XXII 
THE DEER 
2 11 
public opinion, which we must regard as the founda¬ 
tion of equity , rewards him with a distinct and 
special right, which becomes law . 
“ It is impossible to trace the origin of game-laws 
in Central Africa, but it is nevertheless interesting 
to find that such rights are generally acknowledged, 
and that large tracts of uninhabited country are 
possessed by individuals, which are simply manorial. 
These rights are inherited, descending from father 
to the eldest son. 
“ When the grass is sufficiently dry to burn, the 
whole thoughts of the community are centred on 
sport; but should a person set fire to the grass 
belonging to another proprietor, he would be at 
once condemned by public opinion, and he would 
(if such establishments existed) be certainly expelled 
from his club.” 
It is not my intention to enter upon a treatise 
concerning game-laws, but there is a fact that is 
beyond contradiction — the existence of game 
depends upon preservation. If the game-laws 
were abolished, and all protection withdrawn, 
reducing the position of game to that of vermin, 
the question would resolve itself without further 
argument, as there would, within a very few years, 
be no existing subject of dispute. The game would 
entirely disappear, as it has done in most parts of 
France. 
The destruction of red-deer has already been 
complete in England, excepting the small number 
still remaining at Exmoor ; and those of Scotland 
