l64 THE OLD BERKS HUNT 



but if he had been here as a prisoner, I am 

 certain that the ground of his commitment and 

 the power of the magistrates to commit him 

 would, if necessary, be taken into considera- 

 tion. At present there is no such urgency. I 

 can't help expressing a wish that if there really 

 be any warfare intended, time and opportunity 

 to reflect will prevent any occurrence of that 

 kind. Then the next reason why I feel no 

 ground for interference is this, that if there be 

 a recognisance void in law, supposing — what I 

 hope and trust and believe will not be the case 

 — supposing it should be put in force against 

 Lord Gifford, then the foundation of that 

 would come in question, and if the recog- 

 nisance be nothing worth, he would be nothing 

 damaged ; therefore I do not see that I am 

 called upon to interfere. Rule refused." 



The interest shown at the time in the case 

 by the public is denoted by the fact that the 

 Times devoted nearly two columns of its law 

 report to the details. 



On January 22nd a further meeting was 

 held at the " Crown " at Faringdon, when it 

 was resolved — 



(i) That Mr. Morland be requested to defer no 

 longer taking possession of the country lying between 

 the River Cole and Tadpole Brook and, with the 

 consent of the owner, of all the coverts within the 



