In a low state of civilization the palm, or a palm-like grass, supplies all that man requires; of the former of which, the _Mauritia flexuosa_, or sago-palm of the Oronooko, and still more the _cocos nucifera_, or cocoa-nut palm; and of the latter, the bamboo (_bambusa arundinacea_, and other species) are proofs. The bamboo suffices for all the needs of the humbler Chinese; even their paper, as well as their abodes, are made of it; and from the materials furnished by the cocoa-nut tree, not merely food, as shall be afterwards noticed, but larger and more elegant houses, with all their appurtenances, are constructed at Goa and other places. The obligations of the Guaraons to the _Mauritia flexuosa_ cannot be expressed[B]. In proportion as man rises in civilization, the importance of timber becomes greater, being a material for which no adequate substitute can be found. It combines lightness with strength, elasticity with firmness, and possesses in many instances a durability rivalling, or even surpassing, that of the rocks yielded to us by the solid substance of the globe. The adaptation of timber to the numerous wants of civil life is too familiar to require exposition; but in addition to all the ends it serves in these points, we have an interesting view presented to us in considering what a vast quantity of timber is required for the construction of our shipping, from the countless boats and small craft employed in our coasting trade up to the larger ships, which are so many floating towns or communities. These conduce to the accomplishment of objects of the most momentous nature. Were it not for our shipping we should still be in the condition described by the Romans, as Britons cut off from the rest of the world.--But by their means we now visit without restraint, "Earth's farthest verge, and ocean's wildest shore,"[C] and though, in times past, they have been too often used as engines fraught with destruction, directed by man against his fellow man, let us hope that they may be required in future only to convey in amicable interchange the produce of one country to another, or to bear to his destination the missionary bent on extending the blessings of that religion whose spirit is "peace on earth, good will among the children of men[D]."