§ Order of the Day for the Third Reading, read.
LORD DENMANMy Lords, there is an extraordinary inconsistency in this Bill, for hare hunting is prohibited during the whole of March. Living in a very inclement county, we find it very difficult even to begin hare hunting, because the frost comes and stops us; and now we shall be obliged to stop before March. It is said in the almanacks that hare hunting ends on the 20th of February. It has gone on a great deal longer; but, at the same time, masters of harriers must recollect that they will be subjected to a penalty if they hunt the hare after February. My Lords, I am extremely glad to see this protection afforded to hares, for I much prefer stag hunting to any other sport. My Lords, I point this out,—that masters of harriers may prepare and get as much hare hunting as ever they can. I am very glad the Bill is passed. The late Clerk of the House, the most distinguished Clerk that ever lived, Mr. Cooper, was so fond of hares that his history of his attachment to them, and their attachment to him, makes me very glad when anything can exempt them from 464 pain: and we know that being torn in pieces must be dreadful pain. It has always been my object to be at the end of a run and take the hare up and break its neck, and I should like to break anybody else's neck who opposes the Bill.
§ Bill read 3ª (according to order), with an Amendment, and passed and returned to the Commons.
§ House adjourned at ten minutes before Five o'clock.