CHAP. 84.—An ACT relating to the custody of infants,
Approved Aniil 2, 1879.

1. Be it enacted by the general asseinbiy of Virginia, That
it shall be lawful for the circuit courts of this state, and the
chancery court of the city of Richmond, within their respective
jurisdictions, upon hearing the petition of the mother of any
infant or infants being in the sole custody or control of the
father thereof, or of any person by his authority, or of any
guardian after the death of the father, if the said court shall
deem it 4 and proper, to make order for the access of the peti-
tioner to such infant or infants, at such times and subject to
such reculations as the said court shall deem conyentent and
just, and if such infant or infants shall be within the age of
seven years, fo make order that such infant or infants shall be
delivered to and remam in the custody of the petitioner until
attaining such age, suvject o such regulations as the said court
shall decom reasonable and just,

2. Aud be it further enacted, That in any suit for divorce

ow pending, or heretofore brought in any of the courts of this
state. if shall be compe‘ ent for said court, thoueh it may not
decree a divorce, 1 it s .ould deem if just and rieht. to give the
cusvudy of the infant child or clildron, if a female, to the
movhor, 2 audif amale and under aes of eeven years mnt it
attains that age, to the motker, subject to such regulations as
the sant court shall deers conveniont and just

3d. Provide always, an 1 be it enaeted, That no order shall
be nes de Fy virtue of t>15 act whereby any mother agoinst
whaora adultery shall be established by judomené of a court of
comprtent jariga hi tien, snall have the custody of any infant or
access fo any intent, anyiling horein contained to the cont rary
novwithstunding.