The Colonists may, for building houses and vessels and carrying on trade, cut as much timber as they think fit, without paying anything therefor, not only in the nearest and most convenient forests, but also in any other places situate in the district, and under the jurisdiction of the Company in New Netherland, and not already granted to and owned by any private person, provided they submit to the regulation in that behalf made, or hereafter to be made, as in Article 28. 27.

The Burgomasters of Amsterdam as founders and Patroons, and as possessors of the jurisdiction, shall appoint the secretary, messenger, and other inferior officers.

23.

Hunting in the woods and fishing in all the waters and rivers, not heretofore owned by other persons, shall be free to each of the Colonists, under certain regulations to be made respecting them, by authority of the Company or their High Mightinesses.

Vol. I. 80

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634 NEW-YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

The City of Amsterdam shall provide for the transportation of all tools and farming implements, free and without paying any duty.

And in regard to articles which are sent as merchandise, they shall pay to the Directors of the West India Company, as duty, according to the specification in the subjoined

Table. Convoy; 8 stivers each with i advance. For 100 guilders Duflels 2J pieces, Duty, @^ 12 per cent,

In New Netherland 4 per cent fl.4 light money, to wit : the rix dollar @^ 03 stivers,

For 100 guilders, Blankets 28, i ^""^"^ ^' "^°^^' '^''^ ^'^^^»^^' [ Duty (aX 12 per cent,