the human species subsists as much on animal
as on vegetable food, and there are some carnivorous animals that will
eat only animal food.

MRS. B.

That is true; but you do not consider that those that live on animal
food, derive their sustenance equally, though not so immediately, from
vegetables. The meat that we eat is formed from the herbs of the field,
and the prey of carnivorous animals proceeds, either directly or
indirectly, from the same source. It is, therefore, through this channel
that the simple elements become a part of the animal frame. We should in
vain attempt to derive nourishment from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen,
either in their separate state, or combined in the mineral kingdom; for
it is only by being united in the form of vegetable combination, that
they become capable of conveying nourishment.

EMILY.

Vegetation, then, seems to be the method which Nature employs to prepare
the food of animals?

MRS. B.

That is certainly its principal object. The vegetable creation does not
exhibit more wisdom in that admirable system of organisation, by which
it is enabled to answer its own immediate ends of preservation,
nutrition, and propagation, than in its grand and ultimate object of
forming those arrangements and combinations of principles, which are so
well adapted for the nourishment of animals.

EMILY.

But I am very curious to know whence vegetables obtain those principles
which form their immediate materials?

MRS. B.

This is a point on which we are yet so much in the dark, that I cannot
hope fully to satisfy your curiosity; but what little I know on this
subject, I will endeavour to explain to you.

The soil, which, at first view, appears to be the aliment of vegetables,
is found, on a closer investigation, to be little more than the channel
through which they receive their nourishment; so that it is very
possible to rear plants without any earth or soil.

CAROLINE.

Of that we have an instance in the hyacinth and other bulbous roots,
which will grow and blossom beautifully in glasses of water. But I
confess I should think it would be difficult to rear trees in a similar
manner.

MRS. B.

No doubt it would, as it is the burying of the roots in the earth that
supports the stem of the tree. But this office, besides that of
affording a vehicle for food, is far the most important part which the
earthy portion of the soil performs in the process of vegetation; for we
can discove