The posts or pillars erected pursuant to chapter two hundred and eighty-six of the acts of eighteen hundred and seventy to indicate the true meridian lines shall remain the property of the respective counties in which they are situated, under the care of the county commissioners, and shall be accessible to any surveyor or civil engineer residing in the same county or engaged in surveying therein, for the purpose of testing the variation of the compass for the time being. Whoever wilfully displaces, alters, defaces, destroys or otherwise injures any of the aforesaid posts or the fixtures thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars, to be divided between the complainant and the county.
Massachusetts Legal Code