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PART I — Acts Regulating Deer Hunting and
Setting Seasons Jump to:
1699; 1705;
1734; 1738;
1761; 1772
September 1632
Act XLIX.
NOE man shall kill any wild swyne out of the forrest or
woods except in his [own land] or devident without leave
or lycense from the Governor. But it is thought
convenient that any man be permitted to kill deare or
other wild beasts or fowle in the common woods, forrests,
or rivers in regard that thereby the inhabitants may be
trained in the use of their armes, the Indians kept from
our plantations, and the wolves and other vermine
destroyed….
April 1699
An act prohibiting the unseasonable killing of
Deer
Whereas the Deer of this his majestyes colony and
dominion is very much destroyed and diminished by
unseasonable killing them when poor and of Does bigg
with young to the great detriment of the inhabitants of
this his majestyes colony and dominion without bringing
any considerable benefit to those that kill them, for
remedy whereof, Be it enacted… That from and after the
first day of February next ensuing no person or persons
shall shoot or kill any Deer runing wild in the woods or
unfenced grounds on this his majestyes colony and
dominion at any time or times between the first day of
February and the last day of July that shall happen
every year, and if any person or persons shall contrary
to the true intent and meaning of this act kill or
destroy any Deer or cause any Deer to be killed or
destroyed or shall buy or receive of any Indian or other
person whatsoever any deer kiled within the time before
limited, he or they soe offending and being thereof
lawfully convicted, shall for every Deer so kiled
brought, destroyed or received as aforesaid, forfeit and
pay the sum of five hundred pounds of tobacco one moyety
to the kings most excellent majesty, his heirs and
successors, to be applied to the use of the parish where
every such offense shall be commited respectively, and
the other moyety with full costs of suit to him or them
that will sue or informe for the same… Provided alwayes,
that if any slave or other servant who is uncapable of
paying the penaltyes provided by this act shall of his
or their owne accord … kill or destroy any deer… shall
for every offense have and receive on his or their bare
back or backs thirty lashes well laid on…
October 1705
An act to prevent killing of Deer at unseasonable
times.
For the prevention of killing of deer at unseasonable
times, Be it enacted… That it shall be unlawful to kill
any deer running wild in the woods, or unfenced grounds
of this colony and dominion, by gun, or any other ways
or means whatsoever, between the first day of January in
each year, and the last day of August succeeding; or to
buy or receive of any Indian, or other person
whatsoever, any deer killed or destroyed within the
times aforesaid: …
[1705 act amended]
Amendments to the Bill entitled An Act for the
better preservation of the Breed of Deer, and preventing
unlawful Hunting.
One the 1 sheet strike out the word (January) and Insert
December.
In the last line strike out (August) and insert
(September).
Provided also, that nothing in this act contained shall
extend or be construed to extend to any person living or
being upon the Frontier of this Colony, who shall kill
any Deer for food for the necessary subsistance of
himself or family — so as such Person do not sell or
dispose of the skin of any Deer so Killed. …
August 1734
An Act for lessening the penalties for killing
Deer,
at unseasonable times, and for the better recovery
therefore…
For the better preservation of the breed of deer, in
this colony, Be in enacted… That it shall not be lawful
to kill or destroy any deer running wild in the woods,
or unfenced ground, between the first day of January ,
and the last day of August, in every year; or to buy, or
receive, of any Indian, or other person whatsoever, any
deer, killed or destroied within these said times; upon
pain of forfeiting fifteen shillings, for every deer…
recoverable before any justice of the peace of the
county where such offence shall be committed…And if such
servant or slave cannot prove such a command, he or they
shall receive by order of the justice of the peace, for
every offence, fifteen lashes, on his or her bare back,
…
[Change in fine from five hundred pounds of tobacco to
15 shillings and punishment for slaves or servants from
30 lashes to 15. Responsibility for fines or punishment
switched from “any court of record within this colony”
to any justice of the peace in the county where the
offence occurred.]
November 1738
An Act, for better preservation of the breed of
Deer; and preventing unlawful Hunting.
I. Whereas the laws heretofore made, For preserving the
breed of Deer, have not had the desired effect, many
disorderly persons making a practice of killing them
merely for the sake of the skins, whilst they are
feeding on the moss growing on the rocks in the river,
leaving the flesh to rot; whereby wolves, and other
noxious beasts, are brought down among the stocks of
cattle, hogs and sheep, of the upper inhabitants, to
their great annoyance and damage. And whereas the
keeping of hounds going at large, is found destructive
to the breed of deer, by killing not only the does,
while they are big with young, but also the fawns, after
they are fallen. And it is also found, by experience,
that the making large circles, and setting the same on
fire, round coverts where the deer usually lodge,
commonly called fire hunting, is not only destructive to
the breed of deer, but also to the young timber, and
food of cattle. The remedy of which mischiefs:
II. Be it enacted… That from and after the passing of
this act, it shall be unlawful for any person
whatsoever, to hunt, shoot or kill, any buck between the
first day of December, and the last day of July, which
shall be in any year; nor to hunt, shoot, or kill, any
doe or fawn, between the first day of January , and the
last day of September, in any year. And if any person
whatsoever shall presume to hunt, shoot, or kill, or
destroy, any such bucks, doe, or fawn, running wild in
the woods, within the times herein before respectively
limitted; or shall buy or receive the same of any
Indian, or other person; every person so offending shall
forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings current
money, for every buck, doe, or fawn, so killed, bought
or received; recoverable before any justice of the peace
in the county where such offence shall be committed,
upon conviction, by the oath of one sufficient witness,
or the confession of the party. And if any servant or
slave, by command of his or her master, mistress, or
overseer, shall, so hunt, shoot, or kill, or buy or
receive any deer so killed; the party giving such
command, shall be liable to the like penalties
respectively; And if such servant or slave cannot prove
such command, he or they shall receive, by order of the
justice of the peace, for every such offence, twenty
lashes on his bare back, well laid on; unless security
be given for payment of the fine within six months after
such conviction.
III. Provided always, That it shall and may be lawful,
to and for any freeholder or house keeper to kill any
kind of deer in his corn fields, or other inclosed
grounds, where wheat, peas, or other grain is growing,
without being liable to any penalty for so doing.
