C r64 ] 



ciples, afFed every portion of matter that comes 

 within our knowledge; but what fupports thofe 

 powers, in what their energy confifts, or from 

 whence they are derived, we are by no means able 

 to apprehend or conceive. Vegetation alfo obtains 

 univerfally on this globe. Wherever there is 

 earth, vegetation takes place ; therefore the prin- 

 ciple (or principles) of vegetation, whatfoever it be, 

 or in whatfoever it confifts, muft be univerfal ; and 

 all that is neceflary for the hufbandman to do, is to 

 prepare his ground effedually, put in his feed or 

 plants at the proper feafon, and vegetation will 

 moft afluredly follow. Indeed, fo prblifick is nature 

 as to clothe the face of the globe with herbs and 

 plants in every region, without the intervention or 

 afliftance of man. The fund or magazine, then, 

 which furnifties the pabulum or food of plants, is 

 eftabliflied and fupplied by the oeconomy of nature, 

 feeing it obtains at all times and every where, un- 

 alfifted by art. But how and in what manner nature 

 is to be alTifted, how and by what means vegetation 

 IS to be promoted, and carried to its utmoft and 

 moll beneficial degree of perfe<5tion, is the grand 

 defideratumy the great and important objedl, of our 

 enquiry. 



Experiments or obfervations made on occurrences 

 which happen in the courfe of things, are the 



ground-work 



