POACHING 159 



above-mentioned statutes, and see how they affect 

 the questions which are likely to arise where rabbits 

 are concerned. 



With regard to trespass by day in pursuit of game 

 or rabbits (coneys they are styled in the Statute) Sec- 

 tion 30 of the principal Game Act (i & 2 Will. IV. 

 cap. 32) expressly states that if any person shall com- 

 mit a trespass by entering in the day-time ^ upon 

 any land in search or pursuit of game or coneys^ he 

 shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceed- 

 ing 2/. and costs, or, in default, to imprisonment with 

 hard labour for a term not exceeding two months. 

 And if the offence be committed by a party of five or 

 more persons, the penalty on conviction may be 5/. 

 and costs, or, in default, imprisonment with hard 

 labour as before. 



In such case anyone may lay an information, and 

 one justice may receive it. It need not be in writing, 

 though it usually is, and it need not be on oath, 

 unless a warrant for the apprehension of an offender 

 be applied for by the informant, and then the informa- 

 tion must be a sworn one. It must be for one offence 



' Section 34 of this Act states that day-ti?iie shall be 

 deemed to commence at the beginning of the last hour before 

 sunrise, and to conclude at the expiration of the first hour after 

 sunset. Night will therefore mean the remaining portion of the 

 twenty-four hours. 



