i7« AVOYAGETO 



>777. The boundaries of the feveral diflri6bs, into which Ota- 



December. ' 



^-* — -^ heite is divided, are, generally, either rivulets, or low hills, 

 which, in many places, jut out into the fea. But the fub- 

 divifions into particular property, are marked by large ftones, 

 which have remained from one generation to another. The 

 removal of any of thefe gives rife to quarrels, which are de- 

 cided by arms; each party bringing his friends into the 

 field. But if any one complain to the Eree de hoi^ he ter- 

 minates the diiference amicably. This is an offence, how- 

 ever, not common ; and long cuftom feems to fecure pro- 

 perty here as effeclually, as the moft fevere laws do in other 

 countries. In conformity alfo to ancient pracftice ellabliflied 

 amongft them, crimes of a lefs general nature are left to be 

 puniflicd by the fufferer, without referring them to a fupe* 

 rior. In this cafe, they feem to think, that the injured per- 

 fon will judge as equitably as thofe who are totally uncon- 

 cerned ; and as long cuilom has allotted certain punifli— 

 ments for crimes of different forts, he is allowed to inflidt 

 them, without being amenable to any other perfon. Thus, 

 if any one be caught flealing, which is commonly done in 

 the night, the proprietor of the goods may put the thief in- 

 flantly to death; and if any one fhould inquire of him 

 after the deceafed, it is fufficient to acquit him, if he only 

 inform them of the provocation he had to kill him. But 

 fo fevere a punifhment is feldom inflicfted, unlefs the articles 

 that are ftolen be reckoned very valuable ; fuch as breaft- 

 platcs, and plaited hair. If only cloth, or even hogs be 

 llolen, and the thief efcape, upon his being afterward dif- 

 covercd, if he promifc to return the fume number of pieces 

 of cloth, or of hogs, no farther punilhment is infli6led. 

 Sometimes, after keeping out of the way for a few days, he 

 is forgiven, or, at moft, gets a flight beating. If a perfon 



1 kill 



