CHAP. 205.—An ACT to prohibit the catching of oysters with dredges
or instruments other than ordinary oyster-tongs within the waters
of the commonwealth.

Approved March 6, 1880.

1. Be-it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That p
hereafter it shall not be lawful to take or catch oysters with >!
dredges or instruments other than ordinary oyster-tongs within
the waters of this commonwealth.

‘2. If any person shall take or catch oysters with dredges or y
instruments other than ordinary oyster-tongs within the waters
of this state, he shall be deemed guility of a felony, and upon a
conviction shall be confined in the penitentiary not less than Pp
one nor more than three years, and shall forfeit to the common.
wealth the vessel or boat so employed, which shall be sold at
public auction by the sheriff within ten days after said convic-

| tion; and one-half of the net proceeds shall be paid to the
captors by order of the county court at its term thereafter; the
remainder shall be paid into the treasury of the commonwealth
by the sheriff, and for disbursement he shall receive ten per
centum.

t 6... All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act shall
be and are hereby repealed, and this act shall be in force from

its passage.