262 OF THE FOREST LAWS. 



grant of free-warren ) can do it without committing a trespass, 

 and subjecting himself to an action." 



Notwithstanding the excessive rigour of the forest laws, the 

 lower orders of the English could never be prevented from com- 

 mitting depredations ; and though time has so much altered the 

 face of the country, as well as its political institutions, as to ren- 

 der the forest laws a dead letter, yet the passion for the chase 

 appears unabated, and the most severe exercise of the complex 

 enactments of the game laws, has been found inadequate to the 

 intention, as poaching, so far from being prevented, is extensively 

 and audaciously practised, and appears even to increase in pro- 

 portion as the laws for its suppression are multiplied and ren- 

 dered more severe. 



