appeals from the other inferior courts. They there decided all causes, ecclesiastical as well as civil, and the Bishop, together with the Alderman or Earl, presided over them. All affairs were determined without much pleading, formality, or delay, by a majority of voices, and the Bishop or Alderman had no further authority than to order among the freeholders. Where justice was denied during three sessions by the Hundred, and then by the County Court, there lay an appeal to the King’s Court; but this was not practised on slight occasions. Two-thirds of the fines levied in these Courts went to the King, and made no contemptible share of the public revenue. Historians all agree that the Aborigines of Britain were a tribe of Gauls, who emigrated from the continent, probably a thousand years before the Christian era. Previous to the Roman conquest, the ancient Britons inhabiting the southern parts of the island had made some little progress towards civilization, but those in the north were wild and uncultivated, and subsisted chiefly by hunting and the spontaneous productions of the earth, wearing for their clothing the skins of animals killed in the chase, and dwelling in habitations formed of the interwoven branches of the forest. They were divided into small nations or tribes. Each state was divided into factions within itself, and was agitated with emulation towards the neighbouring states; and while the arts of peace were yet unknown, wars were their chief occupation, and formed the principal object of ambition among the people. Their religion was Druidical, but its origin is not known. Some assert that the Druids accompanied the Gauls in early ages, and others that Druidism was first introduced into England by the Phœnicians, who were the first merchants that traded to this island, and for a considerable time monopolized a profitable trade in tin and other useful metals. Their government, (according to Diodorus Siculus, the ancient historian,) though monarchical, was free, and their religion, which formed one part of their government, was Druidical. Justice was dispensed, not under any written code of laws, but on equitable principles; and on difference of opinion in the assembled congress, appeal was made to the Arch-Druid, whose decision was final. Their religious ceremonies were performed in high places and in deep groves, and consisted in worshipping the God of nature, and rendering him praise on the yearly accession of the seasons. The priests possessed great authority among them, besides ministering at the altar, and directing all religious duties; they enjoyed an immunity from wars and taxes; they possessed both the civil and criminal jurisdiction; they decided all controversies among estates, as well as among private persons, and whoever refused to submit to their decree, was exposed to the most severe penalties; the sentence of excommunication was denounced