The heredium of the first Romans is defined by Varro (de Re Rustica, l. i. c. ii. p. 141, c. x. p. 160, 161, edit. Gesner), and clouded by Pliny's declamation (Hist. Natur. xviii. 2.). A just and learned comment is given in the Administration des Terres chez les Romains (p. 12 - 66.).