_The mode of ascertaining the Degrees of Punishment.--The object to be considered in inflicting Punishments--Amendment, Example, and Retribution.--In order to render Criminal Laws perfect, prevention ought to be the great object of the Legislature.--General Rules suggested for attaining this object.--Reflections on the Punishments authorised by the English Laws, and their disproportion.--The necessity of enforcing the observance of religious and moral Virtue.--The leading Offences made Capital by the Laws of England considered, with the Punishments allotted to each; compared with, and illustrated by, the Custom of other Countries; with Reflections.--The Code of the Emperor_ JOSEPH _the Second, shortly detailed.--Reflections thereon._ 29 [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 28] CHAP. III. THE CAUSE AND PROGRESS OF SMALL THEFTS. _The numerous Receivers of Stolen Goods, under the denomination of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron, and other Metals.--The great Increase of these Dealers of late years.--Their evil tendency, and the absolute necessity of restraining them by Law.--Petty Thefts in the Country round the Metropolis.--Workhouses the causes of Idleness.--Commons.--Cottagers.--Gypsies.--Labourers and Servants.--Thefts in Fields and Gardens.--Frauds in the Sale and Adulteration of Milk._ 74 CHAP. IV. ON BURGLARIES AND HIGHWAY ROBBERIES. _These Crimes more peculiar to England than to Holland and Flanders, &c.--A General View of the various classes of Criminals engaged in these pursuits, and with those discharged from Prisons and the Hulks, without the means of support.--The necessity of some antidote previous to the return of Peace.--Observations on the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn, &c.--Receivers of Stolen Goods, the nourishers of every description of Thieves.--Remedies suggested, by means of detection and prevention._ 93 CHAP. V. ON CHEATS AND SWINDLERS. _A considerable check already given to the higher class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of Royal Mercy.--Petty Forgeries have, however, encreased.--The qualifications of a Cheat, Swindler and Gambler.--The Common and Statute Law applicable to Offences of this nature, explained.--Eighteen different classes of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various tricks and devices they pursue.--Remedies proposed._ 110 CHAP. VI. ON GAMING AND THE LOTTERY.