Chap. 207.—An ACT to prohibit the use of “drag boxes,” tubs, sacks, or other

_ receptacles for the collecting and taking oysters from the natural oyster
rocks or beds of this Commonwealth, when in the use of the same they are
dragged or drawn over the said natural rocks or beds. and prescribing a
penalty for its violation.

Approved March 14, 1906.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall be
unlawful for any person to use, in collecting and taking oysters from the
natural oyster rocks or beds of this Commonwealth, any “drag box,” tub,
sack, or other receptacle for oysters so collected or taken, which in the
use or moving of are dragged or drawn over the surface of the said nat-
ural rocks or beds.

2. The possession by any person of a “drag box” on the natural oyster
rocks or beds of this Commonwealth shall be prima facie evidence of
its use.

3. Any person violating any of the provisions of this act shall, upon
conviction thereof. be fined not less than five nor more than twenty
dollars for cach offense.
4. An emergency existing—the great destruction of oysters, they being
ushed or buried by these devices—this act shall be in force from its
assage.