234 A SPORTSMAN'S EDEN. 



States) is following rapidly in the footsteps of 

 older states. Because it is in the nature of man 

 generally to be improvident, to cull the pleasure 

 of the present greedily, without due regard for 

 the probable needs of the future, it has been 

 found necessary in all civilized countries to im- 

 pose certain restrictions, in the nature of game- 

 laws, upon the rights of the individual. 



In Great Britain these laws concern themselves 

 with two matters the protection of the public 

 against the recklessness of the individual in de- 

 stroying game at improper seasons, or by in- 

 expedient methods ; and the protection of the 

 private rights of individuals with respect to game, 

 by the infliction of a penalty for game trespass in 

 excess of the penalty for simple trespass to land. 

 In Canada (and, I believe, in the States) the 

 law is content, as a rule, to disregard private 

 rights in these matters, and to busy itself only 

 with the protection of the interests of the public 

 by the imposition of a close time. 



I say ' as a rule ' advisedly, for in Manitoba, 

 at any rate, the rights of the landowner or of 

 the occupier in game, on his own land, are pro- 

 tected by the infliction of a penalty for trespass 

 in pursuit of it ; and the fishing rights of riparian 

 owners in certain Canadian rivers are also ad- 

 mitted by the law. 



