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CERTIFICATE. 



The first act relative to game certificates was passed in 25th 

 of Geo. III. This statute (c. 50. s. 8.) levies a penalty of twenty 

 pounds upon persons pursuing or taking game without a cer- 

 tificate ; and states further, that the certificate hereby directed 

 to be taken out shall not authorize any person to pursue or take 

 game, unless duly qualified by estate or otherwise. Also, the 

 party thus offending to be liable to the same penalties as are in- 

 flicted by former acts now in force* 



The list of game includes the following : heron, pheasant, 

 partridge, heath-cock, moor-game, mallard, duck, wigeon, teal, 

 woodcock, snipe, quail, and landrail ; as also hares and rabbits. 

 This act was passed in the 48th of Geo. III. and inflicts the be- 

 fore-mentioned penalties for the pursuit or destruction of any of 

 the animals just mentioned, by persons not duly authorised. 



There is an exception, however, in respect to woodcocks and 

 snipes taken in nets or springes ; as also in regard to conies taken 

 in warrens or inclosed grounds, by the proprietors of such places; 

 or by any persons in lands in his or her occupation, either by 

 himself or herself, or by his or her direction or command. 



By this act also, a different method of issuing certificates was 

 ordered to be adopted. Instead of applying to the clerk of the 

 county, the sportsman must pay three pounds fourteen shillings 

 and sixpence into the hands of the collector of the duties for the 

 parish, ward, or place where he resides ; the collector gives a re- 

 ceipt for the money, and on carrying this receipt to the clerk of 

 commissioners, acting for the district, a certificate will be given 

 in exchange for the collector's receipt, without any further fee. 



This act likewise (s. 7.) provides that, should a gamekeeper 



