255 



that I have extracted so largely from Hindoo Law 

 books. In regard to the origin of property in the 

 soil most Nations seem, as if instinctively, to start 

 from the same point to recognize one great 

 principle viz., tuat the E irth is God's.* In Hindoo 

 Law, the King holds under a deed of gift, originally 

 granted by the sixth incarnation of the Deity, 

 who wrested the Earth from the dominion of tyrant 

 warriors ; and in selling laud the King sells his 

 sovereignty, for the obligation to protect, except iu 

 the case of Brahmanas i. e. the Church, implies 

 the payment of revenue, and a promise of one King 

 cannot bind his successor. In practice, moreover, 

 the idea of a King disposing of his property or 

 estate, while able to protect it, is unknown. Hindoo 

 Sovereigns, if revenue is not paid, imprison aud 

 otherwise punish their subjects, 'Seize their lands, 

 cultivate them themselves, give them away, or make 

 such other arrangements as will insure their receiv- 

 ing their just share of the Earth's produce; but I 

 have not heard that Hindoo Rulers, have ever 

 adopted the system of selling land. 



According to Mohammadan Law, in countries 

 that have been settled, the proprietary right does 

 not vest in the Soltan. Nor can he sell lands 

 that escheat to the Crown, or remit the revenue 



* For in truth, there is no other Lord of the Earth but one, THE 

 SUPREME GovJagannatfia, on a text of MANU. 



The Earth is the Lord's. He gives it unto whom he pleaseth- 



QORAN. 



