* [*In
the State of New York close time for woodcock expires on the last day of
June--in New Jersey on the fourth of July--leaving the bird lawful prey
on the 1st and the 5th, respectively.] Moreover, the amateur killers of
game are so very few, in comparison with the amateur eaters thereof,
that it is all but impossible to enforce the laws at all upon this
subject. Woodcock even now are eaten in June--nay, I have heard, and
believe it to be true, that many hotels in New York serve them up even
in March and April; quail, this autumn, have been sold openly in the
markets, many days previous to the expiration of close time. And, in
fact, sorry I am to say it, as far as eating-houses are in question, the
game laws are nearly a dead letter.
"In the country, also, I have universally found it to be the case, that
although the penalty of a breach may be exacted from strangers, no
farmer will differ with a neighbor, as they call it, for the sake of a
bird. Whether time, and a greater diffusion of sporting propensities,
and sporting feelings, may alter this for the better or no, I leave to
sager and more politic pates than mine. And now I say, Harry, you surely
do not intend to trundle us off to Tom Draw's to-night without a drink
at starting? I see Timothy has got the drag up to the door, and the
horses harnessed, and all ready for a start.
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