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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">As filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on May 25, 2005</font></b></p>

<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Registration No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></b></p>

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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED
STATES<br>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C.&#160; 20549</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM
S-8</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">REGISTRATION
STATEMENT<br>
UNDER<br>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERCANTILE
BANKSHARES CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact name of
registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

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  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MARYLAND</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">52-0898572</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(State or other
  jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(I.R.S. Employer
  Identification No.)</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Mercantile Bank &amp; Trust
Building</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Two Hopkins Plaza, P.O. Box 1477</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Baltimore, Maryland&#160; 21203</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Address of Principal
Executive Offices) (Zip Code)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Community Bank of Northern
Virginia 1993 Employees&#146; Incentive Stock Option Plan</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Community Bank of Northern
Virginia 1998 Stock Compensation Plan</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Full Title of the
Plans)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">John L. Unger</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Executive Vice President and
General Counsel</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Mercantile Bankshares Corporation</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Two Hopkins Plaza, P.O. Box 1477</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Baltimore, Maryland&#160; 21203</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(410) 237-5900</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Name, Address and Telephone
Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">COPY TO:</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Melissa
Allison Warren</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Venable
LLP</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1800
Mercantile Bank &amp; Trust Building</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Two
Hopkins Plaza</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Baltimore,
Maryland 21201</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(410)
244-7400</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="center">

</font></div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="18%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Title Of Each Class Of<br>
  Securities To Be Registered</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.26%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="18%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.12%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Amount To Be<br>
  Registered (1)</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:17.08%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Proposed Maximum<br>
  Offering Price Per Share</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.34%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="18%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.74%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Proposed Maximum<br>
  Aggregate Offering Price (2)</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.92%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.66%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Amount Of<br>
  Registration Fee (2)</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="18%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Common Stock, $2.00 par value(1)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="18%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:18.12%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">138,764
  shares</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.36%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:17.08%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Not
  applicable</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:17.42%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1,858,539</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.32%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">$</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:15.34%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">219</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr height="0">
  <td width="138" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="17" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="136" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="18" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="128" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="25" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="10" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="130" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="22" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="10" style="border:none;"></td>
  <td width="115" style="border:none;"></td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="1" width="25%" noshade color="black" align="left">

</font></div>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Represents the maximum
number of shares issuable under the Plans, and also covers an indeterminate
number of additional shares which may be necessary to adjust the number of
shares reserved for issuance under the Plans as a result of any future stock
split, stock dividend or similar adjustment.&#160;
Includes as to each share of Common Stock a right, not currently
exercisable or separately tradable, to purchase additional securities pursuant
to the Registrant&#146;s Shareholders Protection Rights Agreement.</p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The proposed maximum
aggregate offering price and registration fee have been computed pursuant to
Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on the price
at which options issued and outstanding under the Plans may be exercised.</p>

<div style="border:none;border-bottom:double windowtext 9.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;">

<p align="center" style="border:none;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;padding:0in;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

