IN EUROPE.

29

In this manner, I would account for the originof the domains of the sovereign , and of allodiality ;for that of fiefs (10); and for the genius they dis-played in their earliest: condition And this shortdeduction may be sufficient to exhibit a general ideaof the state of land among the barbaric tribes ontheir conquests.

SECTION II.

Os the Property os the Women. The Doiver, theMorgengabe , and the ' Marriage portion. The Com -munication to the Women os the Powers ofSucc effortand Inheritance. The advancement of Manners.

Having distinguished the property of themen , it is fit l should treat that of the women. Ihave observed , that, among the ancient Germans ,and the cafe, it is to be presumed, is similar inevery rude community, the property of the landwas invested in the tribe or nation. His proportionof corn was allotted to the individual by themagistrate, and corresponded to the number of hisfamily , the degrees of his merit, and the import-ance of his service. He derived , accordingly, nosource of influence from the property of land. Hischief, and almost only riches, consisted in cattle (i);and , in those rude and remote times, the morepowerful supported their hospitality and magni-ficence by war and violence. They collected their