11 



Such I believe are the claims of each party, 

 and we shall hereafter endeavour to show 

 how each is supported. 



It appears, that prior to the reign of King- 

 John, the appropriation of various parts, both 

 of the Thames, and other navigable rivers in 

 the kingdom, by the King and some of his 

 subjects, (who at the time they wished to 

 monopolize the game, coveted also the amuse- 

 ments and profits of fishing,) was one of the 

 grievances at that time complained of, and 

 that the fisheries, as well as the navigation of 

 the rivers, was much injured and impeded by 

 such appropriation : for we find, that in the 

 16th chapter of Magna Charta, it is provided, 

 that " no owners on the banks of the rivers, 

 shall so appropriate or keep the rivers several 

 in him, to defend or bar others, either to have 

 passage, or fish there, otherwise than they 

 were used in the reign of Henry II." 



And the Mirror on this chapter states, " that 

 many rivers were so inclosed in which for- 

 merly was common of fishing." And by 

 chapter 39 of the great Charter, it is directed 

 that " All wears and kiddles shall be demo- 

 lished on the Thames and Medway." 



