reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 2-19-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-1 - Practices subject to chapter.

§ 2-19-1. Practices subject to chapter.The term arborist as used in this chapter means any person, firm or corporation who makes a business or practice of pruning, trimming, spraying or repairing fruit, shade and ornamental trees, and includes any lines of work that are commonly included under the terms tree surgery, tree dentistry, tree spraying, tree pruning, and the work of foresters and entomologists as applied to the care of fruit, shade, forest and ornamental trees and shrubs. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation established in chapter 23-19.History of Section.P.L. 1928, ch. 1203, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 227, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-19-1; P.L. 2013, ch. 451, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 482, § 1.
RI Gen L § 2-19-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-2 - Issuance of license - Fee.

§ 2-19-2. Issuance of license — Fee.Any person, firm or corporation desiring to engage in or practice the art or trade of arborist, as defined in § 2-19-1, shall obtain a license to engage or practice from the director of environmental management. The director is authorized to grant licenses to practice that art or trade and require that the applicant for the license pass an examination showing fitness to engage in that art or trade, and the director shall charge a fee as determined by regulation as authorized in § 2-10-3.1. This fee shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00).History of Section.P.L. 1928, ch. 1203, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 227, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 2-19-2; P.L. 1960, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 23, § 6.
RI Gen L § 2-19-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-3 - Rules and regulations - Examination for license.

§ 2-19-3. Rules and regulations — Examination for license.The director of the department of environmental management is authorized to make rules and regulations governing the practice of arborists and shall demand any person, firm, or corporation desiring to engage in the art or trade of treating and caring for trees as defined in § 2-19-1, that he, she, or it pass an examination to show his, her, or its ability or capability to practice the art or trade of arborist. The director is further authorized to make rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including rules and regulations governing mulching operations and arboriculture operations as those terms are defined in § 2-19-4.1.History of Section.P.L. 1928, ch. 1203, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 227, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-19-3; P.L. 2013, ch. 451, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 482, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 2.
RI Gen L § 2-19-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-4 - Disposition of license fees.

§ 2-19-4. Disposition of license fees.One-fifth (⅕) of all funds collected for licensing in this chapter shall, by the director of environmental management, be paid over to the general treasurer and deposited within the general fund, and four-fifths (⅘) of the funds collected shall be deposited in the state forestry fund as provided for in § 2-10-3.History of Section.P.L. 1928, ch. 1203, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 227, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-19-4; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 23, § 6.
RI Gen L § 2-19-4.1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-4.1 - Arboriculture and mulching operations defined.

§ 2-19-4.1. Arboriculture and mulching operations defined.(a) As used in this chapter:(1) "Arboriculture" means the business or practice of pruning, trimming, spraying or repairing fruit, shade and ornamental trees, and includes any lines of work that are commonly included under the terms tree surgery, tree dentistry, tree spraying, tree pruning, and the work of foresters and entomologists as applied to the care of fruit, shade, forest and ornamental trees and shrubs.(2) "Mulch" means any type of forest material, vegetative matter resulting from landscaping maintenance or land clearing operations and includes materials such as tree and shrub trimmings, tree and shrub roots, tree trunks, branches, leaves and tree stumps, that is produced for the purpose of spreading or application over the surface of the soil as a protective cover, to retain moisture, reduce erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth, seed germination and for general landscaping purposes.(3) "Mulching operation" means any commercial enterprise operating on at least five (5) contiguous acres or larger, which is owned or operated by a licensed arborist pursuant to this chapter, and has as its primary purpose the production or storage of mulch.(4) "Arboriculture operations" means any commercial enterprise operating on at least five (5) contiguous acres or larger, which is owned or operated by a licensed arborist pursuant to this chapter, and has as its primary purpose arboriculture.(b) Arboriculture operations and mulching operations shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 2-15.History of Section.P.L. 2013, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 482, § 2.
RI Gen L § 2-19-4.2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-4.2 - Nuisance actions against arboriculture operations or mulching operations.

§ 2-19-4.2. Nuisance actions against arboriculture operations or mulching operations.(a) No arboriculture operation or mulching operation, as defined in this chapter may be found to be a public or private nuisance, due to alleged objectionable:(1) Noise from equipment used in normal, generally accepted arboriculture or mulching operations;(2) Dust created from normal, generally accepted arboriculture or mulching operations;(3) Use of pesticides, rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.This provision pertains only to nuisance actions under chapter 1 of title 10.(b) No rule or regulation of the department of transportation shall be enforced against any arboriculture operation or mulching operation to prevent it from placing a seasonal directional sign or display on the state's right-of-way, on the condition that said sign or display conforms with the local zoning ordinance, and that sign or display is promptly removed by the arboriculture operation or mulching operation upon the conclusion of the season for which said sign or display was placed.(c) The provisions of this section do not apply to arboriculture operations or mulching operations that operate in a malicious or negligent manner, or that conduct operations in violation of federal or state law.History of Section.P.L. 2013, ch. 451, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 482, § 2.
RI Gen L § 2-19-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-19 - Arborists|Section 2-19-5 - Penalty for violations.

