolerable representation. These houses in the Metropolis, are, by the SPORTING WORLD, denominated "Hells;" and so truly are they entitled to that sublime distinction, that the whole FORCE of MAGISTRACY has been most laudably and successfully exerted against them without exception. Houses of this description are appropriated only to the purposes of play, and that of the most unfair description. They are kept by SYSTEMATIC DEPREDATORS, "who shun the light;" men who have no credit to support, no reputation to lose; and who are as completely lost to every sense of shame, as they are completely banished from the respectable classes of society. Here it is where the young, the inexperienced, the injudicious, and the inconsiderate, sacrifice not only their OWN, and often the property of OTHERS, but prostitute also that most invaluable GEM their INTEGRITY, and with it a PEACE of MIND never to be restored.
From the first moment of entering such an iniquitous sink of POLLUTION, such a complication of VILLAINY, and such a combination of the most desperate and abandoned THIEVES, every infatuated adventurer may date the origin of future misery. Whether it be CARDS, DICE, E. O. or whatever GAME or NAME the speculative sport may be, the credulous, unsuspecting dupe has no one CHANCE TO WIN, but inevitably every chance to lose, under the certainty of their systematic depredation. Thus far in explanation of those Hells, legally considered nuisances to society, as being prejudicial to the morals, and destructive to the property, of such individuals as unhappily fall within the vortex of so fashionable an influence; but there are other GAMING HOUSES of a superior order, and of the most magnificent description, supported in all the style of EASTERN SPLENDOR, by annual contribution from the first characters in the kingdom, and called "SUBSCRIPTION HOUSES," to which none but their own INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS are admitted under any plea whatever; and these, as private houses, being ABOVE THE LAW, any member possesses, of course, the privilege of ruining himself, and reducing his family to beggary, without transgressing the LAWS of HIS COUNTRY, or incurring the censure of his best and most fashionable friends.
GAME-KEEPERS
—are persons delegated by legal prescription, to provide GAME for the purposes of those by whom they are appointed, to PRESERVE and PROTECT it against a class of adventurers (denominated poachers) by night, as well as an unfair or improper destruction of it by day. Every LORD or LADY of a MANOR are authorized, by writing under their hands and seals, to empower a GAME-KEEPER to kill within the said manor, any HARE, PHEASANT, PARTRIDGE, or other game. If, however, such game-keeper shall sell or dispose of the game he shall so kill, without the knowledge or consent of the said LORD or LADY, and shall be convicted, upon the oath of one witness, before a Justice of Peace, he shall be committed to the house of correction, and kept to hard labour for three months.
One GAME-KEEPER only can be appointed to kill game within one manor; in which he is authorized and empowered, by his DEPUTATION, to take and seize all guns, bows, greyhounds, setting-dogs, lurchers, ferrets, trammels, low-bells, hays, or other nets, hare-pipes, snares, or other engines, for the taking and killing of HARES, PHEASANTS, PARTRIDGES, or other game, within the precincts of such manor, in the possession of any person not qualified to keep the same. It does not appear by this act (23d Charles Second, c. xxv. s. 2) that a GAME-KEEPER is empowered to seize THE GAME, although he is authorized to take all instruments in use for the destruction of it.
By the 25th George Third, c. v. s. 2, every deputation of a GAME-KEEPER granted to any person, by any LORD or LADY of any MANOR in England or Wales, shall be registered with the Clerk of the Peace of the county in which such manor lies; where he shall receive a certificate of such registry, upon payment of ONE GUINEA, and one shilling to the Clerk, for the same. A game-keeper omitting to register his deputation, and to take out his certificate, for twenty days, to forfeit TWENTY POUNDS. The certificate must be renewed annually; and upon the appointment of a NEW GAME-KEEPER, a new certificate must be taken out; and the person formerly acting under the old certificate is no longer qualified to kill game, but liable to all the penalties of this act.
