ART. 16] PLEADINGS, PRACTICE AND PROCESS. 67

dents, the court may order notice to be given by publication, in
one or more newspapers, stating the substance and object of the
bill or petition, and warning such party to appear on or before
the day fixed in such order and show cause why the relief prayed
should not be granted, and such notice shall be published as the
court may direct, not less, however, than once a week for four
successive weeks, previous to fifteen days before the day fixed by
such order for the appearance of the party; provided, if a copy
of the order be personally served on such party one month before
the day fixed for his appearance, if he be within the limits of the
United States, or three months if beyond, such service shall have
the same effect as a publication. Proof of said service must be as
follows: First, if served by the sheriff, his certificate thereof;
second, if by any other person, his affidavit or affirmation thereof,
made and signed before a notary public and certified by him;
third, the written admission of the defendant proved to the satis-
faction of the court; and such certificate, affidavit, affirmation or
admission shall state the time and place of service. And any
person making a false affidavit or affirmation as to any such
service shall be guilty of perjury, and any sheriff making a false
certificate as to the service of any such notice shall be liable for
making a false return.

Pleadings, Practice and Process.

1890, ch. 424.

117. The circuit courts for the several counties of this State,
and the circuit court of the city of Baltimore, and the circuit
court number two of the city of Baltimore, as courts of equity,
shall be deemed and taken to be always open for the transaction
of business therein, and the several regular terms of said courts
for the return of process and other practical purposes, shall be of
two months' duration, and shall commence in the counties on the
first Monday of January, of March, of May, of July, of Septem-
ber, and of November of each year; and in Baltimore city shall
commence on the second Monday of January, of March, of May,
of July, of September, and of November of each year.

Ibid.

121. All process, other than process to give notice to, or to
procure the appearance of defendants, shall be made returnable