CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

Natural Advantages of the Territory of the Roman Empire--Physical Decay of that Territory and of other parts of the Old World-- Causes of the Decay--New School of Geographers--Reaction of Man upon Nature--Observation of Nature--Cosmical and Geological Influences--Geographical Influence of Man--Uncertainty of our Meteorological Knowledge--Mechanical Effects produced by Man on the surface of the Earth--Importance and Possibility of Physical Restoration--Stability of Nature--Restoration of Disturbed Harmonies--Destructiveness of Man--Physical Improvement--Human and Brute Action Compared--Forms and Formations most liable to Physical Degradation--Physical Decay of New Countries--Corrupt Influence of Private Corporations, _Note_, 1