290 .RANDOM THOUGHTS ON HUNTING. 



would be mulcted in damages. There is no law for 

 such an act!" 



Witness "It is hunter's law, however!" 

 And hunter's law, is likely somewhat longer to 

 "be the governing law of the case in this section of 

 country ; for the prejudices of the people are strong 

 against any exclusive property in game, as every 

 one feels who attempts to keep it to himself. Seve- 

 ral gentlemen of my acquaintance have been pro- 

 prietors of islands ; which were a source of per- 

 petual annoyance to them. ~No sooner were they 

 stocked with game, than the amateurs, if not the 

 professed poachers, would find their way to them ; 

 and if a bailiff was employed to keep them off, he 

 often proved, as in other countries, the principal 

 poacher. And, if actions of trespass were brought 

 against intruders, the results were generally unsatis- 

 factory. Juries are exceedingly benevolent in such 

 cases ; and even should conviction ensue, the fine 

 or imprisonment of a freeman for so trifling and 

 venial an offence, as shooting a wild animal, would 

 be deemed a measure of odious severity ! 



NOT does the proprietor fare better in his attempts 

 to fence out depredators, if his possessions are situ- 

 ated on the main land. Admitting that he can 

 impose a light fine on the trespasser, found hunt- 

 ing within his inclosure, the proof is very difficult, 



