294 BIRD LIFE IN ENGLAND. 



PERSIA. 



I have ascertained that there are no laws for the preser- 

 vation of game or for the prevention of trespass. The Shah, 

 by virtue of his prerogative, can decree the strict preserva- 

 tion of the game in any portion of his dominions. In the 

 neighbourhood of the capital itself, and in the immediate 

 vicinity of the high-road, such a preserve exists, and so great 

 is the terror entertained of the severe punishment his 

 Majesty would probably inflict upon persons poaching on 

 his grounds, that the most timid species of game are to be 

 found within its limits, although, in the adjoining country, 

 everything has been destroyed. 



The Koran allows the pursuit of all kinds of game, with 

 the exception of those that are forbidden or unclean. 

 Acting upon this rule, every Persian who possesses a gun 

 goes out and shoots where and when he pleases. He is 

 liable to no penalty on account of trespass, save only where 

 walled enclosures are concerned ; and so strong is the feeling 

 against any enclosure made solely for the preservation of 

 game, that nothing of this nature is known to exist in Persia. 



In short, game may be shot everywhere except on the 

 Shah's preserves ; nor can any one be prevented from 

 trespassing, save in the ease of a garden defended by high 

 walls, and watched by specially appointed guardians. 

 Where the corn is green and liable to be destroyed by the 

 hoofs of horses, the owner may object ; but if he be weaker 

 than the trespasser, even in this case he has but the shadow 

 of a chance of obtaining redress. 



TURKEY. 



No game laws have ever been framed by the Turkish 

 Government ; but there -are certain police regulations which 

 prohibit the killing of ;game .at a certain season of the year, 



