Chapter 9

In the preceding pages of this section it appeared that in the tribal organisations personal rights in connection with the land had arisen. The local ruler of the tribe and other officials associated with the polity of the tribe had obtained personal rights in the land; in so far, at least, as they could dispose of such rights to other parties. It further appeared that the King of Scotland had acquired rights in tribal lands which he could dispose of, and also that all the lands within the kingdom were, in the eleventh century, subject to a national tax. The custom of commuting all forms of crime by a scale of fines, fixed according to personal rank, was noticed, and various customs and practices associated with the institution of marriage, were stated. A brief reference to the state of religion, and to Queen Margaret in relation to it, concluded the section. Taking a view of the entire movement since the foundation of the monarchy, its advance was remarkable; and nothing had, as yet, occurred to arrest the progressive development of the kingdom and the civilisation of the people.