IV. Provided also, That nothing in this act contained,
shall extend, or be construed to extend to any person
living or being upon the frontiers of this colony, who
shall kill any deer for food, for the necessary
subsistence of himself or family; so long as such person
do not sell or dispose of the skin of any deer so
killed:…
V. And be it further enacted, by the authority afore
said, That if any person whatsoever shall buy or receive
into his or her house, any deer skin or skins, which
shall have been killed within the time herein before
limited, and are commonly called or known by the name of
red skins; he or she so offending, and being thereof
lawfully convicted before a justice of the peace, in
manner aforesaid, shall forfeit and pay ten shillings
current money, for every skin so bought or received. And
for further preventing the buying and receiving such red
skins,
VI. Be it enacted… That every constable, within this
dominion, shall have full power and authority, by virtue
of this act, to search in all suspected places, for all
red skins of any deer killed contrary to the directions
hereof, and to bring the same before some justice of the
peace of the county where the offender resides: And if
such offender shall not make proof, that such skin was
taken from a deer killed within his or her inclosed
grounds, tended, as aforesaid; such justice shall
immediately give judgment against the offender, for the
penalty aforesaid.
VII. And be it further enacted… That it shall not be
lawful, for any person to keep any beagles or hounds
running at large; but such beagles or hounds shall be
constantly kept in kennels, or couples, or with clogs,
except at such times as they are used in hunting, by the
owner or his servants, under the penalty of five
shillings, for every beagle or hound, so going at large.
VIII. And…That whosoever shall, hereafter, use
fire-hunting, or the killing of any deer by such means
on any patented land; every person present at such
hunting, shall forfeit and pay twenty shillings for
every such offence: And if any be found fire-hunting, as
aforesaid, it shall and may be lawful, for the owner of
such land, or his or her overseer, to that away the gun
of such Indian, and the same to keep to his own use.
IX. And… That any person shall presume to hunt or range
on the patented lands of any other freeholder, without
the leave of the owner of such lands: every such
offender shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty
shillings for every such offence: All which penalties
herein before mentioned, shall be committed; and shall
be divided: one half to and for the use of the parish
where the offender shall reside: and the other half to
the person or persons who will inform for the same. And
every justice of the peace, before whom information
shall be made of any of the offences aforesaid, shall
take for evidence, the confession of the party accused,
or the oath of one creditable witness. And whereas the
owner of any land shall prosecute for any unlawful
hunting and ranging on his lands, the oath of such owner
shall be sufficient evidence to convict the offender;
but in this case, the whole penalty shall go to the
parish….
XI. …all and every other act and acts heretofore made,
so far as the same relate to any matter or thing within
the purview of this act, be, and are hereby repealed and
made void.
March 1761
An Act to amend an act entitled,
An Act for better preservation of the breed of Deer, and
preventing unlawful Hunting.
Whereas the act made in the twelfth year of the reign of
his late majesty king George the second … hath been
found very beneficial, but not fully to answer the
purposes thereof, as many disorderly persons make a
practice of killing them in the frontiers merely for the
sake of the skins, which they clandestinely carry out of
this colony, without paying the duty imposed thereon,
leaving the flesh to rot in the woods, whereby wolves
and other noxious beasts are nourished, to the
destruction of the stocks of cattle, sheep and hogs, of
the upper inhabitants: For remedy whereof, Be it
enacted…That from and after the passing of this act if
any person whatsoever shall shoot or kill any deer, and
after taking off the skin shall leave the flesh in the
woods to rot or be devoured by beasts, every person so
offending shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty-five
shillings for every deer so killed, skinned and left, in
the woods; to be recovered with costs, before a justice
of the peace, where the penalty complained for at one
time does not exceed fifty shillings; and where it shall
exceed that sum, to be recovered with costs, by action
of debt, in any court of record wherein the same shall
be cognizable; and shall be divided, one half to and for
the use of the parish where the offence shall be
committed, and the other to the informer.
II. And if any person convicted of the offence aforesaid
shall not immediately pay down the penalty…or give
security for the payment… such court or justice shall
order such person to receive on his bare back five
lashes well laid on for every twenty-five shillings he
shall be condemned to pay…
February 1772
An Act to amend an act intitled,
An Act for better preservation of the breed of Deer, and
preventing unlawful hunting.
Whereas the act, passed in the twelfth year of his late
majesty… intitled An Act for better preservation of the
breed of Deer, and preventing unlawful hunting and one
other act, passed in the first year of his present
majesty [George III], for amending the said act, have
been found insufficient to prevent the mischiefs thereby
intended to be remedied, many idle people making a
practice, in severe frozen weather, and deep snows, to
destroy deer, in great numbers, with dogs, so that the
whole breed is likely to be destroyed, in the inhabited
parts of the colony: For remedy of which, Be it enacted…
That from and after the passing of this act, every
person who shall kill any deer, contrary to the tenor of
said acts, shall forfeit and pay the sum of fifty
shillings, for every deer so killed; to be recovered,
with costs, by petition, where the penalty complained
for, at one time, does not exceed five pounds, and by
action of debt, or information, where the same shall
exceed five pounds, brought in the court of the county
where the offence was committee, by any person suing for
the same.
II. And for the more effectual discovery of persons
offending against this and the before recited acts, Be
it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the
presiding justice of every court in this colony, at the
time the grand jury, for his county, shall be sworn,
shall give it in charge to the said grand jury to make
enquiry and presentment of all such offenders, and, on
conviction, the penalty shall go to the use of the poor
of the parish where the offence was committed, towards
lessening the said parish levy.
III. And …That every grand jury shall take an oath, at
the time they are impannelled, to make due presentment
of all and every person within their county, whom they
shall know to have been guilty of a breach of this act.
IV. And whereas numbers of disorderly persons, not
regarding the laws, now in force, for the preservation
of the breed of deer, have during the late great snows,
in many parts of this colony, almost destroyed the
breed, by which the inhabitants will not only be
deprived of that wholesome and agreeable food, but the
trade, in the articles of skins, will be greatly
diminished, as well as the revenue of the college,
unless, for a time, all persons be prohibited from
killing of deer, Therefore be it further enacted… That
from and after the passing of this act, no person shall
hunt, shoot, or kill, in any manner, any wild deer,
until the first day of August, which shall be in the
year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and
seventy six, and every person, so offending, shall be
liable to the same penalty, and to be recovered and
applied in the same manner as the penalty before
inflicted by this act for killing deer out of season…
V. And whereas doubts have arisen whether an action will
lie against any person who shall kill a tame deer, the
property of another, that shall be found ranging on any
uncultivated lands, other than those of the owner of the
deer, which prevents many persons from attempting to
raise tame deer: Be it enacted… That if any person shall
shoot, or otherwise kill, any tame deer, having a bell
or collar on its neck, every person, so offending, shall
be liable to an action of trespass, to the person whose
property the same shall be, … Provided nevertheless,
That nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent
any persons residing in the frontier counties of this
colony, from killing deer for food for themselves and
families, as is allowed by the before recited acts of
assembly, nor any other persons, from killing deer in
their own inclosed lands, at such time and times as deer
are allowed to be killed by the first said recited act….
