2 
tionable degree of ufefulnefs to mankind, at leaft with 
refpedt to food. This is our firft and moft natural en- 
quiry in a fcene of fuch novelty ; but it is an enquiry 
natural to all the lower orders of fenlible beings, 
as well as to man. It may perhaps mortify his pride 
to think how much more quickly and certainly inferior 
animals judge upon fuch a fubje^l. Their powders 
however reach no farther. It is the peculiar privilege 
of reafoning man, not only to extend his enquiries to a 
multiplicity of attainable benefits to himfelf and his 
fpecies, belides the mere animal neceffity of food, but 
alfo to walk with God through the garden of creation, 
and be initiated into the different plans of his providence 
in the conftrudfion and oeconomy of all thefe various 
beings ; to ffudy their dependencies upon one another 
in an infinitely complex chain, every link of which 
is elfential ; and to trace out all thofe various ufes 
and benefits to every branch of the animal creation, 
of which each animal is a judge only for himfelf. In 
this point of view' no natural production is beneath the 
notice of the philofopher, nor any enquiry trifling 
under the guidance of a fcientific mind. 
In compliance however with thofe who do not look 
fo deep into natural knowledge, we here introduce to 
their acquaintance almoft the only wild eatable fruit of 
the country we are about to illuifrate. It may ferve as 
an olive-branch, to procure their patience as we pro- 
ceed together hereafter through the confideration of 
lefs 