§ 2-19-5. Penalty for violations.Any person, firm or corporation who falsely represents that he or she holds an arborist license provided for in this chapter or who violates any other provision of this chapter, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).History of Section.P.L. 1928, ch. 1203, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 227, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-19-5; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 23, § 6.
RI Gen L § 2-20-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-1 - Appointment of city and town surveyors and measurers.

§ 2-20-1. Appointment of city and town surveyors and measurers.The city and town councils of all cities and towns where boards, plank, timber, joist and scantling are imported for sale shall annually, on or before the first day of March, appoint one or more surveyors and measurers of boards, plank, timber, joist and scantling, who are removable at the pleasure of the council. Each surveyor shall give bond, with two (2) securities, in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500), to the city or town treasurer for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-1.
RI Gen L § 2-20-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-2 - Deputies for measurement of hardwood and ship timber.

§ 2-20-2. Deputies for measurement of hardwood and ship timber.The surveyor of lumber for any city or town may appoint one or more deputy surveyors, whose duty it is to survey mahogany, cedar and cherry tree boards, planks, joists and timber, and other ornamental or hardwood lumber, and ship timber, and the deputy shall give bond with surety, as required in § 2-20-6.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-2.
RI Gen L § 2-20-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-3 - Surveyor for Providence - Election - Term.

§ 2-20-3. Surveyor for Providence — Election — Term.There is a surveyor of lumber for the city of Providence, who is well skilled in the surveying and measurement of lumber. The surveyor shall be elected in the month of February annually, by the city council of the city, and shall hold his or her office for one year and until a successor is chosen or unless the surveyor is removed sooner.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-3.
RI Gen L § 2-20-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-4 - Bond of Providence surveyor.

§ 2-20-4. Bond of Providence surveyor.The Providence surveyor shall, before entering on the duties of his or her office, give bond with two (2) sureties to the city treasurer, in the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000), for the faithful discharge of his or her duties.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-4.
RI Gen L § 2-20-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-5 - Deputy surveyors for Providence.

§ 2-20-5. Deputy surveyors for Providence.The Providence surveyor may appoint, subject to the approval of the city council of the city, a number of deputy surveyors, not less than six (6), that he or she judges sufficient, for whose official conduct he or she shall be answerable.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-5.
RI Gen L § 2-20-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-6 - Bonds of deputies - Oath - Removal.

§ 2-20-6. Bonds of deputies — Oath — Removal.The Providence surveyor shall take bonds from his or her deputies for the faithful discharge of their duties, in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) each, with surety, and the deputies shall be sworn faithfully to perform their duties, and shall be removable by the surveyor for neglect of duty.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-6.
RI Gen L § 2-20-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-7 - Returns by Providence surveyor.

§ 2-20-7. Returns by Providence surveyor.The Providence surveyor shall make return to the city council of the city of Providence, on the first Monday in February annually, of all lumber surveyed by himself or herself or his or her deputies, specifying the various kinds and qualities and by whom surveyed, and the amount of all fees received by him or her and his or her deputies pursuant to this chapter; and the city council shall cause those returns to be published in one of the newspapers published in the city.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-7.
RI Gen L § 2-20-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-8 - Surveyors for Newport - Election - Bonds.

§ 2-20-8. Surveyors for Newport — Election — Bonds.The council of the city of Newport shall annually, in the month of February, elect one or more surveyors and measurers of boards, planks, timber, joist and scantling, removable at the pleasure of the city council, who shall each give bond, with surety, in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000), to the city treasurer, for the faithful discharge of the duties of that office.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-8.
RI Gen L § 2-20-9 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-9 - Records of surveys.

§ 2-20-9. Records of surveys.Every surveyor and measurer shall keep a true and faithful record of all surveys of lumber made by him or her, together with all figures made by him in taking an account of those surveys, and that record shall be open to the inspection of all persons.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-9.
RI Gen L § 2-20-10 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-10 - Application of chapter to city and town surveyors.

§ 2-20-10. Application of chapter to city and town surveyors.Every surveyor and measurer of boards, planks, timber, joist and scantling, appointed by the city or town council of any city or town or by the council of the city of Newport, shall be subject to all the duties, provisions and penalties contained in this chapter.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-10.
RI Gen L § 2-20-11 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-11 - Imported lumber subject to survey.

§ 2-20-11. Imported lumber subject to survey.All lumber brought by water or imported, discharged or delivered in this state, whether on the land or into a boat or vessel, except as provided in this chapter, shall be surveyed and measured according to the provisions of this chapter.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-11.
RI Gen L § 2-20-12 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-12 - Measurement of thin boards.

§ 2-20-12. Measurement of thin boards.All boards less than three-fourths (¾) of an inch thick shall be surveyed and measured in the same manner as to quality, quantity and numbers, as though they were of the thickness of one inch (1").History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-12.
RI Gen L § 2-20-13 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-13 - Planks and joists.

§ 2-20-13. Planks and joists.All planks and joists shall be surveyed as to quality and numbers the same as boards and their contents measured and marked in board measure.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-13.
RI Gen L § 2-20-14 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-14 - Measurement of mahogany and cedar.

