Before the Bench 145 



pheasants with as much indifference as they would 

 pass a tame duck by the roadside. 



Such poachers as visited the woods came from a 

 distance. Two determined raids were carried out 

 by strangers, who escaped. Every now and then 

 wires were found that had been abandoned, but the 

 poaching ceased to be more than is usual on most 

 properties. So far as the inhabitants of the parish 

 were concerned it almost ceased altogether ; but 

 every now and then the strollers, gipsies, and similar 

 characters carried off a pheasant or a hare, or half a 

 dozen rabbits. These offenders when detected were 

 usually charged before the Bench at a market town 

 not many miles distant. Let us follow one there. 



The little town of L , which has not even a 



branch railway, mainly consists of a long street. In 

 one part this street widens out, so that the houses are 

 some forty yards or more apart, and it then again 

 contracts. This irregularly shaped opening is the 

 market-place, and here in the centre stands a rude- 

 looking building. It is supported upon thick short 

 pillars, and was perhaps preceded by a wooden struc- 

 ture. Under these pillars there is usually a shabby 

 chaise or two run in for cover, and the spot is the 

 general rendezvous of all the dogs in the town. 



This morning there are a few loafers hanging 



L 



