An abstract of title certified by any reputable Colorado abstractor or abstract company incorporated under the laws of the state of Colorado may be used to establish prima facie evidence that the chain of title is as shown by the abstract, except as to any of the instruments of conveyance or record thereof or certified copy thereof which may be offered in evidence, and the court may take judicial notice of the repute of the abstractor. The absence of tax sale certificates from such abstract for any period of time covered by the abstract shall be prima facie evidence of the payment of taxes during such period by the party relying upon any chain of title shown by such abstract.L. 27: p. 600, § 34. CSA: C. 40, § 140. CRS 53: § 118-7-5. C.R.S. 1963: § 118-7-5.