330 Report S.A.A. Advancement of Science. 



I am talking about understand what I mean. Doubtless it can be 

 argued that by a little activity of imagination, and a slight exercise 

 of metaphysical ingenuity, it may be shown that the weakest link in 

 the chain of circumstances making up the history of a country, has 

 been essential to the whole order of subsequent events. But when I 

 speak of the causations that have enabled Argentina to assume her 

 position of proud pre-eminence in pastoral wealth, I speak of the 

 obvious and important agency of one factor upon another, and not of 

 remote and infinitesimal influences. The sequence of causes I have 

 endeavoured to emphasise is threefold. First, a vast stretch of level 

 country with a soil of marvellous fertility ; secondly, the favourable 

 environment for the economical production of the most necessary 

 cereals; thirdly, the prodigious worth of the alfalfa plant. In these 

 three causes we recognise the design of the Designer ; and in the 

 great prosperity of the country the deserved recompense of an indus- 

 trious, thrifty, and intellectual people. 



Since writing this paper " The Statesman's Year Book " gives 

 the official returns of exports and imports for Argentina in 1905 as i 

 Exports, ;^64,568,5oo ; Imports, _;^4i,030,8oo. 



