among the Romans, those relating to the division and distribution of lands; of which there were a great number; but that called the *Agrarian Law*, by way of eminence, was published by Spurius Cassius, about the year of Rome 268, for dividing the conquered lands equally among all the citizens, and limiting the number of acres which each citizen might enjoy.—The Roman lands were of several kinds; some conquered from the enemies, and not yet brought to the public account; others brought indeed deed to the public, but clandestinely usurped by private great men; lastly, others purchased with the public money, in order to be divided. Agrarian laws, either for dividing lands taken from the enemy, or the public lands, or those purchased with the public money, were easily passed without disturbance; but those whereby private rich men were to be deprived of their lands, and the common people put in possession of what had been held by the nobility, were never attempted without great disturbances.

Several have pleaded for the necessity of agrarian laws among us: but no author has entered so deeply into the subject as Mr Harrington in his Oceana; which the reader may consult.