276 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES, 



INDIGO.— INDIGOFERA. 



Natural order, Papilionacece. A genus of 

 the Diadelphia Decandria class. 



Before we describe this plant, which the 

 ingenuity of man has made important, rather 

 by adding to our luxury, than from any real 

 use or addition to our comfort, it may not 

 be irrelevant to the subject to notice what 

 gave rise to this artificial want. 



Instinct, which directs the ox to the pas- , 

 ture, the bee to the flower, and the bird to 

 the seed, would first instruct man to satisfy 

 and provide for the necessary nourishment of 

 his frame : when wants were supplied, com- 

 forts would next be sought. The protection 

 of the body from the sun, or the inclemency 

 of the weather, would form the second con- 

 sideration ; and as the human species in- 

 creased, some mark of distinction would be 

 called for, to bestow on objects of reverence, 

 love, or power. 



