OBJECTS, PLEASURES, AND ADVANTAGES OF SCIENCE. 



Another tree, called the Water-icith, in Jamaica, has similar uses : it is like a vine iu size and shape, anc 

 though growing in parched districts, is yet so full of clear sap or water, that by cutting a piece two or three 

 yards long, and merely holding it to the mouth, a plentiful draught is obtained. In the East, there is 

 plant somewhat of the same kind, called the Sejuco, which grows near other trees aud twines round them 

 with its end hanging downwards, but so full of juice, that, on cutting it, a good stream of water spout: 

 from it; and this, not only by the stalk touching the tree so closely must refresh it, but affords a supply to 

 animals, and to the weary herdsman on the mountains. Another plant, the Nepenthes distillatoria, is found 

 in the same regions, with a yet more singular structure. It has natural mugs or tankards hanging from 

 its leaves, and holding each from a pint to a quart of very pure water. Two singular provisions are to be 

 marked iu this vegetable. There grows over the mouth of the tankard, a leaf nearly its size and shape, 

 like a lid or cover, which prevents evaporation from the sun's rays ; aud the water that fills the tankard is 

 perfectly sweet and clear, although the ground in which the plant grows is a marsh of the most muddy 

 and unwholesome kind. The process of vegetation filtrates or distils the liquid, so as to produce from the 

 worst, the purest water.* The Palo de Vaca, or cow-tree, grows in South America, upon the most dry 

 and rocky soil, and in a climate where for months not a drop of rainfalls. On piercing the trunk, however, 

 a sweet and nourishing milk is obtained, which the natives gladly receive iu large bowls. If some plants 

 thus furnish drink, where it might least be expected, others prepare, as it were, in the desert, the food of 

 man in abundance. A single Tapioca tree is said to afford, from its pith, the whole sustenance of several men 

 for a season. 



V. ADVANTAGES AUD PLEASITBES OF SCIENCE. 



AFTER the many instances or samples which havo now been given of the nature and objects of Natural 

 Science, we might proceed to a different field, and describe in the same way the other grand branch of 

 human knowledge, that which teaches the properties or habits of Mind the intellectual faculties of man, 

 or the powers of his understanding, by which he perceives, imagines, remembers, and reasons ; his moral 

 facultiet, or the feelings and passions which influence him ; and lastly, as a conclusion or result drawn from 

 the whole, his Juliet both towards himself as an individual, and towards others as a member of society : 

 which last hend opens to our view the whole doctrines of political science, including the nature of govern- 

 menlt, of policy, and generally of laiot. But we shall abstain entirely from entering at all upon 

 this field, and shall now take up the subject more particularly pointed at through the course of the fore- 

 going observations, and to illustrate which they havo beeu framed namely, the Use aud Pleasure of 

 Scientific Studies. 



Man is composed of two parts, body and mind, connected indeed together, but wholly different from 

 one another. The nature of the union the part of our outward and visible frame in which it is peculiarly 

 formed or whether the soul be indeed connected or not with any particular portion of the body, so as to 

 reside there are points as yet wholly hid from our knowledge, and which are likely to remain for ever 

 concealed. But this we know, as certainly as we can know any truth, that there is such a thing as the 

 Mind ; and that we have at the least as good proof of its existence, independent of the Body, as we have 

 of the existence of the Body itself. Each has its uses, and each has its peculiar gratifications. The bounty 

 of Providence has given us outward senses to be employed, and has furnished the means of gratifying them 

 in various kind, and in ample measure. As long as we only taste- those pleasures according to the rules 

 of prudence and of our duty, that is, in moderation for our own Bakes, and in harmlessness towards our 

 neighbours, we fulfil rather than thwart the purpose of our being. But the same bountiful Providence has 

 endowed us with the higher nature also with understandings as well as with senses witli faculties that 

 are of a more exalted order, and admit of more refined enjoyments, than any to which the bodily frame can 

 minister; and by pursuing such gratifications, rather than those of mero sense, wo fulfil the most exalted 

 ends of our creation, and obtain both a present and a future reward. These things are often said, but they 

 arc not therefore the less true, or the less worthy of deep attention. Let us mark their practical application 

 to the occupations and enjoyments of all branches of society, beginning with those who form the great bulk 

 of every community, the working classes, by what names soever their vocations may be called professions, 

 arts, trades, handicrafts, or common labour. 



1. The first object of every man, who has to depend upon his own exertions, must needs be to provide 

 for his daily wants. This is a high and important office; it deserves his utmost attention; it includes 

 some of his most sacred duties, both to himself, his kindred, and his country ; aud although, in performing 

 this task, ho is only influenced by a regard to his own interest, or by his necessities, yet it is an 

 employment which renders him truly the best benefactor of the community ho belongs to. All other pursuits 

 must give way to this ; the hours which he devotes to learning must be after ho has douo his work ; his 

 ndence, without which he is not fit to bo called a man, requires first of all that he should have 

 insured for himself, and those dependent on him, a comfortable subsistence, before he can have a right to 



A specimen of thii curious plant, though of a imall ue, U to be found in the fine collection at Wentworth, reared by Mr. 



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