Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Park

PARK, a tract of ground inclosed, and privileged for the retention and propagation of animals of chase, either by the King's grant, or by prescription.

In order to constitute a park, it is necessary, 1. That there be a legal grant; 2. That it be inclosed with pales, a wall, or with a hedge; and, 3. That there be beasts of chase, such as bucks, does, &c.; because, if these be destroyed, the privilege becomes void.

The best inclosure for a park is doubtless a brick or stone wall; but, as the erection of either is attended with great expence, the same purpose may be effected by paling; which ought to be made of the soundest heart of oak, and firmly fixed in the ground, to prevent any animal of prey from penetrating. To render it more secure, it will farther be advisable to train a quickset hedge to a considerable height, which should be kept in perfect order: and, if any person be detected in the act of defacing or injuring walls, pales, or other fence belonging to a park, he is liable, by statute, to the same penalty as is inflicted for stealing and killing deer. Such offences, if committed on a private manor, are punishable as felony; but, if in one of the royal parks, they are made capital, without benefit of clergy.