(top)
PART II — Acts on Trespassing and Hunting
on Lands of Another
Jump to:
1642; 1657;
1705
January 1639
Act XII [abstracted]
NOT to shoot or hunt on other men’s land that is seated
and bounds marked under penalty of 40s, but may pursue
deer and shoot on their own land.
1642-3
Act XI
Whereas the rights and interests of the inhabitants are
very much infringed by hunting and shooting of divers
men upon their neighbors lands and dividents contrary to
the priviledges granted to them by their patents,
whereby many injuries do dayly happen to the great
damage of the owners of the land whereon such hunting or
shooting is used. It is therefore enacted and confirmed
that if any planter or person shall hunt or shoot upon
or within the precincts or lymitts of his neighbor or
other divident without leave first obtained for his soe
doing, and having been warned by the owner of the land
to forebear hunting and shooting as aforesaid, he or
they soe offending shall forfeit for every such offence
foure hundred pounds of tobacco, the one halfe to the
owner of the land, the other halfe to publick
uses—Notwithstanding it shall and may be lawfull for any
person or planter to hunt and shoot upon any divident of
land not being planted or seated without any restraint
or penalty, Provided that the lymitts of everie divident
be bounded with certain and noted marks. Provided also
that it shall be lawfull for any person having shot a
deare or other game without the lymitts of any man’s
land to pursue the said deare or game into the divident
of another man, and freely to carry away the same
without any trespass against the owner or proprietor of
that said land and without incurring the penalty of this
said act.
March 1657-8
Act XIII
Against Shooting on other Men’s Lands
Whereas the rights and interests of the inhabitants are
very much infringed by hunting and shooting of divers
men upon their neighbors lands and dividents contrary to
the priviledges granted to them by their patents,
whereby many injuries do dayly happen to the great
damage of the owners of the land whereon such hunting or
shooting is used. It is therefore enacted and confirmed
that if any planter or person shall hunt or shoot upon
or within the lymitts or precincts of his neighbor or
others’ dividents without leave first obteined for his
soe doeing and having bin warned by the owner of the
land, to forebeare hunting and shooteing as aforesaid:
Hee or they so offending shall forfeit for everie such
offence fower hundred pounds of tobacco, the one halfe
to the owner of the land, and the other to publick uses;
Notwithstanding it shall be lawfull for any person or
persons to hunte and shoote upon any divident of land
not being planted or seated without any restraint or
pennaltie, Provided that the limitts of everie divident
be bounded with certain and noated marks, Provided also
that it shall be lawfull for any person having shott a
deare or other game without the limitts of other mens’
lands, to pursue the said deer or game into ther
divident of another mans’, and freely to carry away the
same…
October 1705
CHAP. XXI
An Act concerning the Granting, Seating, and Planting,
and for Settling the Titles and bounds of Lands: and for
preventing unlawful Shooting and ranging thereupon
… And be it further enacted and declared, That if any
person or persons shall at any time hereafter shoot,
hunt or range upon the lands and tenements, or fish or
fowl in any creeks or waters included within the lands
of any other person or persons without lycence for the
same, first obtained of the owner and proprietor
thereof, every such person so shooting, hunting,
fishing, fowling or ranging, shall forfeit and pay for
every such offence, the sum of five hundred pounds of
tobacco, to be recovered with costs, by the person or
persons that shall be thereby agrieved … and if any
person shall be a third time convicted of such shooting,
hunting, fishing, fowling or ranging, the justices of
that court (over and above giving judgment for the
forfeiture as foresaid) shall commit such person to the
common goal, there to remain untill he shall find
sufficient sureties, to be bound with him in the sum of
ten pounds sterling for his good behavior for one year,
then next comeing, and if he shall within that time be
any more guilty of shooting, hunting, fishing, fowling
or ranging as foresaid, the same shall be, and is herby
enacted to be a breach of the good behavior. [Forfeiting
the ten pounds bound and being jailed until such time as
another bound was posted.]
Provided nevertheless, That if any person being owner of
six slaves, at least, shall shoot any game upon his own
land, or the land of any other where he shall have leave
to hunt and his game shall run off from that land upon
other lands where he hath not leave to hunt, in that
case it shall be lawfull for such person to follow his
game upon any other persons land, and to take it and
carry it away without being lyable to any penalty of
forfeiture for the same.
October 1705
Chap. XXV
An act to prevent Indians hunting and ranging upon
patented lands
I. Be it enacted... That if any person whatsoever,
shall, after the publication of this act, entertain or
employ any Tuscarora, or other Indian, not being a
servant or slave, to hunt or kill deer; or furnish them
with guns, powder, or shot, to hunt, as aforesaid, upon
any land now patented, or that shall hereafter be
patented, and belong to any of her majesty’s subjects
within ... Virginia, he, she, or they, so employing any
Tuscarora, or other Indian, as aforesaid, shall forfeit
and pay to the person or persons upon whose land such
Indian shall be found to hunt as aforesaid, the sum of
one thousand pounds of tobacco: ...
II. And moreover, when any person shall find any such
Indian shooting, ranging, or hunting upon his land,
contrary to this act, it shall be lawful for such person
to take away the gun, powder, and shot, which he shall
find upon such Indian, and to keep and convert the same
to his own use: ...
III. Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this act
contained, shall be construed to extend to the Pamunkey
or Chickahominy Indians, or to the Indians on the
Eastern shore, hunting or ranging as heretofore they
have been accustomed to do.
(top)
PART III — Acts Setting Bounties on
Wolves Jump to:
1646; 1657;
1661; 1665;
1666; 1669;
1670; 1676;
1691; 1705;
1720; 1732;
1744; 1745;
1748; 1764;
1765; 1766;
1769; 1772
September 1632
Act XLIX
… And for the encouragement to destroy the wolves, it is
thought that whosoever shall kill a wolfe, and bring in
his head to the commander, it shall be lawfull for such
person or persons for every wolfe soe kild, to kill also
one wild hogg and take the same for his own use.
