360 WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS CHAP. 



opinion, which we must regard as the foundation of equity, 

 rewards him with a distinct and special right, which becomes 

 law. 



" It is impossible to trace the origin of game-laws in Central 

 Africa, but it is nevertheless interesting to find that such rights 

 arc generally acknowledged, and that large tracts of uninhabited 

 country are possessed by individuals, which are simply manorial. 

 These rights are inherited, descending from father to the eldest son. 



" When the grass is sufficiently dry to burn, the whole thoughts 

 of the community are centred on sport ; but should a person set 

 fire to the grass belonging to another proprietor, he would be at 

 once condemned by public opinion, and he would (if such establish- 

 ments existed) be certainly expelled from his club." 



It is not my intention to enter upon a treatise concerning game- 

 laws, but there is a fact that is beyond contradiction the existence 

 of game depends upon preservation. If the game-laws were 

 abolished, and all protection withdrawn, reducing the position of 

 game to that of vermin, the question would resolve itself without 

 further argument, as there would, within a very few years, be no 

 existing subject of dispute. The game would entirely disappear, 

 as it has done in most parts of France. 



The destruction of red -deer has already been complete in 

 England, excepting the small number still remaining at Exmoor ; 

 and those of Scotland would quickly share their fate should the 

 existing laws be abolished. 



The character of the nation would be severely affected should 

 the game of the country disappear. No pursuit can be more con- 

 ducive to a development of manly instincts than that of either 

 shooting or hunting. It teaches a man to be quick, and ready for 

 any opportunity or emergency ; he must have a correct eye for 

 country, and considerable decision of character. He must be a 

 good rider, and must excel both with the rifle and the smooth-bore ; 

 he must be hardy in constitution, and sound in wind and limb, if 

 he is to enjoy the exercise which must accompany all field sports, 

 whether on horseback or on foot. 



At the present day England takes the lead in the manufacture 

 of first-class firearms. Tiie reason may be accepted, that those 

 who enjoy the sports of the field can afford to pay for the best 

 quality. This is an important industry that would be almost 

 effaced should the game of the country disappear. In the vast 

 Empire of India, where extensive tracts of dense jungle were con- 

 sidered sufficient to ensure the security of wild animals, it has been 

 found necessary within the last twelve months to introduce special 



