105 



a love of variety — which differs but in a shade from the love' 

 of novelty. 



The latter can, perhaps, be gratified but once by the same 

 object; but when it can be no longer considered as altoge- 

 ther new, it may still bear a comparison in point of novelty 

 with other objects of a similar nature ; jt may gain or lose 

 this quality, aS' we become more or less accustomed to it; 

 and if it were possible that we should sojourn so long upon 

 earth, as that nature could not offer, nor imagination suggest- 

 to us an object with which we were not familiar, the love of 

 novelty would then have degenerated into a love of variety. - 



The sense of Taste enjoys a much larger scope than that of 

 Smell, and bestows on the principles we are considering, not 

 only a wider range, but much greater strength, on account 

 of its more intimate connexion with the appetites of hunger 

 and thirst. 



As long as this sense is only acquainted with the flavour of 

 milk, however diversified in its mode of preparation, it allows 

 little room for the love of novelty and variety ; but sweet- 

 meals in various forms, and fruits of various relish, are pre- 

 sented to the inexperienced palate, and soon give birth to 

 new desires. Little is it thought that in the prudent or 

 improper gratification of this sense, begins the education of 

 the child. To indulge him in these things without restriction, 

 or to reward his good conduct by such paltry objects of am- 

 bition, and establish in their favour a distinction to which- 

 they are but little entitled beyond his ordinary food, is to 



vol. XII. p 



