viii PREFACE TO THE THIRD VOLUME. 



the inhabitants, when thefe enemies are fo fuperabundant, as not to 

 be entirely fwept away, or abforbcd. This inefficacy of their natural 

 antidotes, it is probable, occurs but very feldom; for in all other 

 branches of our fyftem, we fee either an exadl equUibr'nim, or at 

 leaft a llruggle for equality, moft regularly maintained. Yet it may 

 pofiibly happen, that, in confequence of long drought, the rivers may 

 become almoft emptied of their waters ; the refervoirs may fail ; 

 the leafy cloathing of the woods may be parched, arid, and juicelefs, 

 and animals be empoifoned in fome degree by the feptic fluid which 

 involves them : tempeftuous winds are then the cuftomary and moft: 

 ufeful auxiliaries; they fly to beftow the defired remedy; to re- 

 plenifli the earth with new treafures of water ; to reftore vegetation 

 to the woods and herbage, purity to the air, and health to animals. 



'JAMAICA, 



