Maryland County Commissioners Section 97

      Any person, taxed for any ditch or drain which does not pass through or upon his land may open a ditch or ditches or install drain tile through the intervening lands into such main ditch or ditches and keep the same open at his own cost and charge; provided that no such cross ditch or drain shall be cut through the land of any other person without the consent of the owner of such land, unless the damages thereon accruing to the owner of the land be assessed by three freeholders appointed by the county commissioners for the county for the purpose of assessing such damages. The person applying for such ditch or drain shall pay all costs of laying out and opening the same; and shall also, before making such ditch or drain, tender or pay all damages awarded to such persons as may be injured thereby.