In addition, a few general remarks may be useful. A GAME-KEEPER having no other qualification than his deputation and certificate, is not entitled to KILL GAME out of the precincts of the manor for which he is appointed. Nor is he empowered to demand THE NAME, or a SIGHT, of the CERTIFICATE of any qualified person out of his own district; unless he is qualified to kill game in his OWN RIGHT, (exclusive of his deputation,) and is possessed of his THREE GUINEA certificate; in which case he may do either or both. But let it be remembered, that, although he is QUALIFIED to KILL GAME in his own right, and acts under a deputation for a certain specified MANOR, he is liable to the penalty prescribed by the Act, if he is informed against for, and convicted of, killing game out of that manor, without being previously possessed of the three guinea certificate. Any GAME-KEEPER killing or taking a hare, pheasant, partridge, or other game, under colour of being for the use of the Lord of the Manor, and afterwards SELLING and DISPOSING thereof, without the consent of the said Lord of the Manor, upon conviction, on the complaint of such Lord, and on the oath of one witness, before a Justice, shall be committed to the house of correction for three months, and there kept to hard labour.
GAME LAWS
.—The laws framed for the PRESERVATION of THE GAME, are, by the different Acts of Parliament, during several successive reigns, become so truly voluminous, and in many instances thought so truly complex, that it is impracticable to reduce any moderate abridgement of the whole within the intentional limits of this Work. But as many of the former Acts (at least many of the clauses in those Acts) though unrepealed, are in practice almost obsolete, it is proposed (divested of legal tautology) to bring a review of the existing parts of the GAME LAWS as they now stand, and as they are now acted upon, into as concise a point of view as the subject will admit; and so perfectly free from ambiguity, as to be rendered perfectly clear to the most moderate comprehension: at least as much so, as can be expected upon LAWS, that, after all the refinement of CENTURIES, after all the investigation and deliberation of the different Legislatures, and the advantages derived also from the sage opinions of the most learned in THE LAW, are certainly less respected, and less effectual, than any other part of the code to be found in the statute books of this realm. Whether it is, that they are less understood, less palatable to those interested in their effect, or but feebly and partially executed, is a matter only to be ascertained by time, and such future arrangements as may probably take place.
Persons held legally qualified to kill game, must be in the full and undisputed possession of a FREEHOLD LANDED ESTATE, producing a clear 100l. per annum; or possessed of a lease, or leases, for ninety-nine years, or any longer term, of the clear yearly value of 150l. other than the heir apparent of an Esquire, or other person of higher degree. Esquires, as defined by LAW, are the younger sons of Noblemen, and their heirs male for ever: the four Esquires of the King's body: the eldest sons of Baronets, of Knights of the Bath, of Knights Bachelors, and their heirs male in the right line. A Justice of the Peace is also an Esquire for the time he is in the commission, but no longer.
Persons of higher degree than Esquires, are Colonels, Serjeants at Law, and Doctors in the three learned Professions; but neither Esquires, nor any of these, are qualified to kill game, unless they have the requisite estate mentioned; though their SONS are qualified without any estate. This, however unreasonable it may seem, has been fully decided to be the true construction of the Act. In addition to every necessary QUALIFICATION by ESTATE, according to the construction of all former Acts, it is enacted, by 25th George Third, c. 1. s. 2, That every person in Great Britain who shall use any dog, gun, net, or other engine, for the taking or destruction of game, shall every year, previously to his using the same, deliver in a paper, or account in writing, containing his name and place of abode, to the Clerk of the Peace of the county where he shall reside, (or his deputy,) and annually take out A CERTIFICATE of having so done, for which he is to pay THREE GUINEAS, and one shilling to the Clerk for his trouble in making out the same; which certificate shall bear date on the day whereon it is issued, and remain in force from thence until the first day of July then after, and no longer. Such certificate may be demanded by the unqualified as well as QUALIFIED; and if the Clerk of the Peace shall refuse to grant such certificate when demanded, he is liable to the penalty of TWENTY POUNDS.
Any person, qualified or unqualified, who shall be in pursuit of game, without having obtained such certificate, shall be liable to the penalty of TWENTY POUNDS. It is also provided in the said Act, That every person having obtained a certificate, who shall find any other person in pursuit of game also, it shall be lawful for him (after having produced his own certificate) to demand from such other person, the certificate to him issued of having conformed to the said Act; and on such demand, such person shall produce such certificate, and permit the same to be inspected; and on refusing to produce the same, and also refusing to give his Christian and Surname, and place of residence, or giving a false name or place of residence, he shall forfeit the sum of FIFTY POUNDS.