The differences between an English and an American abstract will be better understood by a comparison of the two systems.

It has long been the practice in England, on a sale of land, or other property which does not pass by a mere delivery but is held by a title depending on documentary evidence, for the solicitor for the vendor to prepare and deliver to the vendee an abstract of the various matters upon which the vendor relies to sustain his claim of ownership. This would consist of a synopsis of the deeds, wills, etc., which constitute the vendor's chain of title, together with such extraneous facts as may be relevant to such title, as certificates of marriage, baptism, burial, etc., in connection with pedigrees or family histories.

The abstract is invariably prepared from the original documents, the vendor, as a rule, retaining such of his title deeds as relate to or cover other property than that sold, as also all other documents until consummation of sale. The purchaser, however, is usually permitted to compare the abstract so furnished with the documents from which it is compiled, in order that he may see that it contains a correct and faithful statement of all circumstances disclosed by them which may in any way affect the title.

When the abstract is delivered to the purchaser he is required to found thereon such "requisitions," by way of further inquiry or objection, as he may think proper, and in default thereof, within a limited time, he will be deemed to have accepted the title. The inquiries and objections, when made, are answered by statements and observations, signed by the vendor or his solicitor, and all become a part of the abstract.

This was the method introduced into the American colonies, and out of which has grown our present system of abstract compilation. But the methods now pursued in this country bear but slight resemblance to those just described, as will be seen from the following: