31-63.]--Although with us the state is divided into counties and the counties into towns, the order of formation was originally the other way.

The towns are the oldest institutions in our system.

Later, from uniting forces in war came a union of action among adjoining towns during peace.

Thus grew up what was called the Hundred.
When in the fifth century the English invaded Britain, many of the chieftains or military leaders rose to kingship over small areas.

On the completion of the conquest these kings struggled among themselves for leadership, until finally England became united into one kingdom, and the little kingdoms were reduced to shires ruled by earls.