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P L A T E X H I .
THE PUNISHMENT OF THE WOODEN-COLLAR.
T H I S punishment is deemed very disgraceful. The collar is formed
of heavy pieces of wood, closed together, and having a hole in the
centre, vïhich fits the neck of the offender, who, when this machine is
upon him, can neither see his own feet, nor put his hands to his
mouth. He is not permitted to reside in any habitation, nor even to
take rest for any considerable length of time, an inferior officer ofjustice
constantly attending, to prevent him. By night and by day, he carries
this load, which is heavier or lighter, according to the nature of the
crime, and the strength of the wearer. The weight of the common sort
of these wooden collars, is only fifty or sixty pounds, but there are
those, which weigh two hundred, and whichare so grievous to the bearers
that sometimes, through shame, pain, want of proper nourishment, or
of natural rest, they have been known to expire under them. Th e
criminals find various methods, however, of mitigating this punishment :
by walking in company with their relations and friends, who support
the corners of the collar, and prevent it from pressing upon the shoulders
; by resting it upon a table, a bench, or against a tree;» or, according
to the representation in the accompanying Plate, by having a
chair consttucted for the purpose, with four posts of equal heights to
support the machine. When this ponderous incumbrance is fixed upon
an offender, it is always before the magistrate, who has decreed it; and
upon each side, over the places where the wood is joined, long slips of
paper are pasted, upon which the name of the person, the crime, which
he has committed, and the duration of his punishment, are written, in
very distinct characters ; a seal is likewise stamped upon the paper, to
prevent the instrument from being opened. Three months is the usual
time appointed for those to bear about this collar, who have been convicted
of robbery. For defamation, gambling, or breaches of the peace,
it is carried a few weeks ; and insolvent debtors are sometimes ordered
to bear it, until they have satisfied their creditors.
When the offender is to be liberated from the collar, it must be in
the presence of the magistrate, who has imposed it ; he then generally
orders him a few blows of the pan-tsee, and dismisses him, with an
exhortation to comport himself more regularly in future.
Near the figure in this Engraving, are represented the basin and the
sort of spoon, by which persons in that situation are supplied with
food.
• See folio vol. of Sir George Staunton, Pla e XXVI I I .
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