19 



In the distribution of the odours that are breathed around 

 us, Nature seems to have been regulated by the same economy. 

 Where happiness is found only in the refinement of the senses ; 

 where in luxurious repose, the Hindoo, with no zest for intel- 

 lectual delights, seeks an innocent enjoyment in exhalations of 

 sweet flowers ; there the loveliest of plants, that are unrivalled 

 in their perfume, dispense aroma in rich offerings to the ambi- 

 ent air. 



" Who has not heard of the vale of CASHMERE, 

 " With its roses the sweetest that earth ever gave f " 



Where man, upon another continent, is seen degraded by the 

 indulgence of the most loathsome appetites, and we are told 

 that, by a. remarkable peculiarity,* which he possesses in com- 

 mon only with the inferior animals, the Hottentot experiences an 

 emotion of delight, at the carrion-smell of what regales the 

 hyaena and the vulture; in that region of the earth, (as if the 

 poor savage were to be indulged in his caprice,) while Oriental 

 perfumes are withheld,! plants distinguished among us by their 

 offensiveness, the Stapelias, in their variety, abound upon the 

 soil, and fill the atmosphere with their putridity of savour. 



Wherever man resides are found nutritious berries, which 

 are agreeable to all. The barberry, the cranberry, and the 

 dwarf mulberry, regale the distant Laplander ; and beside these, 

 the currant forms a wholesome food for the inhabitants of 

 Greenland. Does the exhausted native of warm climates, 

 parched with thirst, ask such plants as may be most refreshing 

 to his enfeebled energies ? Lo, Nature's bounty has supplied 

 him with the melon, and the pine-apple, and all cooling fruits. 



* See Malte-Brun, where hp treats of the Boschmen, B. LXX. 

 t See Appendix E. 



