from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
REASONABLE TIME. The English law, which in this respect, has been adopted by
us, frequently requires things to be done within a reasonable time; but what
a reasonable time is it does not define: quam longum debet esse rationabile
tempus, non definitur in lege, sed pendet ex discretione justiciariorum. Co.
Litt, 50. This indefinite requisition is the source of much litigation. A
bill of exchange, for example, must be presented within a reasonable time
Chitty, Bills, 197-202. An abandonment must be made within a reasonable time
after advice received of the loss. Marsh. Insurance, 589.
2. The commercial code of France fixes a time in both these cases,
which varies in proportion to the distance. See Code de Com. L. 1, t. 8, s.
1, Sec. 10, art. 160; Id. L. 5, t. 10, s. 3, art. 373. Vide, generally, 6
East, 3; 7 East, 385; 3 B. & P. 599; Bayley on Bills, 239; 7 Taunt. 159,
397; 15 Pick. R. 92,; 3 Watts. R. 339; 10 Wend. R. 304; 13 Wend. R. 549; 1
Hall's R. 56 6 Wend. R. 369; Id. 443; 1 Leigh's N. P. 435; Co. Litt. 56 b.