OF OLD NEW YORK
 

DIGEST OF CITY ORDINANCES, PRIOR TO
THE REVOLUTION

HELATIKG TO THE CITY OE NEW AMSTERDAM, DURING THE
FIRST PEliIOD OF THE DUTCH POSSESSION, WHETHER SAID
ORDINANCES WERE ENACTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE COLONIAL
OU CITY OEFICERS.

PoLiCE Regulations (May, 1647).—An ordinance of the
Director-General and Council:

AIl tapsters and inn-keepers are commanded that, on the
Sabbath-day, they shall not sell liquors, except to boarders,
before two o'clock in thc afternoon, in case there is no
preaching, or before four o'clock on the days when there
is preaching.

They are also enjoined from selling liquors, excepting to
boarders, on any day after ringing of the evening bell,
at 9 o'clock.

All persons who shall rashly, or in anger, draw a knife
or dagger against another, shall be fined one hundred
guilders, and, in default of payment, be put to menial
labor. In case of wounding another, the fine shall be three
hundred guilders.

Sf.lling Liquor to the Indians (July, 1647).—An ordi-
nance of  the Director-General and  ("ouncil:

All persons are interdicted from selling liquor to the
Indians.

Trespassing on Orchards, etc. (July, 1647).—By the
Director-General and  Council:

All persons are forbidden to trespass on the orchards,
fields, and gardens, provided they be inclosed in fence, or
planted with fruit-trees, under penalty of one hundred
guilders.

Fences to be made (July, 1647).—By the Director-
General and  Council:

AII inhabitants are charged to set off and put their plan-
tations in good fence, so that cattle may be kept out.

Cattle Trespassing (July, 1647).—By the Director-
General and  Council:

Horses, kine, and, in a special manner, goats and hogs,
must be taken care of, and kept from trespassing. A
pound shall be built to detain such cattle, of which every
one must take notice, and look out for costs.

Erecting HousES (July, 1647).—By the Director-General
and Council:

Three Surveyors of buildings are appointed, who are
empowered  to   condemn   all   impropriety   and   disorder   in

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