The sheriff is liable for the care and custody of personal property levied upon pursuant to an order of attachment just as if he had seized it under execution. Upon demand of the sheriff, the plaintiff shall advance to the sheriff from time to time such amount as may be required to provide the necessary care and to maintain the custody of the attached property. The expense so incurred in caring for and maintaining custody of attached property shall be taxed as part of the costs of the action. (1947, c. 693, s. 1.)