4385. LAND, Allotment.—
From the nature
and purpose of civil institutions, all the
lands within the limits which any particular
society has circumscribed around itself are assumed
by that society, and subject to their
allotment. This may be done by themselves
assembled collectively, or by their legislature,
to whom they may have delegated sovereign
authority; and if they allotted in neither of
these ways, each individual of the society, May
appropriate to himself such lands as he finds
vacant, and occupancy will give him title.—
Rights of British America. Washington ed. i, 139.
Ford ed., i, 444.
(1774)
