326 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



is chiefly used for the feeding of cattle; but furnishes 

 a nutritive aliment to the poor in times when there is 

 a scarcity of bread corn. 



We have thus noticed the most interesting facts 

 connected with the history and properties of the fruits 

 of the temperate climates. We have not attempted 

 to treat the subject with any pretension to scientific 

 classification or description, nor to give any practical 

 directions for their cultivation. Our object has been 

 to direct the popular attention to some of the most 

 interesting, although the most common, of the vege- 

 table substances by which we are surrounded. It is 

 instructive to trace how gradually man has gathered 

 around the dwellings of civilization those fruits which 

 have been scattered by Providence over the most dis- 

 tant parts of the globe; and how he has improved 

 them by long ages of careful cultivation. By the 

 exercise only of such activity and skill has man, under 

 every circumstance, conquered the original difficulties 

 of his lot; and by depending for every comfort and 

 enjoyment upon his own exertion, has he developed 

 and matured the intellectual faculties with which God 

 has endowed him. 



It will be naturally observed how greatly we are 

 indebted to the extension of our commercial intercourse 

 for all additions to the species of our fruits, and for 

 almost every improvement in their varieties. The 

 succeeding chapters on Tropical Fruits will exhibit 

 many interesting facts calculated still further to show 

 how commercial industry diffuses blessings over the 

 whole globe; overcomes the obstacles of distance 

 and climate; and unites the entire human race, by 

 common wants and mutual obligations, into one vast 

 family. 



