GEOGRAPHY OF PLANTS. 73 



countries which lead to the habitual intercourse 

 of nations, and through this to the benefits which 

 we have thus briefly noticed, do not all depend 

 upon the differences of temperature and climate 

 alone. But these differences are among the 

 causes, and are some of the most important 

 causes, or conditions, of the variety of products ; 

 and thus that arrangement of the earth's form 

 and motion from which the different climates of 

 different places arise, is connected with the social 

 and moral welfare and advancement of man. 



We conceive that this connexion, though there 

 must be to our apprehension much that is inde- 

 finite and uncertain in tracing its details, is yet 

 a point where we may perceive the profound 

 and comprehensive relations established by the 

 counsel and foresight of a wise and good Creator 

 of the world and of man, by whom the progress 

 arid elevation of the human species was neither 

 uncontemplated nor uncared for. 



4. We have traced, in the variety of organized 

 beings, an adaptation to the variety of climates, a 

 provision for the sustentation of man all over the 

 globe, and an instrument for the promotion of 

 civilization and many attendant benefits. We 

 have not considered this variety as itself a pur- 

 pose which we can perceive or understand with- 

 out reference to some ulterior end. Many persons, 

 however, and especially those who are already in 

 the habit of referring the world to its Creator, 



