( 221 ) 
That Aere is sl great quantity of this Matter in Riven z 
and that it contributes vaftly to the ordinary fe^ tility of 
the Earth, we have an illuftrious Inftance in the M7(?, 
the Ganges, and other Rivers that yearly overjiow the 
neighbouring Plains, Their Banks (hew the jairejl and 
largeji Crops of any in the wZ^^/^ World: They are 
even A^^^i with the multitude of their ProduBivns : and 
tbofe who have not feen them will hardly be induced to 
believe the mighty Returns thofe Tra3s make in com- 
parifon of others^ that have not the Benefit of like Inun^ 
dations^ 
7. Water ferves only for a Vehicle to the terrejlrial Mat- 
ier which forms Vegetables: and does not itfelf make 
any addition unto them. Where the proper terreftrial 
Matter is wanting, the Plant i& not augmented tho' n^ver 
fo much Water afcend into it. The Cataputia in E took 
up more Water than the Mint in C, and yet had grown 
but very little, having received only three grains and 
an half of additional weight : whereas the other had re- 
ceived no lefs than twenty-fix grains. The Mint in I 
was planted in the fame fort of Water 2lS that in K was 5 
only the latter had Earth diffolved in the Watery and 
yet thatAvtv7 off I3f40gr. of the Water, gaining it*- 
felf no more than 139 gr. in weight : whereas the other 
took up hut 10731 gr. of Water, and was augmented 
168 gr. in v/eight. Confequently that fpent 2409 gr. 
more of the Water than this in K did, and j.:et was not 
fo much encreafed in Weight 2.% this by 29 gr. The Mint 
in M flood in the very fame kind of Water as that in 
N did. But, the Water in M having much lefs terreflrial 
Matter in it than that in N had, the Plant bore up 
8803 gr. of it, gaining itfelf only 41 gr. the while: 
whereas that in N drew ofF no more than 4344 gr. and 
yet was augmented 94 gr. So- that it fpent 4459 gr* 
