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tionable degree of ufefulnefs to mankind, at leaft with 
* ref{pect 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 {fenfible 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 fubjec&t. Their powers 
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 
{pecies, befides 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 conftruétion and ceconomy of all thefe various 
beings; to ftudy their dependencies upon one another 
in an infinitely complex chain, every link of which 
is effential; 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 {cientific 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 illuftrate. It may ferve as 
an olive-branch, to procure their patience as we pro- 
ceed together hereafter through the confideration of 
lefs 
