404

LAWS OF MARYLAND.

such sum as may upon such settlement appear to
be due the said James T. Blackistone.

In force.

SEC. 2. And be it enacted, That this act shall
take effect from and after the date of its passage.

CHAPTER 271.

Passed March
10, 1858.

AN ACT to re-enact a law passed at December
session, eighteen hundred and forty-four, chap-
ter two hundred and seventy-eight, concerning
the draining of swamps, and low grounds, by
the laying out and opening of public ditches in
Worcester, Queen Anne's and Dorchester coun-
ties, by extending the said act to the whole
State.

In case of dis-
agreement
three freehold-
ers to be ap-
pointed com-
missioners.

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assem-
bly of Maryland, That whenever any owner or
owners of any swamps or low grounds, shall deem
it fit to have such swamps or low grounds ditched
and drained, (if the owners of said lands cannot
agree, or should any be femes covert, infants, non
compos mentis, or non residents of the county
where the lands are situated) they or any of them
may petition the County Commissioners, as the
case may be, sitting in the county where such
swamp or low ground or any part thereof is
situated, for the appointment of commissioners to
lay out a ditch or ditches for that purpose, and
the said commissioners shall, thereupon, appoint
three judicious and impartial freeholders of the
neighborhood as such commissioners.

Duty of Com-
missioners.

SEC. 2. And be it enacted, That it shall be the
duty of the commissioners after being duly sworn
or affirmed, to execute their duties under this act
faithfully and impartially, and taking to their
assistance a skillful surveyor, sworn or affirmed
to do his duty in like manner, to go upon and
view the swamps and low grounds mentioned in
the petition, and lay out, by specified courses and