2 Sheriff, &c. may determine all questions in law contained in petitions and answers.E+W+S
And whereas the said petition and answers may contain matters of law touching rights of thirlage, whereto the said sheriff or steward depute or substitute has not a competent jurisdiction: Be it therefore enacted, that is shall be lawful to the said sheriff or steward depute or substitute, and they are hereby empowered and authorized, to decide and determine, by their order or decree on the said petition and answers, all questions in law therein contained respecting the nature, quality and extent of the thirlage to be valued, and services, prestations and restrictions thereto incident, or the claims, demands and deductions made or craved by either of the parties, any law or practice to the contrary notwithstanding.