ON THE POLITY OF NATURE. 51 
blish themselves in such a manner, as to banish to the still 
barren districts the first fabricators of their soil. The most 
perfect plants are, in general, independent of the Animal 
Kingdom, or able to subsist without their presence. The 
members of that great family, indeed, are their enemies ra- 
ther than their friends. 
The animal is, in a great measure, dependent on _ the 
vegetable kingdom for food and shelter. Some animals live 
directly on plants, as their only nourishment, others live en 
the flesh of other animals, but these last are, in general, sup- 
ported by vegetable food. Hence, we may assert with con- 
fidence, that if the vegetable kingdom were to perish, the ex- 
tinction of life, im the more perfect animals at least, would 
inevitably follow. Some of the less perfect animals are more 
independent in their condition. The infusoria appear to 
subsist by decomposing water. They, however, prepare a 
suitable repast for the annulose and molluscous tribes ; and 
these, in their turn, contribute to support the vertebral 
races. In both kingdoms, therefore, the smallest and most 
obscure species are subservient to the welfare of those 
which are larger and more perfect. 
In viewing the relation of these great classes of beings to 
one another, we perceive an admirable adaptation of means, 
to the establishment and continuance of the present order 
The surface of our globe exhibits a great varie- 
Part is eccupied 
The land varies, 
of things. 
ty of situation for the residence of plants. 
by land, and part is covered with water. 
in composition and moisture; the water in its contents and 
motion ; and both vary in their temperature. But however 
different these situations appear to be, there are plants pe- 
culiarly adapted for each, in which they flourish with the 
greatest vigour, and where they are only restrained within 
fixed limits, by the physical characters of their station. 
The condition of the Earth, which thus presents different 
situations for the species of the Vegetable Kingdom, influen- 
n 2 