October 1646
Act V
Whereas many losses are lately received by the
inhabitants by reason of wolves which do haunt and
frequent their plantations; ffor the better prevention
and for the destroying of them, It is inacted that what
person soever shall after publication hereof kill a
wolfe and bring in the head to any comissioner upon
certificate of the said comissioner to the county court
he or they shall receive one hundred pounds of tob’o.
for soe doeing to be raysed out of the county where the
wolfe is killed.
March 1657-8
Act L.
Countie Courts to levie Rewards for killing of Wolves
Wheras great complaint is made of the frquent and many
injuries done by wolves to the cattell and hoggs of
several inhabitants, It is therefore thought fit and
enacted by this Grand Assembly for the better
encouragement of those that kill and destroy wolves,
that the com’rs. Of the severall counties shall hereby
have power to advance and augment the reward appointed
for killing of wolves, to such quantitie of tobacco as
to their discretions shall be found fitt and reasonable.
Act LIII.
Indians to Kill Wolves
Whereas of late years the wolves have multiplied and
increased exceedingly to the great losse and decrease of
cattell and hoggs…enact and declare…that the
comissioners of each countie courte respectively shall
take orsder for the destroying them in what way they
shall best agree, by imploying Indians or otherwise,
Provided they arme not the Indians with English armes
and gunns contrary to act of Assembly.
March 1661-2
Act LIX
Reward for killing of Wolves.
Whereas… that they shalbe paid by the county in which
they are killed, for every wolfe destroyed by pitts,
traps or otherwise, two hundred pounds of tobacco…
[raised from one hundred pounds]
March 1665-6
Act I
An Induction to the Acts concerning Indians
… this Grand Assembly on mature advice doth make these
three ensueing acts…Ffirst for every eight wolves heads
brought in by the Indians, The King or Great Man (as
they call him) shall have a cow delivered him at the
charge of the publick, This will be a step in civilizing
them and to making them Christians, …
October 1666
Act IV.
An act for Wolves killed by Indians
Whereas in some ffronteer counties the number of wolves
killed and brought in by Indians though from never soe
remote places, have very much inhanced the taxes of the
said counties, where noe benefit hath accrued, the heads
of the said wolves being purchased by some inhabitants
for lucre of the encouragement given by act, to the
insupportable burthen of the people; Be it enacted… that
the allowance for wolves killed by Indians, and the
injury of the persons and places by whome and where they
were killed, be wholy left to the county courts…
October 1669
Act IX
An act ffor destroying Wolves
Since it is most evident that the inhabitants of this
country receive dayly damage by wolves, and noe fitt way
or temper yet found for the destruction or diminishing
of them, It is enacted that the Indian tributaries be
enjoyned and assessed to bring in a certaine number
annully, that is to say:
Bowmen or hunters__ wolves heads
Into Nanzemond county, the Nanzemonds being about 45__ 9
Surrey [county] Powchay-icks 30__ 6
Weyenoakes 15__ 3
Charles City County Men-Heyricks 50__ 10
Nottoways, 2 townes 90__ 18
Appomattox 50__ 10
Henrico County Manachees 30__ 6
Powhites 10__ 2
New Kent Pamunckies 50__ 10
Chickahomonies 60__ 12
Mattapanies 20__ 4
Rapahanocks 30__ 6
Totas Chees 40__ 8
Gloster Chiskoyackes 15__ 3
Rapahanock Portobaccoes 60__ 12
Nanzcattico & Mattehatique 50__ 10
Northumberland Wickacomico 70__ 14
Westmoreland Appomatux 10__ 2
__________________________________
[total]
725 hunters__ 145 wolf heads
And for putting this act into effectuall execution, It
is enacted by this grand assembly that the county courts
doe appoint a certiane person or persons in their
counties to receive from the respective Indians … the
heads…and to keep a just accompt of the number, and to
present to said court such as are deficient … said court
to issue out summons for his [the great man] appearance
to shew cause for his or their defalt… And it is further
enacted that for what number soever of wolves
heads…[including “any over and besides such the number
perticularly assessed”] … persons appointed as aforesaid
will pay the Indians for every head the full and just
value of one hundred pounds of tobacco and caske…
October 1670
Act X
Repeale of the act concerning wolves
Whereas the act for encouragement of the Indians to kill
wolves and paying their tribute bever, in wolves heads
[Act XI of 1669], hath not produced such effects as was
hoped and desired … the act … be repealed, and the
former act to remayne in force.
June 1676
Act XIII
An act altering the encouragement for killing wolves
Whereas it is represented that there is much
inequallities in the allowance for killing wolves… the
law for allowing two hundred pounds of tobacco for every
wolves head bee repealed, and that it bee left to the
county courts by their laws to give what encouragement
they shall see fitt …
April 1691
Act I
An act giving reward for killing of Woolves
Whereas it is found by frequent experience since the
severall former acts of this country giving a reward for
killing wolves have been repealed… that wolves have and
do greatly increase in number, and that frequent spoyle
and distruction, in every part of this country by them
made upon hogs, sheep and cattle, to … the loss of the
inhabitants, Be it therefore enacted… That whosoever
hereafter shall kill and destroy wolves, either by gun,
pitt, trapp, or other means or waies whatsoever, shall
for every wolfe soe killed and destroyed, be paid …
three hundred pounds of tobacco and casque, and for a
wolfe killed by gun or otherwaise two hundred pounds of
tobacco and casque for his encouragement and reward…
October 1705
Chap. XVI
An act giving a reward for killing of Wolves
For an encouragement to all manner of persons to
endeavor the destruction and killing of wolves, which in
all parts of this her majestys colony and dominion very
much obstruct the raising and increase of cattle, sheep
and hogs.
Be it enacted… That whatsoever person or persons (the
tributary and all foreign Indians excepted) shall … kill
or destroy wolves old or young, … by means of a pitt or
trap, made and kept for that purpose, shall have a
reward of three hundred pounds of tobacco, and of two
hundred pounds of tobacco for every wolf killed or
destroyed by any other way.