§ 2-20-14. Measurement of mahogany and cedar.(a) In the survey and measurement of mahogany and cedar timber, there shall be allowed:(1) If the timber is sound and free from wane, two (2) inches on one side of the square, one inch on the other side and two (2) inches in length;(2) If the timber is wider on one side than on the other, the two (2) inches shall be taken from the narrow side;(3) If wany, two (2) inches on each side of the square;(4) For rot and shakes, there shall be an allowance made as the surveyor deems expedient, not exceeding one-half.(b) All timber that is wormeaten, very much rotten, badly shaked or very wany, shall be denominated refuse, and allowance shall be made for rot.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-14.
RI Gen L § 2-20-15 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-15 - Grading of soft pine.

§ 2-20-15. Grading of soft pine.In the surveying of soft pine boards there shall be six (6) sorts:(1) The first sort shall be denominated number 1 and marked I, and includes boards free from sap, rot, knots, shakes and splits, not less than one inch thick, square-edged, and contains not less than sixteen (16) feet in quantity.(2) The second sort shall be denominated number 2 and marked II. Lumber of this sort does not have over one inch sap on the edges and is free from shakes, rot and knots, square-edged, and not less than seven-eighths (⅞) of an inch thick.(3) The third sort shall be denominated number 3 and marked III. Lumber of this sort shall be free from rot and shakes and nearly free from sap and knots.(4) The fourth sort shall be denominated number 4 and marked IV. Lumber of this sort is free from rot, shakes and large knots, suitable for cheap finish and dressing lumber.(5) The fifth sort shall be denominated number 5 and marked V. Lumber of this sort is square-edged, free from rot and shakes and suitable for barn and box boards.(6) The sixth sort shall be denominated number 6 and marked X. Lumber of this sort is not required to be square edged, and may have rot, shakes, knots and sap.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-15.
RI Gen L § 2-20-16 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-16 - Grading of hard pine, spruce, hemlock, and juniper.

§ 2-20-16. Grading of hard pine, spruce, hemlock, and juniper.In the survey of southern hard pine, spruce, hemlock and juniper boards, planks and sawed and hewed timber, there shall be two (2) sorts: (1) The first sort shall be denominated merchantable, and shall include all boards, planks, joists and timber that are sound and square-edged and well sawed; and (2) The second sort shall be denominated refuse and shall include all other descriptions, with allowance for rot.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-16.
RI Gen L § 2-20-17 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-17 - Grading of mahogany, cedar, and cherry.

§ 2-20-17. Grading of mahogany, cedar, and cherry.In the survey and measurement of mahogany, cedar and cherry-tree boards, planks and joists and other ornamental wood and lumber, that are sound and free from bad knots and shakes shall be denominated merchantable, all others shall be denominated refuse, and allowance shall be made for rot and shakes.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-17.
RI Gen L § 2-20-18 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-18 - Grading of other hard woods.

§ 2-20-18. Grading of other hard woods.In the survey of ash, maple and other hardwood boards, planks, joists and timber, there are two (2) sorts: The first sort is denominated merchantable and shall include all boards, planks, joists and timber that are sound and free from bad knots and free from shakes and rot; the second sort is denominated refuse, and shall include all other descriptions, with allowance for rot.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-18.
RI Gen L § 2-20-19 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-19 - Marking of measure.

§ 2-20-19. Marking of measure.In the survey of all boards, planks, joists and timber, the contents of this lumber in board measure shall be marked on this lumber in plain and durable numbers, and all other marks, if not correct, shall be erased. In marking the contents of any lumber, the board measure marks commonly used in marking boards shall only be used.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-19; P.L. 2016, ch. 512, art. 2, § 40.
RI Gen L § 2-20-20 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-20 - Marking of grades.

§ 2-20-20. Marking of grades.The merchantable lumber shall be marked Λ and the refuse lumber shall be marked λ and shall be plainly and durably marked on each piece. Deduction shall be made for splits, not exceeding in any case one-half (½) the extent of the split.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-20.
RI Gen L § 2-20-21 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-21 - Sale according to grading and measurement.

§ 2-20-21. Sale according to grading and measurement.All boards, planks, joists and timber shall be received and sold according to their contents, as fixed and marked under the provisions of this chapter.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-21.
RI Gen L § 2-20-22 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry|Chapter 2-20 - Lumber Surveys|Section 2-20-22 - Survey fees.

§ 2-20-22. Survey fees.There shall be paid for the survey of all lumber, excepting hard woods, twenty-five cents (25¢) per one thousand feet (1,000′) board measure, for mahogany, cedar and cherry-tree timber, boards, planks and joists, fifty cents (50¢) per one thousand feet (1,000′) board measure, for oak and other hard woods, for ship building, twenty-five cents (25¢) per ton, for ash, maple, birch and other hard wood, forty cents (40¢) per one thousand feet (1,000′) board measure, to be paid by the purchaser, and in case the purchaser requires that a person should be employed to keep tally of the lumber, an additional fee of five cents (5¢) per one thousand feet (1,000′) shall be paid for that service. No stock lumber shall be surveyed unless requested by the purchaser.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 135, § 21; G.L. 1909, ch. 161, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 191, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 388, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 2-20-22.