,89 

 menns of escape, and bestowing superior powers of propa. 



gation. 



In this state, Man would derive little benefit from the 

 numerous tribes surrounding him, his person even would not 

 be secure. He has therefore exerted himself persevenngly 

 from time immemorial; he has waged a destructive war 

 against the most formidable, to their extermination, or, at 

 least, the expulsion from his dominions of some species; and, 

 where a milder disposition enables him, he has domesticated 

 others ; thus reducing the free denizens of nature to a small 



number. 



In the vegetable kingdom, he has pursued nearly the same 

 line and with the same industry ; he has discovered and se- 

 lected those adapted to his use, and has exerted his ingenuity 

 in finding out how that use may be most effectually obtained. 



Whatsis Agriculture but the Science of cultivating ex- 

 dusivdij, and to the best advantage, such grains or vegetables 

 as are necessary to the sustenance of man or his domestic 

 animals ? His general process is simple : he gives the selected 

 grain exclusive possession of his ground, first exterminating 

 all rivals, and then wages unremitted war against all compe- 

 titors that Nature, according to her invariable practice, persists 



in obtruding on him, 



By the continuation of this process for some thousand years, 

 and by perpetually sowing his domesticated seed, (as I may call 

 it) Man has done more than he expected, as he has actually 

 improved the species. For who can doubt that our grains 



iwT o arc 



