OF NATURE. 47 
laid bare, ftick out above the furface. We 
might alfo take notice of the wonderful! ef- 
fects of the tide, fuch as we fee happen from 
time to time on the fea-fhore, which being 
daily and nightly aftaulted with repeated 
blows, at length gives way, and breaks off, 
Hence we fee in mod: places the rubbiSh of the 
fea, and jfhores* 
The winter by its froft prepares the earth, 
and mould, which thence are broken into 
Very minute particles, and thus, being put 
into a mouldering {late, become more fit for 
the nourishment of plants , nay by its fnow it 
covers the feeds, and roots of plants, and 
thus by cold defends them from the force of 
cold. I muft add alfo that the piercing froft 
of the winter purifies the atmofphere, and pu- 
trid waters, and makes them more wholefome 
for animals. 
The perpetual fuccefiion of heat and cold 
with us renders the fummers more pleading; 
and though the winter deprives us of many 
plants, and animals, yet the perpetual Summer 
within the tropics is not much more agreeable, 
as it often deftroys men, and other animals by 
its immoderate heat ; though it muft be con- 
fcffcd 
