mean by impossible? How do we separate this
impossibility from an improbability? And how distinguish that exactly
from a probability? Mark the precise limits of the one and the other,
and shew the standard, by which we may decide all disputes that may
arise, and, as we find by experience, frequently do arise upon this
subject.

[Footnote 17. If we seek a solution of these difficulties in
reason and public interest, we never shall find
satisfaction; and If we look for it in the imagination, it
is evident, that the qualities, which operate upon that
faculty, run so insensibly and gradually into each other,
that it is impossible to give them any precise bounds or
termination. The difficulties on this head must encrease,
when we consider, that our judgment alters very sensibly,
according to the subject, and that the same power and
proximity will be deemed possession in one case, which is
not esteemed such in another. A person, who has hunted a
hare to the last degree of weariness, would look upon it as
an injustice for another to rush in before him, and seize
his prey. But the same person advancing to pluck an apple,
that hangs within his reach, has no reason to complain, if
another, more alert, passes him, and takes possession. What
is the reason of this difference, but that immobility, not
being natural to the hare, but the effect of industry, forms
in that case a strong relation with the hunter, which is
wanting in the other?

Here then it appears, that a certain and infallible power of
enjoyment, without touch or some other sensible relation,
often produces not property: And I farther observe, that a
sensible relation, without any present power, is sometimes
sufficient to give a title to any object. The sight of a
thing is seldom a considerable relation, and is only
regarded as such, when the object is hidden, or very
obscure; in which case we find, that the view alone conveys
a property; according to that maxim, THAT EVEN A WHOLE
CONTINENT BELONGS TO THE NATION, WHICH FIRST DISCOVERED IT.
It is however remarkable that both in the case of discovery
and that of possession, the first discoverer and possessor
must join to the relation an intention of rendering himself
proprietor, otherwise the relation will not have Its effect;
and that becaus