GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 269 



more equitable. I would repommend it to the at- 

 tention of the legislature ; and if this volume should 

 fall into the hands of any member of the British 

 senate, it would give me great pleasure, should it 

 induce him to turn his attention to this important 

 subject. 



Let not the reader suppose, that in writing the 

 preceding pages I have been actuated by party spirit : 

 I have candidly stated my thoughts. Nor am I by 

 any means an advocate for poor persons who pursue 

 field sports to the detriment of their families. On the 

 contrary, my reasoning was only meant to show not 

 only the injustice, but also the absurdity of certain 

 statutes. And if lords of manors were occasionally 

 to indulge the lower orders with a little field recrea- 

 tion, they would not only find their game increase, 

 but would also be beloved and respected by the 

 neighbourhood, instead of being regarded as over- 

 bearing and oppressive tyrants. Lords of manors 

 generally seem to regard strictly preserving their 

 manors as a necessary . accomplishment, and which 

 adds a sort of fashionable splendour and dignity to 

 their title and character. 



