286 HISTORY OF 



little sensation of pleasure, as the thorn on which 

 it grew. 



Those who are willing to augment the cata- 

 logue of the benefits we receive from this element, 

 assert also, that tastes themselves would be insi- 

 pid, were it not that the air presses their parts 

 upon the nerves of the tongue and palate, so as 

 to produce their grateful effects. Thus, conti- 

 nue they, upon the tops of high mountains, as on 

 the Peak of Teneriffe, the most poignant bodies, 

 as pepper, ginger, salt, and spice, have no sensi- 

 ble taste, for want of their particles being thus 

 sent home to the sensory. But we owe the air 

 sufficient obligations not to be studious of admit- 

 ting this among the number : in fact, all substan- 

 ces have their taste, as well on the tops of the 

 mountains as in the bottom of the valley ; and I 

 have been one of many who have ate a very sa- 

 voury dinner on the Alps. 



It is sufficient, therefore, that we regard the air 

 as the parent of health and vegetation ; as a kind 

 dispenser of light and warmth ; and as the con- 

 veyer of sounds and odours. This is an element 

 of which avarice will not deprive us, and which 

 power cannot monopolize. The treasures of the 

 earth, the verdure of the fields, and even the re- 

 freshments of the stream, are too often seen go- 

 ing only to assist the luxuries of the great ; while 

 the less fortunate part of mankind stand humble 

 spectators of their encroachments. But the air 

 no limitations can bound, nor any land-marks 

 restrain. In this benign element, all mankind 

 can boast an equal possession ; and for this we 



