CHAPTER IV.

THE TUATH OR TRIBE IN IRELAND.

Mixed population of Scotland, 135 Sources of information as to their early social state, 136 Tribal organisation of the Gaelic race, 136 Influences affecting the tribe in Ireland, 137 Effect of introduction of Christianity, 138 Land originally held in common, 139 Distinction of ranks in the tribe, 139 The Ri or king, 140 Distinction of ranks arising from possession of cattle, 142 Origin and growth of private property, and creation of an order of territorial chiefs, 144 The Ceile or tenants of a chief, 145 State of the Tuath or territory of a tribe, 147 The Dun or fort, 148 The Mortuath, 149 The Cuicidh or province, 149 The law of Tanistry, 150 Connection between superiors and dependants, 150 The system of fines, 151 The Honor price, 152 System of land measures, 153 Later state of the tribes, 157