Malicious Damage Act, 1861

Setting fire to crops of corn, &c.

16. Whosoever shall unlawfully and maliciously set fire to any crop of hay, grass, corn, grain, or pulse, or of any cultivated vegetable produce, whether standing or cut down, or to any part of any wood, coppice, or plantation of trees, or to any heath, gorse, furze, or fern, wheresoever the same may be growing, shall be guilty of felony, and being convicted thereof shall be liable, at the discretion of the court, to be kept in penal servitude for any term not exceeding fourteen years . . . or to be imprisoned . . . and, if a male under the age of sixteen years, with or without whipping.