That whatsoever Indian or Indians tributary to this
dominion, shall kill or destroy wolves, such Indians …
shall have a reward of one hundred pounds of tobacco and
no more…
[This lengthy act contains several additional sections
on how the county court and the Justices are to raise
the county levy to pay these rewards, grant
certificates, require proof that the wolf was killed in
the county where the reward is sought, and prevent
fraud.]
November 1720
Chap. VI
An Act giving a Reward for killing Wolves;
and repealing all other Acts relating thereto.
I. For an encouragement to all persons to endeavor the
destruction and killing of wolves, which in many parts
of this his Majesty’s colony and dominion very much
obstruct the raising and increase of cattle, sheep and
hogs.
II. Be it enacted… That all and every person and
persons, (except Indians not tributary to Virginia,) who
shall … receive the reward of two hundred pounds of
tobacco [tobacco was customarily valued at 1.2 pence per
pound so the reward was worth 20 shillings current
money] for every wolf so by him or them killed or
destroyed: and that the said reward shall be first
levied on the inhabitants of the county wherein such
wolves shall be killed, and repaid by the country at the
next public levy.
III. And be it further enacted…That the several county
courts … be impowered...and required at the laying of
the county levy, annually, to allow and order to all and
every person and persons claiming or demanding the
reward aforesaid, the said sum of tobacco… and to
assess, raise, or levy the same, upon the tithable
persons within their respective county, by a poll-tax.
IV. Provided always… That whatever person or persons
shall kill or destroy wolves, for the sake of the reward
given by this act, shall carry, or cause to be carried,
the head of every wolf so killed or destroied, to a
justice of the peace … and shall, before him, make due
proof by himself, or some person present at the killing
thereof, how, when and where, every wolf was killed… and
shall take from the said justice, a certificate thereof
to the county court…
V. And…That every justice of the peace… receive the
heads of wolves killed… and upon due proof made, to
grant and issue certificates to the county court … [and]
to admit as good and due proof, either the oath or
oaths, or solemn affirmation, as the case is, of the
person or persons making application; or if such person
be under the age of fourteen years; or be not a
christian, any other evidence, testimony, or
circumstance, in his discretion probable and convincing.
And … to cause the ears of such wolf or wolves head
brought before him, to be cut off in his presence, for
preventing any frauds which may be practiced in
obtaining two certificates for the same service.
VI. And… That the clerk of every county court shall…
particularly mention the name and surname of every
person to whom such allowance shall be made in the
county levy, and the name and surname of the justice
granting the certificate … and shall return a true copy
of the said levy to the general assembly.
VII. And… That all and every other act… are hereby
repealed and made void…
May 1732
Chap. XI
An Act for lessening the Reward for killing Young
Wolves;
and for preventing Frauds in obtaining Certificates for
Wolves-Heads
I. Whereas the large reward allowed by law for killing
of wolves, hath frequently been a temptation to many
ill-disposed persons to be guilty of unfair practices,
in order to obtain certificates to entitle them to said
reward; and the reward being the same for killing a
young wolf as an old one, divers persons have been
induced to spare the breading wolves, for the advantage
of taking their future increase: For remedy whereof,
II. Be it enacted … That …the reward of one hundred
pounds of tobacco, and no more, shall be paid for every
wolf killed … not exceeding the age of six months; to be
adjudged of by the justice before whom the head shall be
brought: … no justice shall grant a certificate…for any
scalp…but that the whole head of the wolf shall be first
produced to such justice… neither shall any such
certificate be granted, until proof shall be made before
such justice, by the oath of such wolf-killer, if a
christian, above the age of fourteen years, (Quakers
excepted) in the following words:
I A.B. do solomemnly swear, that this head by me now
produced, is the head of a wolf, (or if more than one
head, that there heads by me now produc’d are the heads
of wolves,) first taken and killed within the county of
C. in Virginia; and that I have not wittingly or
willingly spared the life of any bitch wolf in my power
to kill, since the making of the act of assembly,
intitled An Act for lessening the Reward for killing
Young Wolves; and for preventing Frauds in obtaining
Certificates for Wolves-Heads.
And if such wolf killer shall happen to be one of the
people commonly called Quakers, and above the age of
fourteen years, he shall take his solemn affirmation to
the same effect; but if the wolf-killer be a christian,
under the age aforesaid, or a tributary indian, or a
mulatto, or negro, then such justice shall, instead of
such oath or affirmation, admit of any other evidence,
testimony, or circumstance, in his discretion
convincing.
III. And… That if any person whatsoever, shall take a
false oath or affirmation, before any justice … being
lawfully convicted, shall suffer the same pains and
penalties as if he or she had been guilty of wilful and
currupt pergury in a court of record: And moreover,
shall forfeit and pay one thousand pounds of tobacco;
one moiety thereof, to …the king… and the other moiety
to him, her, or them , that will inform, or sue for the
same…
IV. [If the justice suspects the truth of the oath or
affirmation he will delay the granting of the
certificate and the issue will be brought before the
next court.]
September 1744
An Act, for giving a reward for killing Wolves in the
county of Fredrick,
to be levied on the inhabitants of said county…
…And whereas the inhabitants of Fredrick County have
made humble suit to this Assembly to have a reward
settled, to be levied on the tithable persons in that
county, and applied in encouraging persons to destroy
Wolves:
II. Be it therefore enacted… That from and after the
first day of November next a reward of six shillings,
for every old wolf, and two shillings and six pence, for
every young Wolf, killed within the county of Fredrick,
shall be paid, to the party obtaining certificate
thereof, under the hand of a justice of the peace…
February 1745
Chap. XVII
An Act, to amend the act, for giving a reward for
killing Wolves
in the county of Frederick…
…And whereas the justices of the said county court of
Frederick, hath hitherto neglected or refused to levy,
and raise the rewards due, for killing Wolves, as in and
by the said [previous] recited act is directed, to great
loss and prejudice of persons intitled to such rewards:
II. Be it therefore enacted… That the justices of the
said county shall levy, for all the certificates to be
produced to them since the first day of November, 1744
unto the first day of May , 1746, six shillings, for
every old Wolf, and two shillings and six pence, for
every young Wolf; and after the said first day of May,
1746, there shall be a reward of ten shillings, for
every old Wolf, and five shillings, for every young Wolf
killed… And if the justices …shall refuse or neglect to
levy such reward… every justice … shall forfeit and pay
the sum of five pounds…
October 1748
An Act for giving a reward for killing Wolves
I. For encouraging all persons to kill and destroy
wolves, Be it enacted … That every person who shall kill
or destroy any wolf within this colony, shall have a
reward of fifty pounds of nett tobacco, for every young
wolf not exceeding the age of six months … and for every
wolf above that age, one hundred pounds of nett tobacco;
to be levied and paid in the county where the same shall
be killed, and repaid to such county in the next public
levy… [The rest of this act essentially repeats the oath
to be sworn by Christians, affirmation by Quakers, and
proof by those under 14, tributary Indians, mulattoes
and Negroes from the act of May 1732. The requirement is
to produce the wolf head, have the ears cut off before
the justice and includes specific instructions “shall
not grant a certificate for any scalp.”]
