252 OF THE FOREST LAWS. 



warrens, &c. therein ; also of them that claim to be quit of asserts 

 and purprestures, or of such as do claim leets, hundreds, goods 

 of felons, fugitives and outlaws, felo's de se, waifs, estrays, deo- 

 dands, and such like immunities, and other liberties within the 

 forest, as likewise of such persons that claim to kill hares, and 

 other beasts of chase and warren within the forest. 



He hath also an absolute authority to determine all offences 

 within the forest, either of vert or venison ; for such offences 

 shall not be determined before any other justices, except such 

 as are appointed by commission under the great seal, to aid and 

 assist him in the execution and performance of his office. 



When the justices of the forest have obtained their commis- 

 sion for holding the court of justice seat of the forest, they make 

 out their precept to the sheriff of the county wherein the forest 

 lies, and the justice seat is kept, commanding him to summon 

 all the prelates, nobility, knights, gentlemen, and freeholders 

 that have lands within the bounds of the forest, and out of every 

 town and village four men and a reve, and out of every borough 

 twelve lawful men; and all persons that claim to hold pleas of 

 the forest before the justices ; to appear (such a day and place) 

 before the justice in eyre of the forest or his deputy, to hear 

 and do such things as appertain to the pleas of the forest. And 

 likewise that the said sheriff do make proclamation in all 

 boroughs, and other towns, fairs, markets, and other public 

 places throughout his bailiwick, that all persons who claim to 

 have any liberties, franchises, or free customs of the forest, may 

 be there, at the same time and place, to make good their claims ; 

 and that all persons attached, since the last court, touching vert 

 or venison, and their pledges and mainpernors, who had a day 

 given them until this court for their appearance, be there also 

 to stand to, and abide the judgment of the court ; and that the 

 sheriff be there with his bailiffs, to execute such matters as ap- 

 pertain to his office, and certify the justice of the forest concern- 

 ing the premises. 



