FALKLAND ISLANDS. 



295 



3. By prior occupation. 



It has sometimes been contended that the 

 first sight of countries never before seen by 

 civilized and Christian people, give to the nation 

 by whose subjects such discovery was made, a 

 preferable title ; but it does not seem altogether 

 reasonable that the discovery of a new region by 

 ignorant marines, in consequence, perhaps, of a 

 casual storm, or a trifling accident, should give 

 to their nations a solid title to valuable terri- 

 tories. But when skill and science are put in 

 requisition, and expensive expeditions prepared 

 for the purpose of discovery, it would seem just 

 that discoveries consequent on such enterprises 

 should be followed by some benefits to the 

 persons by whom they were made^ and to the 

 nations by whom they were patronised. 



It has also been contended that no title can 

 accrue from mere discovery, unless such dis- 

 covery be accompanied by certain formal acts, 

 which generally are styled acts of possession. 



Formal possession of uninhabited and wild 

 countries has generally been taken by naval 

 officers, and has always been attended with 

 many ceremonies and solemnities ; amongst 