</div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

</div>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PART I</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Documents containing the information
specified in Part I of this Form S-8 have been and/or will be sent or given to
employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;). In accordance with the instructions to Part I of Form S-8, such
documents will not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;)
either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus
supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act. These documents and
the documents incorporated by reference pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this
Registration Statement, taken together, constitute the prospectus as required
by Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PART II</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 3.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Incorporation
of Documents by Reference.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The following documents previously filed with
the Commission by Mercantile Bankshares Corporation (the &#147;Company&#148; or &#147;Registrant&#148;)
are incorporated herein by reference to the extent such documents are filed,
not furnished: (a) the Company&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December&nbsp;31, 2004; (b) the Company&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2005; (c) the Company&#146;s Current Reports on
Form 8-K filed on January&nbsp;14, 2005, January&nbsp;25, 2005, March&nbsp;8,
2005, March&nbsp;14, 2005, March&nbsp;15, 2005, March&nbsp;31, 2005, April&nbsp;27,
2005, May 6, 2005, May 16, 2005 and May 19, 2005; and (d) the description of
the Company&#146;s Common Stock contained in the Company&#146;s Registration Statement on
Form 8-B under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;Exchange
Act&#148;), including any amendment or report filed to update the description.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">All documents filed by the Company pursuant
to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of
this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 4.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Description
of Securities.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Not applicable.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 5.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Interests
of Named Experts and Counsel.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Certain legal matters in connection with this
Registration Statement will be passed upon for the Registrant by Venable LLP,
Baltimore, Maryland.&#160; James L. Shea, a
partner of Venable LLP, is a director of the Company.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 6.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The Maryland General Corporation Law (&#147;MGCL&#148;)
provides that a corporation may indemnify any director made a party to a
proceeding by reason of service in that capacity unless it is established that:
(1) the act or omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise
to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty, or (2) the director actually received an
improper personal benefit in money, property or services, or (3) in the case of
any criminal&#160; proceeding, the director
had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. To the
extent that a director has been successful in defense of any proceeding, the
MGCL provides that he shall be indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred
in connection therewith. A Maryland corporation may indemnify its officers to
the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent
with law.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The Registrant&#146;s Charter provides, as to
indemnification:</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(a) The liability of directors and officers
to the Registrant or its stockholders for money damages shall be limited to the
maximum extent that the liability of directors and officers of Maryland
corporations is permitted to be limited by Maryland law. This limitation on
liability shall apply to events occurring at the time a person serves as a
director or officer of the Registrant whether or not such person is a director
or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(b) To the maximum extent permitted by
Maryland law, the Registrant shall indemnify its currently acting and its
former directors against any and all liabilities and expenses incurred in
connection with their services in such capacities, shall indemnify its
currently acting and its former officers to the full extent that
indemnification shall be provided to directors, and shall indemnify, to the
same extent, its employees and agents and persons who serve and have served, at
its request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise.&#160; The Registrant shall advance expenses to its
directors, officers and other persons referred to above to the extent permitted
by Maryland law.&#160; The Registrant&#146;s Board
of Directors may by By-law, resolution or other agreement make further
provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to
the extent permitted by Maryland law.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(c) References to Maryland law shall include
the MGCL as from time to time amended. Neither the repeal or amendment of this
paragraph, nor any other amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, shall
eliminate or reduce the protection afforded to any person by the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph with respect to any act or omission which shall
have occurred prior to such repeal or amendment.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 7.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Exemption
from Registration Claimed.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Not applicable.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 8.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Exhibits.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.1 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of Incorporation</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Incorporation effective May 27, 1969 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(1)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">B.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Amendment effective June&nbsp;6, 1969 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(2)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">C.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles
Supplementary effective August&nbsp;28, 1970 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(3)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">D.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Amendment effective December&nbsp;14, 1970 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A(4)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">E.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles
Supplementary effective May 10, 1971 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(5)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">F.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles
Supplementary effective July&nbsp;30, 1971 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-41379, Exhibit
3-A(6)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">G.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Amendment effective May 8, 1986 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 1993, Exhibit
3-A(7), Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">H.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Amendment effective April&nbsp;27, 1988 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
1993, Exhibit 3-A(8), Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">I.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles
Supplementary effective September&nbsp;13, 1989 (Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant&#146;s Form 8-K filed September&nbsp;27, 1989, Exhibit B attached to
Exhibit 4-A, Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">J.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles Supplementary
effective January&nbsp;3, 1990 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s
Form 8-K filed January&nbsp;9,1990, Exhibit B attached to Exhibit 4-A,
Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">K.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Amendment effective April&nbsp;26, 1990 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
1990, Exhibit 3-A(11), Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">L.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles of
