"We could—it has been done—compound food directly from mineral substances. That, however, is difficult and costly. We prefer to let nature do most of the work to our hand. From the vegetable world we obtain certain stock compounds, from which, by suitable modifications, we form all we need. From maize alone, as a basis, every variety of food could be prepared. But mainly on account of the advantage of a rotation of crops, we raise, besides, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and beets, and other crops in smaller quantities. In some tropical countries, bananas, another important basis, are raised in enormous quantities. Especially in the valley of the Amazon, one of the most fertile regions of the globe, and now thickly populated, are grown a variety of plants, from which are extracted our most exquisite flavors."
This information was given, not altogether, but at intervals, while we traversed the garden and orchard. In these were found all the fruits now grown in temperate climates, and many that I failed to recognize. As for flowers, there did not seem to be a greater variety than at present, but better choice.
"Besides cats and dogs, these are the only domestic animals usually kept among us," said Utis, as we arrived at an extensive enclosure surrounded by a lofty wire netting, containing a variety of domestic fowl.
On making some remark in regard to the peculiarities of the breed, I learned that these peculiarities arose from long-continued selection with a view to laying properties alone. Eggs and fish were the only animal products used as food. Sheep were raised, in like manner, solely for the sake of their fleece. The breed, accordingly, would not, among us, create great demand for their mutton.
