TABLE OF CONTENTS


CHAPTER I.

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

CHAPTER II.

TRANSFER, MODIFICATION, AND EXTIRPATION OF VEGETABLE AND OF ANIMAL
SPECIES.

Modern Geography takes Account of Organic Life--Geographical Importance
of Plants--Origin of Domestic Vegetables--Transfer of Vegetable
Life--Objects of Modern Commerce--Foreign Plants, how
Introduced--Vegetable Power of Accommodation--Agricultural Products of
the United States--Useful American Plants Grown in Europe--Extirpation
of Vegetables--Animal Life as a Geological and Geographical
Agency--Origin and Transfer of Domestic Quadrupeds--Extirpation of Wild
Quadrupeds--Large Marine Animals Relatively Unimportant in
Geography--Introduction and Breeding of Fish--Destruction of