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RICHES. 
CORN. 
We are assured by botanists that corn is no 
where found in its primitive state. It seems 
to have been confided by Providence to the care 
of man, with the use of fire, to secure to him 
the sceptre of the earth. With corn and with 
fire, all other gifts may be dispensed with or 
acquired. With corn alone we could nourish 
every domestic animal which affords flesh for our 
sustenance, shares our labours, and is in various 
ways serviceable to us. The pig, the hen, the 
duck, the pigeon, the ass, the sheep, the goat, 
the horse, the cow, the cat, and the dog ; each 
renders him something in return for his care, 
We receive from each, according to nature, 
either eggs or milk, bacon or wool, various meats, 
or services. Corn is the first bond of society, 
because its culture and preparation for our use 
require great labour and reciprocal services. 
From its inestimable value, the ancients called 
the good Ceres the legislatrix. 
There are occasions when food is much more 
highly esteemed than the possession of riches. 
An Arab, wandering in the desert, had not 
tasted food for the space of two days, and saw 
that he had reason to apprehend famine. In 
passing near a well, where the caravans stopped, 
he perceived a little leathern sack on the sand. 

