The concept of minorial estates is an important aspect of medieval history. These estates played a crucial role in the feudal system and were instrumental in shaping the social and economic structure of the time. The statement suggests that a small minorial estate could sustain dozens of families, while a larger estate could support even more, up to 50 or 60 families. To understand this statement in detail, let's explore the features of minorial estates.

1. Feudal System:
- The minorial estate system was an integral part of the feudal system, which was prevalent during the Middle Ages.
- Under this system, the king granted land or estates to his vassals, who in turn became lords and were responsible for governing and protecting the land.
- The minorial estate was a type of landholding granted to the minor nobility or gentry in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and other obligations.

2. Size and Ownership:
- Minorial estates varied in size, ranging from a few acres to several hundred acres of land.
- These estates were owned by the minor nobility or gentry, who held them as tenants-in-chief or mesne lords, under the overlordship of the king or a higher-ranking lord.

3. Agricultural Production:
- The primary purpose of minorial estates was agricultural production. The tenants or peasants residing on these estates were responsible for cultivating the land and producing crops.
- The estates were usually divided into smaller plots or holdings, which were assigned to individual families or peasants for cultivation.
- The peasants, also known as serfs or villeins, were bound to the land and owed various obligations, such as paying rent, providing labor, and giving a portion of their produce to the lord.

4. Self-sufficiency:
- Minorial estates were designed to be self-sufficient, meaning they aimed to produce enough food and resources to meet the needs of the resident families.
- The estates comprised not only arable land for farming but also meadows for grazing livestock, forests for timber and hunting, and water bodies for fishing and irrigation.
- The resident families had access to these resources and engaged in a range of activities, including farming, animal husbandry, milling, weaving, and other crafts.

5. Population Size:
- The population size of a minorial estate depended on various factors, including the size of the land, its fertility, and the agricultural techniques employed.
- A small estate could sustain dozens of families, as the land was efficiently utilized, and the produce could support the population.
- On the other hand, a larger estate with more extensive land and resources could support even more families, up to 50 or 60.

In conclusion, minorial estates were an essential component of the feudal system, primarily focused on agricultural production. These estates varied in size, but both small and large estates had the capacity to sustain a considerable number of families. The self-sufficiency of these estates allowed the resident families to meet their basic needs and engage in various economic activities.