156. [Constructing] a useful dam, if it occasion but slight damage [to individuals], is not to be prevented; nor is a well[245] which takes from another's land, if having an abundant supply of water and not of large extent.
157. If one construct a dam in a field, without notice to the owner thereof, the right to use it, when complete, shall belong to the owner of the field: if the field be without owner, then the user belongs to the monarch.
158. Whoso fails to complete the cultivation of a field which he has partially ploughed, shall be made to pay [to the landowner] the value of the [expected] crop. He[246] shall complete the cultivation by means of another.
159. If a female buffalo spoil corn,[247] [her owner] shall be fined eight máshas,[248] if a cow, the half [of that sum]; if a goat or a sheep, the half of the latter.
160. If, after having grazed, they repose there, the fine shall be double what is above specified.
The same [rule applies] to land kept for pasture. An ass and a camel are [in this respect] the same as a female buffalo.
161. There shall be an indemnity for the owner of the field equal in value to the corn destroyed.[249] The herdsmen shall receive a beating, but the cattle-owner be punished by fine, as before mentioned.
162. No guilt attaches[250] [to the cattle-owner,] if the field[251] be close to the public road, or to the village pasture lands,[252] and he do not intend [the trespass]; if he do intend it, then he incurs punishment as a thief.
163. A bull, cattle permitted to be at large,[253] a cow that has recently calved, estrays,[254] and the like,[255] having no keeper or brought there by accident or by act of the monarch, shall be let go free.[256]