Raftsman's Journal

Prosecuting Careless Farmers.

The West Chester Republican states that during the session of the Legislature of 1867, through the influence of a Farmer's Club in that county, a bill was passed applicable alone to Chester county, making it a penal offense for "any person or persons, owning, possessing, or occupying and holding land or lands, in the county of Chester, to allow either or any of the following weeds to mature seed on land owned by him or them, viz: The common mullen, the moth mullen, wild carrot, Canada thistle, horse nettle and ox-eye daisy. Any person owning, occupying or holding land upon which said weeds, or either of them, shall be found with matured seed, shall be deemed and taken as maintaining a nuisance, and shall be subject to such penalties as are now, by law, imposed." Railroad companies are also made liable to the same provisions. The two first cases that have occurred under the law, took place before Justice Whitehead, of West Chester, last week. Mr. Ferdinand Wood made complaint against John Ortlep for allowing ox eye daisies, and other noxious weeds to mature upon his property. He was held to bail in the sum of $100, to answer the charge. Subsequently Ortlep made complaint against Wood, for the same offense, and he was likewise held to answer. Both parties reside in the township of Londonderry.