No person shall dig or sink, or cause to be dug or sunk, or permit to remain, any well, cellar, cistern, drain, or other cavity in the ground, near to or adjoining any street or sidewalk in the city, unless he first puts up, and at all times keeps up, a railing or fence, on or near the line of such street, lane, or alley, sufficient to guard and protect travelers and passengers from falling into it or being injured thereby.
('71 Code, § 22-38) Penalty, see § 97.99