197 
was subject to the penalties incurred by the crimes of his Dalta,* 
and he was also entitled to a portion of any fines or reparation that 
might be made for injuries done to the person fostered. 
A Fuidhir or person holding lands by tenure from a lord, not of 
his own tribe, was exempt from fines for offences committed, either 
by himself, his sons, daughters, family or relations; nor did he re- 
ceive restitution or reparation for any damages, or injuries, done 
to himself or any of those persons. ‘The Flaith or prince, under 
whom he held his land, was subject to all his fines and penalties, 
and received the restitution or atonement for all the losses or injuries 
sustained by himself or his family. 
Weshall hereafter see how the Eric and fines, arising from of- 
fences committed by women or against them, were levied and dis- 
posed of, when we come to give specimens of the laws respecting 
females. At present, it is presumed, sufficient examples have 
been given to show what the law was; relating to Eric in gene- 
ral, as it was practised by the ancient Irish. 
If the Irish laws for punishing offences by Eric be properly and 
dispassionately considered, it may, perhaps, be acknowledged, that 
it was not a barbarous law, but a wise and salutary measure, cal- 
culated to prevent crime, and to compensate, in some degree, per- 
sons who had suffered injury. ‘Those who have studied human na- 
ture know, that there are persons who would not be deterred from 
the commission of crime, by the consideration of any consequences 
that might result to themselves from their misdeeds ; but, if they 
be convinced, that the punishment of their offences will not fall 
%* Dalta or Dailte, a foster child, a ward. Sir John Davis says, “ Fostering hath alwayes 
« beene a stronger alliance than bloud ; and the fosterechildren do love and are beloved of their 
«¢ foster-fathers, and their Sept, more than of their owne natural parents and kindred ; and do 
“ participate of their meanes more frankelly, and do adhere unto them in all fortunes with more 
« affection and constancy.” Discovery, &c. London, 1747, page 180. 
