on this principle, nature has formed the different
degrees of genius, and the characters of nations, which are seldom known
to change. Hence the negroes are slaves to other men, and are purchased
on the coast of Africa like beasts, for a sum of money; and the vast
multitudes of negroes transplanted into our American colonies, serve as
slaves under a very inconsiderable number of Europeans. Experience has
likewise taught us how great a superiority the Europeans have over the
Americans, who are every where easily overcome, and have not dared to
attempt a revolution, though a thousand to one superior in numbers.

23. This part of America was also remarkable on account of its animals
and plants, which are not to be found in the other three parts of the
world, and which are of so great use to us. Horses, corn of all kinds,
and iron, were not wanting in Mexico and Peru, and among the many
valuable commodities unknown to the old world, cochineal was the
principal, and was brought us from this country. Its use in dying has
now made us forget the scarlet, which for time immemorial had been the
only thing known for giving a fine red colour.

24. The importation of cochineal was soon succeeded by that of indigo,
cocoa, vanille, and those woods which serve for ornament and medicinal
purposes, particularly the quinquina, or Jesuit's bark, which is the
only specific against intermitting fevers. Nature has placed this remedy
in the mountains of Peru, whilst she had dispersed the disease it cured
through all the rest of the world. This new continent likewise furnished
pearls; coloured stones, and diamonds.

25. It is certain, that America at present furnishes the meanest citizen
of Europe with his conveniences and pleasures. The gold and silver
mines, at their first discovery, were of service only to the kings of
Spain and the merchants; the rest of the world was impoverished by them;
for the great multitudes who did not follow business, found themselves
possessed of a very small quantity of specie, in comparison with the
immense sums accumulated by those who had the advantage of the first
discoveries. But, by degrees, the great quantity of gold and silver
which was sent from America, was dispersed throughout all Europe, and by
passing into a number of hands, the distribution is become more equal.
The price of commodities is likewise increased in Europe, in proportion
to the increase of specie.

26. To comprehend how the treasures o