Military Trespassers.—Killing or taking game, without leave from the lord of the manor, under his hand and seal, subject to penalties as follow:—
Officer 5l. Officer within whose command the offence is committed by a soldier, 1l. to the poor of the place, and (being convicted by a justice of peace, and the penalty demanded by the constable or overseer) the officer must pay it within two days, or forfeit his commission.
By this act, an officer, although invited by his friends to shoot on their land, may be sued for the above penalty by the lord of a manor, who has, perhaps, no right to sport there himself.
Notices of Trespass.—May be personally served, or left at the place of abode of the party trespassing.
Verbal notices are quite sufficient, if accurately proved.
All notices to come from the tenant and not from the landlord, who cannot support an action of trespass upon the land, of which he is not the occupier.
Gamekeepers, or other persons, may be deputed to serve either verbal or written notices, by lords of manors, occupiers of land, &c.
Instructions how to warn off a Trespasser.—The following is the proper form of a notice to be sent to, or served on, any person in particular.
To (name the person’s christian and surname) of (name his residence).
I hereby give you notice, not to enter or come into or upon any of the lands, woods, underwoods, shaws, or coverts (or into or upon, any of the rivers, ponds, pools, waters, or water-courses) in my occupation in the parish of (name the parish, or if the lands lie in more than one, the several parishes) in the county of (name the county or counties) as, in case of your doing so, I shall proceed against you as a wilful trespasser. Witness my hand this (name the day of the month) day of — 18—.