1843

FRANCIS THOMAS, ESQUIRE, GOVERNOR.

CHAP. 142

true copy of the original writ which was filed in said
cause shall have the same effect and operation in law as
the original writs in said cases would have had, if the
same had not been lost.

Clerk to file
copy.

Sec. 2. And he it enacted, That in all the said cases in
which there had been filed a declaration, plea, cause of ac-
tion or other original paper which has been lost, the said
clerk be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to file
in lieu of such lost declaration, plea, cause of action or
other original paper, a copy thereof in all cases in which
from the memoranda in his possession he is able to furnish

Clerk to cer-
tify to copy.

such copy.
Sec. 3. And he it enacted, That any such copy so filed
as aforesaid with the certificate thereon of the said clerk
certifying that the same is a true copy of the original
which had been filed in said cause shall have the same
effect and operation in law to all intents and purposes as
the original paper in such cause would have had.

Made valid.

Sec. 4. And be it enacted, That in the event the said
lost papers shall be found or restored to the office of the
said clerk, as they were before they were lost, then the
said papers shall be regarded as valid in law, and shall be
considered as a part of the original papers and records of
said Caroline county court, and in case there should be an
appeal from any of the said causes, then the said lost pa-
pers not having been found, the said copies so prepared
and recorded according to the intent and purpose of this
act, shall be regarded by the court to which such appeal
shall have been taken, as valid to all intents and purpo-
ses.

CHAPTER 142.

Passed Feb.
17, 1844.

An act for the preservation of Fish in the waters of Tal-
bot, Dorchester and Caroline counties.

Preamble.

Whereas sundry persons, from parts unknown have
heretofore frequented the waters of Talbot, Dorchester
and Caroline counties, and with immense and improper
seins, have been engaged in catching and taking fish; and
whereas, the quantity of fish is fast diminishing in the
said waters, and it is wise and prudent that some effectual
means should be adopted, if possible, to preserve the
breed thereof; and WHEREAS, non-residents of this state,
have been in the habit of fishing in the said waters, and
destroying great numbers of young and small fish, and
besides have on various occasions, landed on the shores