October 1764
An act to amend an act, entitled, An act for
giving a reward for killing wolves.
I. Whereas by an act of assembly made in …[1748] …a
premium of fifty pounds of neat tobacco is allowed to
any person who shall kill a young wolf … and one hundred
pounds …for every wolf above that age…
II. Whereas the inhabitants of the counties of
Hampshire, Frederick and Agusta, are by law allowed to
discharge their tobacco dues in money at the rate of one
penny per pound, by which the persons entitled to
rewards for killing wolves within said counties receive
much less than others …
III. For the prevention whereof for the future, Be it
enacted … That the courts of said counties …shall
hereafter levy the rewards given by the said act of
killing wolves in money, at the rate of twelve shillings
and sixpence for every hundred weight …[this equates to
a value of 1.5 pence per pound]
October 1765
An act for increasing the rewards for killing
wolves within certain counties, to be paid by the
respective counties wherein the services shall be
performed.
Whereas it is represented to this present general
assembly that the rewards given for killing wolves are
not sufficent to induce persons to spend the time
necessary to accomplish the destruction of that pest,
which have lately become very numerous in the frontier,
and many other counties within this colony; and wheras
the inhabitants of several counties have desired that
the rewards for killing wolves within the said counties
may be increased …Be it enacted … That …every person who
shall kill any wolf within the counties of Hampshire,
Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier,
Buckingham, or Culpeper, shall have an additional reward
of fifty pounds of neat tobacco for every young wolf…
and for every wolf above [six months] one hundred pounds
… to be levied and paid in the respective counties …
II. Provided always, that the said county courts of
Hampshire and Frederick shall levy the rewards given by
this act in money, at a rate of twelve shillings and six
pence for every hundred weight of tobacco.
II. And…That this act shall continue and be in force for
three years, and no longer.
November 1766
An act for continuing an act, intituled,
An act for increasing the rewards for killing wolves
within certain counties …
Whereas the act … will expire on the first day of June,
in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty eight,
and it is necessary that the said act (except …as
relates to the counties of Buckingham, Fauquier, and
Loudoun) should be further continued …and be in force
from and after the said first day of June, for …two
years and no longer. …
November 1769
An act for further continuing and amending the
act, intituled
an act for increasing the rewards for killing wolves
within certain counties …
I. WHEREAS the act …will expire on the first day of June
next [1770]; …That the said recited act shall continue
and be in force, from and after the first day of June
next, for and during the term of three years.
II. [Added Louisa, Fauquier (removed in 1766), Culpeper,
and Botetourt counties and for them defined a young wolf
as one under four months instead of six.]
February 1772
An act for further continuing and amending the
act, intituled
an act for increasing the rewards for killing wolves
within certain counties …
[Extended the act providing an additional reward through
June of 1776 in Hampshire, Frederick, Louisa, Prince
William, Fauquier, Buckingham, and Culpeper, while
removing Botetourt County from the list.]
II. And whereas many disorderly persons make a practice
of killing deer for the benefit of the skins, leaving
the carcase in the woods, which greatly contributes to
encrease the number of wolves: For remedy whereof, Be it
enacted …whenever any person, claiming the reward for
killing wolves in any county, shall produce the
certificate, by law directed, to the court, at the time
of laying the county levy, the said court shall and may,
and they are hereby directed to enquire and to take such
proof and testimony as to them shall seem best, whether
the person named in such certificate, and claiming the
said reward, hath been guilty of the practice of killing
deer, and leaving the carcases as aforesaid; and if it
shall so appear to said court, the claim of every person
so offending, shall be disallowed.
(top)
PART IV — Acts Setting Bounties other
than Wolves Jump to:
1742; 1769;
1772
August 1734
An Act for destroying Crows and Squirrels in the
Northern Neck,
and on the Eastern Shore.
Whereas crows and squirrels do great damage to the crops
of corn [corn in this context referred to all grain
crops], in some parts of this colony: For the prevention
of the like damage hereafter, Be it enacted, …That
…every person dwelling in the Northern Neck, and on the
Eastern-Shore, in this colony, who is by law obliged to
give a list of the tithables in his or her family,
shall, annually, …produce to the justice of the peace
who shall be appointed to take the list of tithables in
the precinct…three [bold added] crow heads, or squirrels
scalps, for every tithable by him or her listed that
year; and every such justice shall cause such scalps and
heads to be destroyed, to prevent their being produced a
second time; …
III. …this act shall continue and be in force three
years from the passing thereof, and no longer.
May 1742
An act for destroying Crows and Squirrels, on the
Eastern Shore
Whereas crows and squirrels do great damage to the crops
of corn on the Eastern Shore. … Be it enacted, …That
…every person dwelling on the Eastern-Shore, …produce to
the justice of the peace who shall be appointed to take
the list of tithables in the precinct…four [bold
added]crow heads, or squirrels scalps, for every
tithable by him or her listed that year; …
IV. …this act shall continue and be in force four years,
from the passing thereof, and from thence to the end of
the next session of Assembly, and no longer.
November 1769
An act for destroying crows and squirrels in
certain counties therein mentioned.
Whereas it is represented to this General Assembly, that
crows and squirrels do great damage to crops of corn
[grain], in the counties of Accomack, Albemarle,
Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Buckingham, Culpeper,
Fauquier, Fredrick, Hampshire, Loudoun, Northumberland,
Orange, Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward: For remedy
whereof, Be it enacted … That …every person dwelling in
within the said counties respectively, who is by law
obliged to give a list of the tithables in his or her
family, shall, annually, …produce to the justice of the
peace who shall be appointed to take the list of
tithables in the precinct…five[bold added] crow heads,
or squirrels scalps, for every tithable by him or her
listed that year; and every such justice shall cause
such scalps and heads to be destroyed, to prevent their
being produced a second time; …
II. …this act shall continue and be in force three years
from the passing thereof.
