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The statutes which are denominated the " Game Laws," far 

 from harmonizing with the general spirit of British legislation, 

 are as remarkable for the petty tyrannical spirit which pervades 

 them, as for the injustice in which they are founded ; and yet, 

 paradoxical as it may appear, whenever in the senate attempts 

 have been made to soften their severity, many of the opposition 

 have distinguished themselves by their decided hostility to such 

 laudable intentions ; nor have they been content to stop here, 

 but have, on the contrary, eagerly embraced every opportunity 

 of rendering an odious system still more disgusting so much 

 for patriotism ! 



Geese, ducks, the common barn-door fowl, and indeed, all 

 domestic poultry, have been reclaimed from a state of nature ; 

 nor can the least doubt be entertained that partridges and phea- 

 sants might be rendered equally submissive ; yet, no sooner is a 

 motion for this purpose brought before the notice of parliament, 

 than the patriots take the alarm ; and though they will talk 

 much about the rights of the subject, they seem, at all events, 

 determined that the working part of the community shall not 

 taste of a dainty which they choose to keep for themselves. 1 

 do not mean to assert, that when Mr. Brandt brought this sub- 

 ject before the House of Commons, that the opposition to his 

 enlightened proposal arose from the patriots alone ; many of the 

 ministerialists no doubt, were unwilling to sanction the motion ; 

 in these it might be said to be consistent ; but what must be 

 thought of men, who, at elections and public meetings, load 



