OFNATURE. 47 



laid bare, flick out above the fuiface. We 

 might alio take notice of the wonderful! ef- 

 fedls of the tide, fuch as we fee happen from 

 time to time on the fea-fliore, which being 

 daily and nightly aifaulted with repeated 

 blows, at length gives way, and breaks off. 

 Hence we fee in moil places the rubbifli of the 

 fea, and fliores. 



The winter by its froft prepares the earth, 

 and mould, which thence are broken into 

 very minute particles, and thus, being put 

 into a mouldering (late, become more fit for 

 the nourifhment of plants -, nay by its fnow it 

 covers the feeds, and roots of plants, and 

 thus by cold defends them from the force of 

 cold. I mull add alfo that the piercing froft 

 of the winter purifies the atmofphere, and pu- 

 trid waters, and makes them more wholefome 

 for animals. 



The perpetual fuccefiion of heat and cold 

 with us renders the fummers more pleafing ; 

 and though the winter deprives us of many 

 plants, and animals, yet the perpetual fummer 

 within the tropics is not much more agreeable, 

 as it often deflroys men, and other animals by 

 its immoderate heat ; thougli it mufl be con- 



fcifcd 



