Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

[41] improve it for him the next summer after this next ensuing, and now, this spring, [give] certain intelligence he will do so; and upon condition likewise that he cometh himself the next summer after being the third from this time; and if he shall fail in all or any one of these three conditions, then this grant to be void.¹

Jan. 14, 1638-9.

Ordered, there being found much damage done by swine in this town, since the order of the General Court was repealed, and they left at liberty for each town to order,— it is therefore ordered, at a general meeting of the Townsmen, with a general consent of the inhabitants then present, that is to say, that none, either rich or poor, shall keep above two swine abroad on the common, one sow hog and a barrow, or 2 barrows; and these to be sufficiently yoked and ringed, after the judgment of the two brethren that are appointed to see to the execution of this order, and to bring in a note of such defaults as they find. And if any be found defective, to break this order, either by keeping more than 2 hogs, and such hogs, so let abroad, if not sufficiently [yoked and ringed] after the order, shall pay for every breach of this order 2s., unless in case there should be any failing by unexpected providence, and can be so proved by sufficient evidence; in that case there may be mitigation of this fine, otherwise to take place without all excuses, to the end that each man and this commonweal may be preserved from damage by that creature in this our town.

Oct. 1, 1639.

Ordered, for the preservation of apple-trees and all other kind of quick-set, in men's yards or elsewhere, and for preventing all other damage by them and harm to themselves by skipping over pales, That no goats shall be suffered to go out of the owner's yard without a keeper; but if it appeareth to be willingly, they shall pay unto any one that will put them to pound two pence for every goat, beside damage and poundage. And because the charge would be too great if only a part of them be kept, it is therefore also ordered, that whosoever shall not put forth their goats shall notwithstanding pay to the keeper within one third part as much for every goat as they that do put them out, until the first of March; and after that day, to the full as much as any do for those that are with the herd.

March, 1639-40.

Ordered, That William Towne shall register