85

The directors of any railroad corporation operating a railroad, constructed and used principally for transporting lumber or ores, during the summer months, or for summer travel, may, by a resolution duly passed at a meeting thereof, apply to the commissioner of transportation for permission to cease the operation of their road during the winter season, for a period not exceeding seven months in any one year, specifying the date of such suspension, and the date of the reopening thereof, and such commissioner of transportation may, in his discretion, make an order granting the application wholly or in part, and thereupon such railroad corporation shall be relieved of the duty of operating its road during the period specified in the order. A copy of such order shall be posted in all depots and at the termini of such railroad, and published in every newspaper in each town in any part of which such road shall be constructed at least four weeks prior to the date of such suspension.