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On every part of the earth, where vegetation takes place, and 
where the surface remains for a long time undisturbed, a light black 
earth will be found ; being the carbonaceous remains of the vegetable 
matters which have been there annually deposited, and which have 
undergone the decomposing power of various succeeding seasons. In 
those parts, where, in consequence of the melioration of the soil, by 
winter floodings, and the genial influence of the sun’s ardent rays, in 
summer, vegetation proceeds with rapidity, there will the production 
of this vegetable earth not only be more considerable, but the same 
circumstances will be also favourable to the formation, destruction, and 
reproduction of myriads of the smaller classes of animated beings, 
which inhabit the surface of the earth, the Avaters, and the vegetables 
themselves. The surface of the earth will here, therefore, at one 
season, be found teeming in every point with animal and vegetable life; 
at another season, it will be found richly impregnated with resinous, 
oily, and other carbonaceous matters, which have been let loose, during 
the decomposition of so many organized bodies of both kingdoms. 
Thus, by the regular decay of the vegetables with which the earth’s 
surface is covered, and of the animals which they nourish, are fit 
matrices formed, and appropriate nutrition secured, for succeeding 
generations. By forests falling through age, and obtaining a covering 
from subsequent perishing vegetables, and being afterwards pervaded 
by moisture, the formation of peat-mosses are easily accounted for ; 
as well as the light loose earth with which these are almost always 
covered, according to the poet, who, alluding to the vast profits de- 
rivable from the digging of peat, and to the indication of subjacent 
peat, by the superficial light earth, says, 
Est locus in Batavis, ubi nec gratissimus hseres, 
Terram defuncto non velit esse gravem. 
Epigram seu Enigma de Terra uliginosa*. 
* Epigrammata Constantini Hugenii, lib. i. 
