299 
CHAPTER XVII. 
VILLAGE GREENS. 
iv has already been pointed out that the law has not 
recognised the validity of any custom of the inhabi- 
tants of a district, manor, or parish, for the enjoyment 
of a right of a profitable nature ; and that so vague and 
uncertain a class of people, as the inhabitants of a place, 
cannot claim such a right by prescription. The judges, 
however, have admitted the possibility, subject to very 
narrow and strict limitations; of the inhabitants of a 
village claiming a right by custom to play games on 
the village Green, or even on land belonging to a 
private owner. The custom must be of a very definite 
character; it does not extend to mere recreation, in the 
sense of roaming about an open space; it must, ap- 
parently, be distinctly for games. It must also be 
alleged on behalf of the inhabitants of a parish, manor, 
or defined district, and not on behalf of all the world ; 
for it would seem that the older authorities have laid it 
down that a custom alleged on behalf of the public 
generally would be part of the general law of the land, 
and could not, therefore, be proved as existing only 
in a particular place. There must also be evidence 
of a continuous user without any commencement of the 
custom. 
The right of villagers to play games on a village 
