296 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



would thrive in the Isle of Wight, and many 

 parts of Devonshire, Sussex, and Kent ; in- 

 deed in every place where the myrtle grows. 

 We are not far removed from the latitude in 

 which it grows in China ; and it is well known 

 that from the insular situation of this king- 

 dom, the winter with us is less severe than 

 in some more southerly situations. The 

 China rose is already naturalized in our cli- 

 mate, so that it blossoms even during winter 

 in our open gardens ; and we recollect this 

 plant as the pet of the conservatory but a 

 few years back. Are we then so overbur- 

 thened with riches, that we nurse up orna- 

 mental flowers, and neglect the cultivation 

 of a plant which we purchase with so much 

 treasure ? 



The prosperity of the East India Company, 

 or any other society, should not be set in 

 competition with the general good of a coun- 

 try ; and that kingdom must be the most 

 prosperous, that possesses the greatest re- 

 sources within itself. Our natural situation 

 will always insure us sufficient nurseries for 

 sailors, without going to China for tea. 



The Portuguese are now able to cultivate 

 the tea-plant in the Brazils ; and the French 



