8o CE C O N O M Y 



whence putrefaclion follows. Then the tnujlj- 

 room kinds find a fit place for nourilliment on 

 them, and corrupt them flill more. The 

 beetle called the dermeftes^ next makes himfelf 

 a way between the bark, and the wood. The 

 mufi-bcetle^ the copper talc beetle^ and the cater- 

 pillar ov cojfus 812. bores an infinite number 

 of holes through the trunk. Laftly the wood- 

 peckers come, and while they are feeking for 

 infeds, wear away the tree, already corrupt- 

 ed > till the whole pafTes into earth. Such in- 

 duflry does nature ufe to deftroy the trunk of 

 a tree ! Nay trees immerfed in water would 

 fcarcely ever be deflroyed, were it not for the 

 worm that eats fhips, which performs this 

 work ; as the -failor knows by fad experience. 



^hijilesy as the moil ufefuU of plants, are 

 armed, and guarded by nature herlelf. Sup- 

 pofe there were a heap of clay, on which for 

 many years no plant has fprung up j let the 

 feeds of the thrftle blow there, and grow, the 

 thijiles by their leaves attrad the moiflure out 

 of the air, fend it into the clay by means of 

 their roots, will thrive themfelves, and afford 

 a ihade. Let now other plants come hither, 

 and they will foon cover the ground. Sc 

 Bjelke. 



All 



