INTRODUCTION* IX 
various caiifes, and affigned each to the purpofe and 
life determined. 
It is difficult to pronounce which divifion of the 
earth, between the polar circles, produces the greateft 
variety. The tropical diviiion certainly affords 
thofe which principally contribute to the more 
luxurious fcenes of fplendour, as Myrtus communis, 
Myrt. caryophyllata, Myrt. pimenta, Caryophyllus 
aromaticus, Taurus cinnam. Taurus camphor. Tau- 
rus Perfica, Nux mofch. Illicium, Camellia, Pu- 
nica, Cadlus melo -cactus, Cadtus grandiflora, Glo- 
riofa fuperba, Theobroma, Adanfonia digitata, 
Nydtanthes, Pfidium, Mufa paradifica, Mula fa~ 
pientum, Garcinia mangoftana, Cocos nucifera. Ci- 
trus, Citrus aurantium, Cucurbita citrullus, Hya-^ 
cinthus, Amaryllis, Narciffus, Poinciana pulcherri- 
m a, Crinum, Cadtus cochinellifer. 
But the temperate zone (including by far the 
greater portion of the earth, and a climate the moft 
favourable to the increafe and fupport of animal 
life, as well as for the exercife and activity of the 
human faculties) exhibits fcenes of infinitely greater 
variety, magnificence, and confequence, with refpedt 
to human economy, in regard to the various ufes of 
vegetables. 
For inftance; Triticum Cereale, which affords 
us bread, and is termed, by way of eminence, the 
ftaff of life, the moil pleafant and nourifhing food 
to all terreftrial animals. Vitis vinifera, whofe ex^ 
hilarating juice is faid to cheer the hearts of gods 
and men, Oryza, Zea, Pyrus, Pyrus malus, Pru- 
nus, Pr. cerafus. Ficus, Neftarin, Apricot, Cydo- 
nia. Next follow the illuftrious families of fore ft- 
trees, as the Magnolia grandiflora and Quercus 
fempervirens, which form the venerated groves and 
folernn fliades, on the Miffiffippi, Alatamaha and 
b Florida , 