Amendment effective April&nbsp;30, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-43651, Exhibit
3(i)(L)).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">M.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles Supplementary
effective June&nbsp;9, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s
Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit 4.1.M).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">N.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Articles
Supplementary effective September&nbsp;30, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit
4.1.N).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">O.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Certificate of
Correction effective July&nbsp;3, 2002, concerning Articles of Amendment
effective May 8, 1986 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant&#146;s Quarterly
Report for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2002, Exhibit 3A(15),
Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">P.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Certificate of
Correction effective July&nbsp;3, 2002, concerning Articles of Amendment
effective April&nbsp;26, 1990 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant&#146;s
Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2002, Exhibit 3A(16),
Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.2 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Bylaws (Incorporated by
reference to the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
2003, Exhibit 3.B, Commission File No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.3 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Rights Agreement dated as of June&nbsp;8,
1999, between the Company and the Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to
Form 8-K of Registrant, Exhibit (4), filed June&nbsp;11, 1999, Commission File
No. 0-5127).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.4 -</font><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font face="Times New Roman">Community
Bank of Northern Virginia 1993 Employees&#146; Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed
herewith).</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.5 -</font><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font face="Times New Roman">Community
Bank of Northern Virginia 1998 Stock Compensation Plan (filed herewith).</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.1 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Opinion of Venable LLP (filed
herewith).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.1 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP&#160; (filed herewith).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.2 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Consent of Venable LLP (included in
Exhibit 5.1).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24.1 -</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>Power of Attorney (filed herewith).</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 9.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><u>Undertakings.</u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(1) To file, during any period in which offers
or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(i) To include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts
or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
Statement;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(iii) To include any material information
with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">provided</font>,
however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to the Section&nbsp;13
or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(2) That, for the purpose of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(3) To remove from the registration by means
of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which
remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(4) That, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&#146;s
annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
of controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant, Mercantile Bankshares
Corporation, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Baltimore in the State of Maryland on this 25th
day of May 2005.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="52%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:52.78%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MERCANTILE BANKSHARES CORPORATION</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="52%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:52.78%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="52%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:52.78%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="5%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:5.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By: </font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="25%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:25.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Edward J. Kelly, III</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.66%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="5%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:5.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="47%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Edward J. Kelly, III</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="5%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:5.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="47%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chairman of the Board, President and</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="47%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="5%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:5.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="47%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:47.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chief Executive Officer</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed
by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Signature</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Title</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Date</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Edward J. Kelly, III</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chairman of the Board, President and Chief<br>
  Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May 25, 2005</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Edward J. Kelly, III</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Terry L. Troupe</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice
  President<br>
  (Principal Financial Officer)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May 25, 2005</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Terry L. Troupe</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ William T. Skinner, Jr.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May 25, 2005</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.08%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">William T. Skinner, Jr.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:55.38%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:1.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="16%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:16.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A majority of the Board of Directors:</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Cynthia A. Archer, R. Carl Benna, Richard O.
Berndt, Howard B. Bowen, Eddie C. Brown, George L. Bunting, Jr., Anthony W.
Deering, Darrell D. Friedman, Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Robert A. Kinsley,
Jenny G. Morgan, Morton B. Plant, Christian H. Poindexter, James L. Shea,
Donald J. Shepard, Alexander T. Mason and Jay M. Wilson.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.16%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">May 25, 2005</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:3.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="24%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:24.92%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Edward J. Kelly, III</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="21%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:21.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.16%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.84%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Edward J. Kelly, III</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.16%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="49%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:49.84%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">for himself and as attorney-in-fact</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

