Chapter XII: Section 1: The selectmen of the town of Essex may by writing

under their hands grant a license for such a term of years, not
exceeding five, as they in their discretion may deem necessary
and the public good requires, to any inhabitant of said town,
to plant, cultivate and dig clams upon and in any flats and
creeks in said town now unproductive thereof, not exceeding two
acres to any one person, and not impairing the private rights
of any person.