THE DOG. 119 



three days after commitment, in the town wherein 

 such gaol or house of correction shall be, between 

 the hours of twelve and one in the day time. This 

 statute, in the act itself, is very inaccurately worded ; 

 and would afford ample scope for the quibbling abi- 

 lities of the long-robed gentlemen. 



A justice of peace, upon information, may grant 

 a warrant to search for any dog or dogs stolen as 

 aforesaid; and in case either the dog or his skin 

 shall be found, the said justice shall take and restore 

 such dog or skin to its right owner, and the person 

 in whose possession or custody such dog or skin was 

 found (such person being privy to the theft) shall be 

 liable to the like penalties and punishment as are 

 inflicted on persons convicted of stealing any dog or 

 dogs under this act. However, should any person 

 think himself aggrieved by any thing done in pur- 

 suance of this act, he may appeal to the next general 

 quarter sessions, within four days after the cause of 

 complaint shall arise, such appellant giving fourteen 

 days' notice in writing of his intention to appeal ; 

 and the justices at such sessions shall determine the 

 appeal in a summary way, and award such costs as 

 they think proper; which determination shall be 

 final. The last sentence of this paragraph appears 

 ridiculous, where it says that fhe appellant must 

 give fourteen days 9 notice of his appeal, and yet that 

 appeal must be made within four days after the 

 cause of complaint. The plain meaning, I should 



