Chapter 1

INTRODUCTORY

Natural Advantages of the Territory of the Roman Empire--Physical Decay of that Territory--Causes of the Decay--Reaction of Man on Nature--Observation of Nature--Uncertainty of Our Historical Knowledge of Ancient Climates--Uncertainty of Modern Meteorology--Stability of Nature--Formation of Bogs--Natural Conditions Favorable to Geographical Change--Destructiveness of Man--Human and Brute Action Compared--Limits of Human Power--Importance of Physical Conservation and Restoration--Uncertainty as to Effects of Human Action