88 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE [n 



validity than it possessed before registration; the 

 registration would simply prevent the validity of 

 the document or claim (supposing a purchase or 

 mortgage to have taken place on the faith of it) 

 from being affected by documents or claims not 

 previously registered, or by subsequent transactions. 



If a registered property were divided, a new book 

 referring to the old one should be appropriated to 

 each portion. If several registered properties were 

 consolidated, only one new book would be required 

 for the whole, the new one referring to the books 

 relating to the separate properties. 



The map on which the registered properties were 

 delineated would form the key and index to the 

 volumes of registration ; each property would receive 

 a number, and this number would constitute a 

 sufficient description of the property in conveyances, 

 mortgages, &c. 



It seems to me clear, that after the lapse of a few 

 years, through the operation of the Statute of Limi- 

 tations, an indefeasible title would be obtained 

 under such a system of registration, without the 

 expense and danger of an official investigation of 

 titles, and that equitable rights would, as well as 

 legal rights, be perfectly protected. 



In order to preserve the facilities which land- 

 owners now enjoy, of creating a security by the 

 deposit of title-deeds, I would propose that any one, 

 who appears by the register to be entitled to an 



