The defendant is indicted for stealing several ears of corn in August, standing, growing and un-gathered in the field, being cultivated for food and market. The indictment alleges that the corn was the “property of George Thomas.” The proof shows that the prosecutor, *1113Thomas, was a tenant, and rented the land from Bassett who was to have one-third of the corn; that Thomas did not live on the land, but had charge of the field. At the close of the -evidence the defendant moved to be discharged on the ground of a variance in the bill, and in the proof in that the ownership was alleged to be in Thomas, whereas it should have been in Bassett, the landlord. This is the only question presented.
Where lands are leased or rented for agricultural purposes, the possession of the crop is deemed to be vested in the lessor. Code, sec. 1754. That section is only for a lessor’s protection. Against any third person, the tenant is •entitled to the possession of the land and the crop-, and for an injury thereto whilst it is being cultivated he may maintain an action in his own name for the injury. He is the '.“real party in interest.” Code, sec. 177. The Code, sec. 1754, et seq. are intended to adjust tire rights of landlord and tenant. Bridgers v. Dill, 97 N. C., 222, 227.
With this construction we thinlt the ownership of the crop was well charged in the indictment.
Affirmed.