260 Dependence of the Geographical BelationSy ^c. 



that they are as indispensable as the erection of dykes 

 along rivers, channels, and public roads, as well as other 

 measures intended to improve the physical condition of a 

 coimtry, and to adapt it to the necessities of the population ; 

 that the countries possessing a sufficient expanse of forests 

 combine well-attested advantages, are highly favourable to 

 the health of the people, and fully equal to the gratification 

 of all their wants ; that they are noted for their charming 

 climate, abundance of water, fertility of the soil, as also for 

 the number and variety of vegetable productions, — taking 

 all this for granted, geographers ought to consider forests as 

 an element exceedingly important, as regards the investigation 

 of the physical condition of countries and the geographical 

 relations of the population ; moreover, as regards inferring 

 from the excess of forests the original state of some countries, 

 and from their scarcity, the final state of others ; and, lastly, 

 as regards the comparison of the results of these inquiries 

 with the character of the population. 



The geographer who has neglected to pay due attention to 

 this subject, is unable to give a faithful and accurate descrip- 

 tion of the physical condition of countries, to compare the 

 geographical relations of the people, both with the last and 

 with one another, and thus to arrive at a system of solid geo- 

 graphical knowledge. Forests may be considered in many 

 points of view, which geographers have hitherto slightly 

 treated. They form a basis for a general outline of the geo- 

 graphical relations of continents, as well as of individual 

 coimtries. On this basis, the geographer may build his sys- 

 tem, derive from it his leading maxims, and be guided by it 

 when treating of the development of the general relations 

 of nations and countries. It is our most anxious desire that 

 the above observations may draw the attention of geographers 

 to this matter, which deserves, indeed, a more minute inves- 

 tigation, as it tends to reduce geographical data to general 

 principles, and to render the study of geography more and 

 more interesting and instructive. 



