4 2 HISTORY OF 



of materials that increase in weight, in proportion as they lie 

 deeper. This is, in general, the disposition of the diiferent 

 materials, where the earth seems to have remained unmolested ; 

 but this order is frequently inverted ; and we cannot tell whether 

 from its original formation, or from accidental causes. Of dif- 

 ferent substances, thus disposed, the far greatest part of our 

 globe consists, from its siu"face downwards to the greatest depths 

 we ever dig or mine.' 



The first layer most commonly found at the surface, is that 

 light coat of blackish mould, which is called by some garden 

 tarlh. With this the earth is every where invested, unless it 

 be washed oif by rabis, or removed by some other external vio- 

 lence. This seems to have been formed from animal and vege- 

 table bodies decaying, and thus turning into its substance. It 

 also serves again as a storehouse, from whence animal and vege- 

 table nature are renewed : and thus are all vital blessings con- 

 tinued with unceasing circulation. This earth, however, is not 

 to be supposed entirely pure, but is mixed with much stony and 

 gravelly matter, from the layers lying immediately beneath it. 

 It generally happens, that the soil is fertile in proportion to the 

 quantity that this putiified mould bears to the gravelly mixture ; 

 and as the former predominates, so far is the vegetation upon it 

 more luxuriant. It is .this external covering that supplies man 

 with all the true riches he enjoys. He may bring up gold and 

 jewels from greater depths ; but they are merely the toys of a 

 capricious being, things upon which he has placed an imaginary 

 value, and for which fools alone part with the more substantial 

 blessings of life. " It is this earth," says Piiny,^ " that, like a kind 

 mother, receives us at our birth, and sustains us when bom." 

 It is this alone of all the elements around us, that is never 

 found an enemy to man. The body of waters deluge him with 

 rains, oppress him mth hail, and drown him with inundations. 

 The air rushes in storms, prepares the tempest, or lights up the 

 Volcano ; but the earth, gentle and indulgent, ever subservient 

 to the wants of man, spreads his walks with flowers, and his 

 table with plenty ; returns with interest every good committed 

 to her care ; and though sl)e produces the poison, she still sup- 

 plies the antidote ; though constantly teased more to furnish the 



I Woodward, p. 0. 2 Plinii Histo-ia Naturalis, lib. ii. cap. 63. 



