People talk about the voluminous nature of our statute-books,
forsooth. Nonsense! they are not half large or numerous enough. There
is room and necessity for hundreds and thousands of new laws; and if
duelling cannot be prevented, it might at least be regulated, and a
shooting license regularly taken out every year; and the licenses only
granted to persons of a certain rank, and property, and age. Say, for
instance, that none under fifteen years shall be allowed a license;
that livery servants, apprentices, clerks in counting-houses, coach
and wagon offices, hair-dressers, and tailors who use the thimble in
person, should be considered as unqualified persons. This would render
duelling more select and respectable.--_Rank and Talent_.
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