C 3«6 ] 



in tillage; and even to the produce of their lands, 

 as leeks, onions, &c. 



The divine honours paid to Bacchus in India 

 v ere derived from the fame fourcc, he being con- 

 iidered in that country as the inventor of plant- 

 ing vineyards, and the other arts attendant upon 

 agricukure.* 



It is alfo related of the ancient Perfians, on the 

 moft reipectable authority, that their Kings laid 

 aiide their grandeur once every month to eat with 

 hufbandmen. This is a ftriking inftance of the 

 high eftimation in which they held agriculture; 

 for at that time arts were practifed among that 

 people in great perfection, particularly thofe of 

 weaving, needle-work, and embroidery. 



The precepts of the religion taught by their 

 ancient Magi, or Priefts, included the practice of 

 agriculture. The Saint among them was obliged 

 to work out his falvation by purfuing all the la- 



* According to Arr ian andDioDORUS Siculus, Bacchus firft 

 trained oxen to the plough, and taught men to cultivate the land. 

 He alfo difcovered many of the inftruments and conveniences of 

 agriculture; and for thefe fignal benefits he became fo much re- 

 fpe&ed, that he was, by univerfal confent, raifed to the rank of a 

 dtity, and received divine worfhip and folemn facriiice. 



hours 



