I. Concerning the Compensation for Cutting Down Trees.
Where anyone, without the knowledge of the owner, cuts down a tree belonging to another; if it is a fruit tree, he shall pay three solidi; if it is an olive, five solidi; if it is an oak of large size, two solidi; if it is an oak of small size, one solidus; and for a tree of any other species of considerable size, he shall pay two solidi. For such trees, although they do not bear fruit, are useful for many purposes. And this compensation shall be made if the trees should be only cut down; for if they should be cut down and carried away, either similar trees must be given in their stead, or double the above named sums must be paid.
ANCIENT LAW.
II. Where Anyone Destroys the Garden of Another.
Where anyone destroys the garden of another, he shall, at once, be compelled by the judge to pay to the owner a sum equal to the amount of damage which he has caused. If a slave should be guilty of this offence, he shall, in addition to the payment of said damages, receive a hundred lashes.
ANCIENT LAW.
III. Where Injury, or Homicide, Results from the Cutting Down of a Tree.
If anyone should cut down a tree, and any injury should result; or if the tree, in falling, should kill anyone; he who cut it down shall be responsible for the same. If, however, a number of men should be in the neighborhood of said tree, and the party should previously notify them that the tree was about to fall; and if, after he gave such notice, anyone should be injured or killed by the falling branches, he, who cut down the tree shall incur no liability whatever. But if the fall of the tree should cripple or injure any person who is old, or weak, or asleep, or unable to take care of himself; or any cattle of any description; the guilty party shall give to the master for every quadruped, one of equal value; and where a man is killed, he shall be deemed guilty of homicide. In case any person should be mutilated or crippled, he who caused the damage, shall be compelled to render satisfaction as prescribed by law; and if anyone should forcibly cut down a tree belonging to another, he shall at once render full compensation therefor. If the owner of a tree should have refused to permit it to be cut down, and any person should be killed while he was cutting it, no responsibility shall attach to anyone on account of his death.
ANCIENT LAW.
IV. Where a Tree is Partially Cut Down, or is Injured by Fire.