Page:Proofs of the Enquiry into Homer's Life and Writings.pdf/21

from the Cold; and there is nothing that contributes so much to the softening and increasing any Production, as when there is no Excess of any one thing in its Composition above the rest, but an equal Distribution of Parts every where prevails. However, we must not judge of all Asia in the same way; but only of those parts of the Country that lie between the Heat and the Cold; these are the most fruitful; they enjoy the finest Sky, have the fairest Trees, and are the best watered, both from Heaven and by the Rivers and Fountains of the Earth. For neither is it burnt up with Heats, nor is it dried with Droughts and want of Rain; nor yet is it congealed with violent Frosts, but kept moist by the South-Wind, which brings frequent Showers, and sometimes they have Snow. Of consequence therefore every thing must grow there in its Season; Plants either requiring Seed, or spontaneously produced by the Earth, whose Fruits are used by Men, after they are improved and transplanted from their wild State into a proper Soil. For the same reason the Cattle it bears must thrive apace, bring forth frequently, and prove large and fair, from their rich feeding. The Bodies of the Men too must be well nourished, finely shaped, of the largest Size, and at the same time there will be the least Difference among them as to their Size