February 1772
An act for continuing and amending the act
intituled
An act for destroying crows and squirrels in certain
counties therein mentioned.
Whereas the act of assembly … will expire on the
twenty-first day of December next [repealed the act in
Albemarle, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Buckingham,
Culpeper, Fauquier, Loudoun, Northumberland, Orange,
Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward. Added Botetourt and
Princess Anne to Augusta, Frederick and Hampshire and
continued the act in those five counties for an
additional three years.] (top)
PART V — Acts on Exportation of and
Duties on Hides and Skins Jump
to: 1661; 1671;
1680; 1682;
1691; 1693;
1705; 1738;
1744; 1745;
1759
February 1631-2
ACT LI
IT is ordered, That no cowe hides, oxe hides,
bull hides, goate skynes, deer skynes, or other hides,
or skynes whatsoever, be sent or carryed out of this
colony uppon forfeiture of thrice the value, whereof the
one halfe to the informer, and the other halfe to
publique use.
September 1632-3
ACT XLVIII
IT is ordered, That no cow hides, oxe hides, bull hides,
goat skins, deare skins, or other hides, or
skinswhatsoever, shall be sent or carryed out of this
colony uppon forfeiture of thrice the value thereof, the
one khalfe to the informer, and the other haalfe to
publique uses. Beaver skins, otter skins and all sorts
of furrs excepted.
March 1661-2
ACT CXV
Exportation of hides
WHEREAS the exportation of hides, wool, and iron is
generally conceived to be prejuditiall to the
commonwealth and good of this colony. Be it therefore
enacted ... that what person or persons soever export
out of this colony either wool, hides or iron shall ...
pay for every of their offenses ... as followeth. (vizt.)
ffor every hide soe exported the summe of one thousand
pounds of tobacco ...
September 1671
ACT II.
An act permitting the exportation of wool, hides and
iron
WHEREAS it was hoped that weavers, tanners and smiths
would have been encouraged ... [when supplied] with
materials to work upon ... [the act did not succeed] ...
all acts tending to the restriction of selling or
exporting of any of the comodities aforesaid stand
repealed and every one permitted to make the best he can
of his owne comodity.
June 1680
ACT XII.
An act prohibiting the transportation of raw hides and
Deer Skins
BEE it enacted ... it shall be unlawful for any person
or persons whatsoever to export out of this his
majesty’s colony of Virginia any untanned hides or deer
skins upon the penalty of paying for every raw hide or
deer skin one hundred pounds of tobacco and caske ...
November 1682
ACT IV
An act prohibiting the exportation of any iron, wool,
woolfells, skins, hides or leather
WHEREAS it is found by experience that iron, wool,
woolfells, skins and hides tanned or untanned, of any
deer, oxe, steer, bull, cow or calfe are very necessary
and profitable for the use and support of the country,
and would be found profittable for the setting to work
many men, women and children in the country which lye
idle for want of imployment, and some naked for want of
such necessaries as might be wrought out of the same,
which they are kept from by reason of the great
quantities of them yearly exported ... [penalty set at]
one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco for every skin
or hide or any manner of leather, tanned or untanned of
any deer, oxe, steere, bull, cow or calfe ... [ship
owners and seamen also to be fined] ...[sale of these
items to outside merchants and seamen also prohibited]
... this act shall continue in force untill the tenth
day of November ...1685, and thence to the end of the
next session of assembly.
April 1691
Act VII An Act for Port & C.
… such duties and customes, and imposts, upon the
following goods, wares, and merchantdises as shall be
exported and carried out of this their majesties
dominion, either by land or water, from and after the
first of June next ensueing, as followeth, that is to
say; for every raw hide one shilling, for every tann’d
hide two shillings, for every buck shin drest or undrest
eight pence, every pound of beaver eight pence, every
otter skin six pence, every wild Catt skin three pence,
every Minx skin two pence, every fox skin three pence,
every Raccoon skin one penny, every dosen muskrat skins
six pence, for every Elk skin one shilling, for every
pound of wool six pence, for every pound of iron one
penny, which said duties, customes, and imposts are to
be satisfied and paid by the person or persons exporting
or carrying out the same either by land or water to the
collector or collectors appointed to receive the said
duties, customes or imports…
October 1693
An act laying an imposision upon skins and ffurrs
for better support of the Colledge of William and Mary
in Virginia
…it is hereby enacted, That from and after the first day
of January next, there shall be satisfied and paid …
towards the better support and maintenance of the
colledge of William and Mary in Virginia speedily
intended by Gods grace to be erected at Middle
Plantation within this government. The following dutyes,
customes, and impost for the following goods, wares, and
merchandises which shall be exported, carried out of
this theire majesties dominion either by land or water
(that is to say) for every rawhide three pence, for
every tan’d hide six pence, for every dressed buckskin
one peney three ffarthings, for every undrest buckskin
one peney, for every doe skin dressed one peney halfe
peney for every undrest doe skin three farthings, for
every pound of beaver three pence, for every otter skin
two pence, for every wild catt skin one peney halfe
peney, for every minx skin one penny, for every fox skin
one peney halfe peney, for every dozen racoon skins
three pence, and soe proportionably for a lesser or
greater quantity, and for every elk skin four pence
halfe peney.”
October 1705
An act for laying an imposition upon skins and
furrs;
for the better support of the College of William and
Mary, in Virginia.
“…For every raw hide, three pence; For every tann’d
hide, six pence;: For every drest buck-skin, one penny
three farthings: For every undrest buck-skin one penny:
For every doe-skin drest, one penny half penny: For
every undrest doe-skin, three farthings: For every pound
of bever, three pence: For every otter skin, two pence:
For every wild cat-skin, one penny half penny: For every
mink-skin, one penny: For every fox-skin, one penny half
penny: For every dozen of musk-rat-skins, two pence, and
so proportionably for a greater or lesser quantity: And,
for every el-skin, four pence half penny. …”
“… That the several collectors, or officers, appointed
to collect and receive the said dutie, customs, and
imposts, shall from time to time, be accountable and pay
the same to the governors of the said college of William
and Mary…And for the receiving and paying thereof, the
said collector or collectors shall be allowed six per
cent.”
