effect of a wise over-ruling providence that no land yields all that
is useful to human life. For want invites men to commerce, in order
to supply one another's necessities. It is therefore that want that
is the natural tie of society between nations: otherwise all the
people of the earth would be reduced to one sort of food and
clothing; and nothing would invite them to know and visit one
another.


SECT. XII. Of Plants.


All that the earth produces being corrupted, returns into her bosom,
and becomes the source of a new production. Thus she resumes all
she has given in order to give it again. Thus the corruption of
plants, and the excrements of the animals she feeds, feed her, and
improve her fertility. Thus, the more she gives the more she
resumes; and she is never exhausted, provided they who cultivate her
restore to her what she has given. Everything comes from her bosom,
everything returns to it, and nothing is lost in it. Nay, all seeds
multiply there. If, for instance, you trust the earth with some
grains of corn, as they corrupt they germinate and spring; and that
teeming parent restores with usury more ears than she had received
grains. Dig into her entrails, you will find in them stone and
marble for the most magnificent buildings. But who is it that has
laid up so many treasures in her bosom, upon condition that they
should continually produce themselves anew? Behold how many
precious and useful metals; how many minerals designed for the
conveniency of man!