Physical Geography

Physical Geogeaphy, in the highest sense of the term, is theS cience of theE arthas a great individual organization. In this science the material body of the globe, wih its atmosphere, the myriads of plants and animal forms living upon it, and man himself, as a part of the life-system, are not only considered in themselves but in their mutual relations, as working together towards a common end. Though entirely resting upon the solid basis of observed phenomena, it does not stop there. I ts aim is preeminently the discovery of the laws which govern these phenomena, and of the grand chain of causes and effects which explains the mode of their occurrence. Such a study requires an extensive knowledge of facts drawn from the domain of all the natural and physical sciences, which cannot be expected of the youthful student, and a habit of generalization which does not belong to the early stages of mental development. A full treatment of Physical Geography and its intricate problems is, therefore, more in place in the highest institutions of learning than in our general school system. But by far the greater number of the youth in our schools will never enter the walls of a college or university. A glance, however, at the subjects treated in the present work, will convince every thoughtful mind that, in this age of universal education, it woidd be a grievous mistake to send this multitude into the wide world of active life, without some knowledge of the laws of these natural phenomena, in the midst of which we live and move. The mariner on the stormy sea, the agriculturist at home, the merchant embracing the world in his commercial ventures, the far-seeing statesman all have a direct interest in knowing the course of. the winds, the laws of the distribution of heat and rains, which regulate the abundance or scarcity of crops, determine the special nature of the usefu
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