442 GAME LAWS. 



best improvement that could be made on the game 

 laws. 



" Yours, &c. &c." 

 " To the Editor." 



Do away with qualifications (or at all events arrange them so as 

 to be strictly just and consistent). 



Any further observations on this law, as yet existing, 

 for qualifications, would be an insult to the under- 

 standing of my readers. 



A five guinea licence for every one who shoots game (except a 

 keeper, who should pay two guineas). 



An extra guinea and a half, once in a year, could be 

 no great object to a man who can afford to buy a gun, 

 and can also afford to give up a considerable portion of 

 his time, and to keep dogs, and supply himself with 

 ammunition. At all events, if this duty should reduce 

 the number of shooters so much the better for the 

 birds; if not so much the better for the revenue. 



A two guinea licence (similar to a French port d'armesj for every 

 one who carries a gun, in any place whatever (off his own premises), 

 but with this licence only a gamekeeper can kill game. 



(Let a man who shoots without a licence be surcharged by the 

 collectors of taxes, as they are the most vigilant informers. ) 



There could then be no complaints about ttie " liberty 

 of the subject," more than his paying for any other 

 diversion. If he can afford to carry a gun for his 

 amusement, let him assist the revenue by paying for it. 



This duty would only operate on the mere idlers of 

 the country, who, in winter, neglect their work to go 

 about with a gun to the ruin of themselves, and risk of 



