ot of beasts, and
distribute a series of REWARDS, varying in value from L100 to 10_s_. of
her Britannic Majesty's money.

'Tickets One Shilling each, application for which must be made _BY
LETTER_ to His S. Majesty's Chamberlain, &c. &c. The LAST _DRAWING-ROOM_
of this season will be held a few days before the Feast of the CROYDON
STEEPLECHASES, &c. &c.

CHAPTER XIV. THE LAWS AGAINST GAMING IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

1. ANCIENT ROME.

In ancient Rome all games of chance, with the exception of five which
had relation to bodily vigour, were absolutely prohibited in public or
private. The loser could not be sued for moneys lost, and could recover
what he might have paid, such right being secured to his heirs against
the heirs of the winner, even after the lapse of 30 years' prescription.
During 50 years after the loss, should the loser or his heirs neglect
their action, it was open to any one that chose to prosecute, and
chiefly to the municipal authorities, the sum recovered to be expended
in that case for public purposes. No surety for the payment of money for
gambling purposes was bound. The betting on lawful games was restricted
to a certain amount, beyond which the loser could recover moneys paid,
and could not be sued for the amount. A person in whose house gambling
had taken place, if struck or injured, or if robbed on the occasion
thereof, was denied redress; but offences of gamblers among themselves
were punishable. Blows or injuries might be inflicted on the gambling
house keeper at any time and anywhere without being penal as against any
person; but theft was not exempted from punishment, unless committed at
the time of gambling--and not by a gambler. Children and freedmen could
recover their losses as against their parents and patrons.

Cicero, in his second Philippic, speaks of a criminal process (_publicum
judicium_) then in force against gamblers.

The laws of ancient Rome were, therefore, very stringent on this
subject, although, there can be no doubt, without much effect.

2. FRANCE.

At the time of the French Revolution warlike games alone conferred the
right of action, restricted, however, in cases of excessive losses;
games of strength and skill generally were lawful, but were considered
as not giving any right of action; games of mere chance were prohibited,
but minors alone were allowed to recover moneys lost.

By the present law of France no judicial action is allowed for gambling
debt