UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 33 



first brought to England by a traveller, more as 

 a specimen of the vegetable productions of other 

 countries, than with any view of bestowing an 

 extensive benefit on society. And thus it is* 

 my dear, that all things really useful are diffused 

 over those parts of the globe to which they are 

 at all suited. While man is occupied in gratify- 

 ing his love of conquest, his curiosity, or his 

 avarice while he is searching after the hidden 

 treasures of the earth, or trafficking for the sake 

 of gain, Providence employs those worldly pas- 

 sions and pursuits to dispense blessings and com- 

 forts to all nations." 



" I suppose, aunt," said I, l( that when people 

 settle in new countries, all that is useful amongst 

 us is gradually introduced there." 



"Yes, my dear," said she, "both the moral 

 acquirements and the natural productions of the 

 parent countries are spread throughout the world 

 by colonies. Emigrants of different nations meet 

 and blend those customs in which some are 

 superior to others ; and thus proceeds the slow 

 but sure improvement of the great families of the 

 earth." 



I said that it would be amusing to trace the 

 gradual changes of those great families, and the 

 progress of nations from one country to another 

 by the similarity of customs. 



" Nothing could be more useful or entertaining 

 than such an inquiry," replied my aunt ; t( but 