November 1738
An Act for licensing Pedlars; and preventing
frauds in the duties upon Skins and Furs
Whereas divers vagrant and idle people are frequently
found travelling about the country, under the name of
pedlars; and great frauds and abuses are committed and
carried on by such persons, particularly in the
exportation of skins and furs, without paying duty. For
remedy where for:
…it shall not be lawful for any pedlar, or other person,
going from place to place, or to other men’s houses, and
carrying to sell, or exposing to sale, any goods, wares,
or merchandizes; to sell or dispose of, by way of barter
or exchange, or in any other manner, any such goods,
wares, or merchandizes, without a license for so
doing…such license shall be granted by the court of the
county wher1`e his habitation or usual place of
residence is: And if he be an inhabitant of another
country, such license shall be granted by the county
court of that county into which such pedlar or other
person shall first come, upon arrival into this colony.
Which license the said county courts are hereby
respectively impowered to grant, or refuse, at their
discretion. And every license so granted shall be signed
by the clerk of the court granting the same. …no such
license shall be granted for a longer term than one
year…And the person…shall first enter into bond…in the
penalty of twenty pounds, with condition, that he will
not export, or cause to be exported, …any skins or furs,
either by land or water, without first paying the duties
imposed …
September 1744
[1705 act … for the better support of the College
of William and Mary… amended to add an
additional duty of] …two shillings and six pence for
every raw [cow] hide, and five shillings for every
tanned hide, exported… [no change to the duties on the
other skins or hides]
February 1745
An Act, to explain and amend an act, intitled, An
Act for licensing Pedlars; and preventing frauds in the
duties upon Skins and Furs
Whereas the method of licensing pedlars…hath be found
inconvenient: …That from and after the first day of May
next, no pedlar, or other person, whether he be an
inhabitant of this colony or not, shall go from place to
place, or to other mens houses, and sell or expose for
sale, or barter any goods or merchandizes whatsoever,
for skins and furrs, without license first obtained,
under the hand and seal of a collector of duties upon
skins and furrs, exported by land. residing near the
frontiers…
That every collector of the duties upon skins and furrs,
exported by land…is hereby authorized and impowered,…to
grant or refuse at his discretion…license or licenses to
trade…
[trader to post bond and] pay down the sum of ten
shillings for the use of the governor…and the further
sum of five shillings to the collector granting such
license for writing the same and the bond aforesaid.
February 1759
An Act for reducing the several Acts for licensing
pedlars,
and preventing frauds in the dutiers upon skins and
furs, into one act.
I. Whereas the several laws heretofore made for granting
licensees to pedlars, and preventing frauds in the
duties upon skins and furs, have been found insufficient
to answer the purposes thereby intended, and it hath
been represented to this general assembly, that great
frauds and abuses are still committed and carried out by
people under the name of pedlars, and in particularly in
the exportation of skins and furs, without paying any
duty; ... Be it enacted ... That from and after the
tenth day of October next, no pedlar, or other person,
whether he be an inhabitant of this colony or not, shall
go from place to place, or to other mens houses, and
sell or expose to sale, or barter, any goods or
merchandise whatsoever, without license first obtained
under the hand and seal of the collector of the duties
upon skins and furs exported by land, residing near the
frontiers, appointed in the manner herein after
directed; and if any pedlar shall refuse to produce such
license, when required by any person, to or before whom
he shall sell or expose to sale, or barter, any goods or
merchandize, the same may be seized by the person or
persons requiring such license to be produced, and upon
due proof thereof made before a justice of peace, the
goods so seized shall be forfeited, and delivered to the
seizer, for his own use.
II. And be it further enacted ... That the governor, or
commander in chief of this colony for the time being,
with the advice of the council, shall and may appoint
one or more collector or collectors of the duties upon
skins and furs exported by land, who shall reside near
the frontiers of this colony; which collector shall
have, and be allowed, a salary of ten in the hundred for
receiving the said duties, ... and is hereby authorized
and impowered, from time to time, to grant or refuse at
his discretion ... licenses to trade ... the party
obtaining such license first entering into bond ... in
the penalty of twenty pounds, with condition that he
will not export, or cause to be exported, ... any skins
or furs ...without first paying the duties imposed on
such skins and furs, by one act of assembly made in the
twenty-second year of the reign of his present majesty,
intitled, An act for the better support of the college
of William and Mary, and shall also make oath and swear
to the same effect, and pay down the sum of twenty
shillings, for the use of the governor ... the sum of
three pounds, for the use of the college of William and
Mary; and the further sum of twenty shillings to such
collector granting such license ... [also, any collector
who issued a license without securing this bond and
collecting the fees was to be fined twenty pounds.]
IV. And be it further enacted ... That every collector
of the duties ... who shall at any time himself export
skins or furs ... shall first make oath before a justice
of peace to the number and kind of skins or furs, and
the weight of beaver by him intended to be exported, and
to what port or place, and obtain a certificate of such
oath ...[the certificate and appropriate amount of duty
to be sent in with his report of duties collected].
V. And ... That if any pedlar or other person, as
aforesaid, shall ... be found travelling or trading
without such license ... such person shall forfeit and
pay ... the sum of twenty shillings, to the use of the
informer ... And in case such person after conviction
shall refuse or delay to make present payment ...it
shall and may be lawful for such justice to order ...
twenty lashes on his bare back well laid on ... And in
case any such pedlar ...shall be found travelling
towards any other of his majesty’s colonies with any
skins or furs, beyond the place where the collector or
collectors aforesaid usually reside, and upon demand
made by any inhabitant of this colony shall refuse to
produce and show a certificate that the duties ... have
been paid, such skins and furs may be seized by any
person or persons ... [and] immediately carry them to
the next justice of the peace ... [if after two months
proof of payment of duties isn’t produced] the same are
hereby declared to be forfeited, and shall and may be
sold by order of the said county court to the highest
bidder; and one half of the money [after costs] ...
towards the better support of the college of William and
Mary, and the other half to the person who shall seize
the same ...
VI. And ... That if any pedlar or other person, trading
as aforesaid, shall presume to resist or offer any
violence to any person or persons who shall be employed
in the execution of the powers and authorities given to
them by this act, ... such pedlar... shall forfeit and
pay the sum of fifty pounds; one half ... toward the
better support of said college ... and the other half to
the informer ... [county sheriff to arrest and jail
offender].
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