7 Johns. 385 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1811
The plaintiffs offered the strongest proof that could be given of a mercantile usage, settling the meaning and extent of the term roots, in the memorandum of the policy, and that it did not apply to the subject in question. The only point then is, whether usage is admissible at all, to control the ordinary and popular sense of the term.
The case of Baker v. Ludlow (2 Johns. Cas. 289.) says, that the words in the memorandum, “ all other articles perishable in their own nature,” were not applicable to the articles previously and specifically enumerated. But that case does not decide the question, how far usage is admissible to explain the sense of the contract; though evidence of usage was there admitted without objection.
The nonsuit ought, therefore, to be set aside, and a new trial awarded, with costs to abide the event of the suit.