PREFACE. V

of the decision being stated briefly, and other portions being indicated
merely. Where after referring to a case, another case was found vary-
ing somewhat, but largely analogous to the first decision, the second
case is preceded by the words "And see" or "See also". Where a case
or cross-reference seemed to bear rather upon the general subject of
an article than on any particular section thereof, it is referred to in a
foot-note to the article, found on the page on which the article begins.
Where the notes on any section are numerous, they are arranged under
appropriate black-letter headings. In addition to the annotations, the
book contains numerous cross-references, calling attention to where
similar sections or sections dealing with kindred subjects, may be
found. It is hoped that these cross-references will prove useful.

Grateful acknowledgment is made by the editor to the family of
the late Honorable John Prentiss Poe, compiler of the Codes of 1888
and 1904, of their courtesy in allowing the full use in the Annotated
Code of certain portions of the Code of 1904, notably the table of
contents to the articles, and the notes and indices to the Constitutions
of the United States and of Maryland.

To Honorable Jno. Garland Pollard of the Richmond Bar, author
of the Annotated Code of Virginia, at whose suggestion this work was
undertaken, and whose wise counsel so generously given has made its
completion possible, the editor hereby extends a hearty expression of
sincere appreciation.

Grateful recognition is also made of efficient and' valuable assistance
rendered the editor in various portions of this work, at large sacrifice
of time, by the following members of the Baltimore Bar: Horace F.
Whitman. Charles Pielert, Thomas F. Cadwalacler, Frank N. Hoen,
Chester F. Morrow. John J. Haydon, C. Robert Wilson and James
T. Harlan.

With this introduction, I hand the Annotated Code over to the
bench and bar of the State, that enlightened jury whose verdict I shall
await with much interest. In extenuation of the errors and inaccu-
racies which, notwithstanding the exercise of care and every known
precaution, must necessarily creep into a work of such proportions
involving the examination of between five and ten thousand sections of
statute law, and over twenty thousand decisions, I will only say that
abler and more experienced annotators than I. have found it impossible
to avoid errors in the first edition of a work so large and inherently
difficult. While the work has been arduous and difficult—more so than
any one who has not done such work can readily understand—if my
brethren of the profession find that the book, to some extent at
least, conserves their time, lightens their labors, and promotes the;
development of the law of the State, I will not regret having
assumed the task.

GEORGE P. BAGBY.
November 1, 1911.