“ The damages recoverable are usually the value of the chattel converted. In an action for detention of a chattel (the representative of the old action of detinue) , the plaintiff may have judgment and execution by writ of delivery for the chattel itself or for its value at his option. An action for conversion or detention must be brought within six years. The corresponding action in Scots law is the action of spuilzie. It must be brought within three years in order to entitle the pursuer to violent profits, otherwise it prescribes in forty years. ”