Page:A discourse upon the origin and foundation of the inequality among mankind (IA discourseuponori00rous).pdf/260

 where nothing but Salt and Sand is to be found at preent; for the fixed Salt of Plants and Animals tays behind, while all the other Parts become volatile, and fly off." Mr. de Buffon, Hit. Nat.

This Theory may be confirmed by Facts, namely the great Quantity of Trees and Plants of every Kind, which covered all the deart Ilands dicovered in the latter Centuries, and by the immene Forets Hitory informs us it was requiite to cut down in all Parts of the World, in proportion as they became better inhabited, and the Inhabitants became more civilized. Upon which I mut add the three following Remarks. One is, that if there are any Vegetables capable of replacing the vegetable Matter conumed by Animals, according to Monieur Buffon, they mut be thoe Trees whoe Leaves and Branches collect and appropriate to themelves the greatet Quantity of Water and Vapour. The Second, that the Detruction of the Soil, that is to ay, the Los of Subtance fit for Vegetation, cannot but increae in proportion as the Earth is