</div>
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<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT
INDEX</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT<br>
  NUMBER</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="bottom" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">DESCRIPTION</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.4</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Community Bank of Northern Virginia 1993
  Employees&#146; Incentive Stock Option Plan</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.5</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Community Bank of Northern Virginia 1998
  Stock Compensation Plan</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.1</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Opinion of Venable LLP</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.1</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.2</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of Venable LLP (included in Exhibit
  5.1)</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="9%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:9.26%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">24.1</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.06%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="88%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:88.68%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Power of Attorney</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">6</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">

<hr size="2" width="100%" noshade color="gray" align="left">

</font></div>

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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a05-9563_1s8.htm", "description": "S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 82656}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "MERCANTILE BANKSHARES CORP", "cik": "0000064908", "assigned-sic": "6022", "irs-number": "520898572", "state-of-incorporation": "MD", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-125234", "film-number": "05857114"}, "business-address": {"street1": "2 HOPKINS PLZ", "street2": "PO BOX 1477", "city": "BALTIMORE", "state": "MD", "zip": "21203", "phone": "4102375900"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "P O BOX 1477", "street2": "P O BOX 1477", "city": "BALTIMORE", "state": "MD", "zip": "21203"}}
As filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on May 25, 2005
Registration No. 333-
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM
S-8
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
MERCANTILE
BANKSHARES CORPORATION
(Exact name of
registrant as specified in its charter)
MARYLAND
52-0898572
(State or other
  jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
  Identification No.)
Mercantile Bank & Trust
Building
Two Hopkins Plaza, P.O. Box 1477
Baltimore, Maryland  21203
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Community Bank of Northern
Virginia 1993 Employees' Incentive Stock Option Plan
Community Bank of Northern
Virginia 1998 Stock Compensation Plan
(Full Title of the
Plans)
John L. Unger
Executive Vice President and
General Counsel
Mercantile Bankshares Corporation
Two Hopkins Plaza, P.O. Box 1477
Baltimore, Maryland  21203
(410) 237-5900
(Name, Address and Telephone
Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
COPY TO:
Melissa
Allison Warren
Venable
LLP
1800
Mercantile Bank & Trust Building
Two
Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore,
Maryland 21201
(410)
244-7400
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title Of Each Class Of
Securities To Be Registered
Amount To Be
Registered (1)
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per Share
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price (2)
Amount Of
Registration Fee (2)
Common Stock, $2.00 par value(1)
138,764
  shares
Not
  applicable
$
1,858,539
$
219
(1)
Represents the maximum
number of shares issuable under the Plans, and also covers an indeterminate
number of additional shares which may be necessary to adjust the number of
shares reserved for issuance under the Plans as a result of any future stock
split, stock dividend or similar adjustment. 
Includes as to each share of Common Stock a right, not currently
exercisable or separately tradable, to purchase additional securities pursuant
to the Registrant's Shareholders Protection Rights Agreement.
(2)
The proposed maximum
aggregate offering price and registration fee have been computed pursuant to
Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on the price
at which options issued and outstanding under the Plans may be exercised.
PART I
Documents containing the information
specified in Part I of this Form S-8 have been and/or will be sent or given to
employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities
Act"). In accordance with the instructions to Part I of Form S-8, such
documents will not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus
supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act. These documents and
the documents incorporated by reference pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this
Registration Statement, taken together, constitute the prospectus as required
by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
PART II
Item 3.
Incorporation
of Documents by Reference.
The following documents previously filed with
the Commission by Mercantile Bankshares Corporation (the "Company" or "Registrant")
are incorporated herein by reference to the extent such documents are filed,
not furnished: (a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004; (b) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2005; (c) the Company's Current Reports on
Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2005, January 25, 2005, March 8,
2005, March 14, 2005, March 15, 2005, March 31, 2005, April 27,
2005, May 6, 2005, May 16, 2005 and May 19, 2005; and (d) the description of
the Company's Common Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statement on
Form 8-B under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), including any amendment or report filed to update the description.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant
to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of
this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 4.
Description
of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Interests
of Named Experts and Counsel.
Certain legal matters in connection with this
Registration Statement will be passed upon for the Registrant by Venable LLP,
Baltimore, Maryland.  James L. Shea, a
partner of Venable LLP, is a director of the Company.
Item 6.
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
The Maryland General Corporation Law ("MGCL")
provides that a corporation may indemnify any director made a party to a
proceeding by reason of service in that capacity unless it is established that:
(1) the act or omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise
to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty, or (2) the director actually received an
improper personal benefit in money, property or services, or (3) in the case of
any criminal  proceeding, the director
had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. To the
extent that a director has been successful in defense of any proceeding, the
MGCL provides that he shall be indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred
in connection therewith. A Maryland corporation may indemnify its officers to
