254 Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7-98.

            Lib. H. D. Whereupon his Exncy is pleased to tell them that (as accord

                   ing to the sd report) he does take and hold it to be the Kings

                   Prerogative to approve what persons shall practice the Law.

                   And that as the Law is an Honoble profession, he would accord

                   ingly endeavour to make it so in this Province, and not suffer

                   every Ignorant Person (upon a motion) to be presently a

                   Practitioner, who are perhaps not capable to draw a Declara

                   tion; therefore does recommend that they would take care to

                   admitt of none to plead in tht Court but what were by some

                   Examination, found capable and approved off; and that he

                   would see to give some such Orders to the severall County

                   Courts to the same effect.

                     His Exncy is also pleased to Recommend tht a Gown be

                   provided for the Chief Iustice to wear and that the severall

                   Lawyers belonging to the said Court do provide themselves

                   Gowns to plead in.

                     He is lastly pleased to observe to them, that he finds the

                   severall Sherriffs of the Province do frequently come to the

                   Provincial Courts, whereby they neglect the Duty of their

                   Office and charge wherewith, they are intrusted: does there

                   fore require them to copsult & consider whether they can

                   legally depart their County, during their Shrivaltry or invest

                   any other person wth power sufficient to Act in their absence;

                   and tht they returne their opinion, thereon to this Board

                   accordingly with all convenient speed.

                     The said Gentlemen withdraw & repair to the Court house.

                   Peter Jenings Esqr his Majtes Collectr of Patuxent district &

                   George Muschamp Esqr his Majtes Collectr of Potomock

                   district being sent for, came.

                     His Exncy is pleased to acquaint them how that he had con

                   sidered of severall instructions, whereby the Collectrs &

                   Navall Officers of this his Maytes Province might guide and

                   regulate themselves, as to entering and clearing of Shipps

                   &Ca were accordingly dictated & writt forth in their

                   presence, and are as follows Vizt

                p.     579 Instructions for the Collectors and Navall Officers.

                     Vizt That if a Shipp or Vessell comes in here and brings

                   in any of the Ennumerated Comrnodityes, then they are to

                   go to the Collector first according to the Act of the 25th of

                   King Charles the Second.

                     Certificate to be lodged with the Collectr Vizt fform of a

                   Certificate that gives Bond in the Plantations and payes the

                   duties by the Act of the 25th year of King Charles the second.

                     His Exncy is pleased to observe to the sd Collectrs the Act

                   of Parliament for collecting the duty of the penny p pound

                   saying that it ought to be collected according to the directions

                   of the said Act.