SEPTEMBER. 179 



plants, the sugar-cane and the useful bamboo. 

 \Vlien we consider that, in every land in which 

 the corn-field exists, the fiour procured from it 

 Eonstitules the staple food of man, we form 

 some idea of the value of this tribe ; and though 

 the South Sea Islander may live on his bread- 

 fruit tree, and the Ncv/ Hollander, too idle to 

 cultivate his land, may enjoy tlie produce of his 

 native sago-palm, or the large root of the arum ; 

 yet this food can be procured in few climates, 

 while corn can be cultivated on the greater part 

 of the globe. When we see the multitude of 

 cattle enjoying the liberal supply of food spread 

 over the green pastures, and when " the hay 

 appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, 

 and the herbs of the mountains are gathered," 

 we see again, though indirectly, that the grass 

 groweth for the service of man. When we 

 behold how the grass, by its matted roots, 

 binds down the sands which else would be 

 floating far and wide, we have another instance 

 of its value. In the Hebrides, the shore grass 

 (Arundo arenaria) is made into ropes, and 

 bags, and hats. The grass oil of India is 

 highly valued for its aromatic properties, and 

 the fragrant scent of our native meadow 

 grasses, when they lie withered in the sun, 

 is delightful to the wanderer in the hay-field. 

 The sugar-cane of the west, and the baml)oo of 

 the east, are alike valuable. The native of 

 Asia eats the soft shoots of the bamboo as we 

 eat asparagus. Tlie hollow joints yield him 

 a retreshiug drink ; its seeds are eateu as a 