the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent
with law.
The Registrant's Charter provides, as to
indemnification:
(a) The liability of directors and officers
to the Registrant or its stockholders for money damages shall be limited to the
maximum extent that the liability of directors and officers of Maryland
corporations is permitted to be limited by Maryland law. This limitation on
liability shall apply to events occurring at the time a person serves as a
director or officer of the Registrant whether or not such person is a director
or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.
(b) To the maximum extent permitted by
Maryland law, the Registrant shall indemnify its currently acting and its
former directors against any and all liabilities and expenses incurred in
connection with their services in such capacities, shall indemnify its
currently acting and its former officers to the full extent that
indemnification shall be provided to directors, and shall indemnify, to the
same extent, its employees and agents and persons who serve and have served, at
its request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise.  The Registrant shall advance expenses to its
directors, officers and other persons referred to above to the extent permitted
by Maryland law.  The Registrant's Board
of Directors may by By-law, resolution or other agreement make further
provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to
the extent permitted by Maryland law.
(c) References to Maryland law shall include
the MGCL as from time to time amended. Neither the repeal or amendment of this
paragraph, nor any other amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, shall
eliminate or reduce the protection afforded to any person by the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph with respect to any act or omission which shall
have occurred prior to such repeal or amendment.
Item 7.
Exemption
from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8.
Exhibits.
4.1 -
Articles of Incorporation
A.
Articles of
Incorporation effective May 27, 1969 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(1)).
B.
Articles of
Amendment effective June 6, 1969 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(2)).
C.
Articles
Supplementary effective August 28, 1970 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(3)).
D.
Articles of
Amendment effective December 14, 1970 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A(4)).
E.
Articles
Supplementary effective May 10, 1971 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-39545, Exhibit
3-A(5)).
F.
Articles
Supplementary effective July 30, 1971 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-41379, Exhibit
3-A(6)).
G.
Articles of
Amendment effective May 8, 1986 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, Exhibit
3-A(7), Commission File No. 0-5127).
H.
Articles of
Amendment effective April 27, 1988 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993, Exhibit 3-A(8), Commission File No. 0-5127).
2
I.
Articles
Supplementary effective September 13, 1989 (Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant's Form 8-K filed September 27, 1989, Exhibit B attached to
Exhibit 4-A, Commission File No. 0-5127).
J.
Articles Supplementary
effective January 3, 1990 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Form 8-K filed January 9,1990, Exhibit B attached to Exhibit 4-A,
Commission File No. 0-5127).
K.
Articles of
Amendment effective April 26, 1990 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1990, Exhibit 3-A(11), Commission File No. 0-5127).
L.
Articles of
Amendment effective April 30, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-43651, Exhibit
3(i)(L)).
M.
Articles Supplementary
effective June 9, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit 4.1.M).
N.
Articles
Supplementary effective September 30, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit
4.1.N).
O.
Certificate of
Correction effective July 3, 2002, concerning Articles of Amendment
effective May 8, 1986 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly
Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, Exhibit 3A(15),
Commission File No. 0-5127).
P.
Certificate of
Correction effective July 3, 2002, concerning Articles of Amendment
effective April 26, 1990 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, Exhibit 3A(16),
Commission File No. 0-5127).
4.2 -
Bylaws (Incorporated by
reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2003, Exhibit 3.B, Commission File No. 0-5127).
4.3 -
Rights Agreement dated as of June 8,
1999, between the Company and the Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to
Form 8-K of Registrant, Exhibit (4), filed June 11, 1999, Commission File
No. 0-5127).
4.4 -
Community
Bank of Northern Virginia 1993 Employees' Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed
herewith).
4.5 -
Community
Bank of Northern Virginia 1998 Stock Compensation Plan (filed herewith).
5.1 -
Opinion of Venable LLP (filed
herewith).
23.1 -
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP  (filed herewith).
23.2 -
Consent of Venable LLP (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 -
Power of Attorney (filed herewith).
Item 9.
Undertakings.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers
or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;
3
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts
or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
Statement;
(iii) To include any material information
with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;
provided
,
however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to the Section 13
or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from the registration by means
of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which
remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
of controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant, Mercantile Bankshares
Corporation, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Baltimore in the State of Maryland on this 25th
day of May 2005.
MERCANTILE BANKSHARES CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Edward J. Kelly, III
Edward J. Kelly, III
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed
by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Edward J. Kelly, III
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
May 25, 2005
Edward J. Kelly, III
/s/ Terry L. Troupe
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice
  President
(Principal Financial Officer)
May 25, 2005
Terry L. Troupe
/s/ William T. Skinner, Jr.
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
May 25, 2005
William T. Skinner, Jr.
A majority of the Board of Directors:
Cynthia A. Archer, R. Carl Benna, Richard O.
Berndt, Howard B. Bowen, Eddie C. Brown, George L. Bunting, Jr., Anthony W.
Deering, Darrell D. Friedman, Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Robert A. Kinsley,
Jenny G. Morgan, Morton B. Plant, Christian H. Poindexter, James L. Shea,
Donald J. Shepard, Alexander T. Mason and Jay M. Wilson.
May 25, 2005
By:
/s/ Edward J. Kelly, III
Edward J. Kelly, III
for himself and as attorney-in-fact
5
EXHIBIT
INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
4.4
Community Bank of Northern Virginia 1993
  Employees' Incentive Stock Option Plan
4.5
Community Bank of Northern Virginia 1998
  Stock Compensation Plan
5.1
Opinion of Venable LLP
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2
Consent of Venable LLP (included in Exhibit
  5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney
6