BOOK III PART II
erty of the whole; because the object is there
bounded and circumscribed in the fancy, and
at the same time is proportioned to the new
possessor. The same person landing on a de-
sart island, as large as Great Britain, extends his
property no farther than his immediate posses-
sion; though a numerous colony are esteemed
the proprietors of the whole from the instant of
their debarkment.
But it often happens, that the title of first
possession becomes obscure through time; and
that it is impossible to determine many con-
troversies, which may arise concerning it. In
that case long possession or prescription nat-
urally takes place, and gives a person a suffi-
cient property in any thing he enjoys. The na-
ture of human society admits not of any great
accuracy; nor can we always remount to the