CHAPTER I 

 SOME PROBLEMS OF RESEARCH 



INTERRELATIONS BETV/EEN BRANCHES OF SCIENCE 



BEFORE discussing in detail the problems of the separate sciences, 

 it is necessary to consider certain general principles of research. 

 In the first place the view is generally held that so long as facilities 

 for research are limited, studies which are likely to lead to the pro- 

 motion of human welfare, whether of native Africans or of immi- 

 grant races, should take precedence. Any work directed towards 

 this process of 'bonification' is bound to influence and be influenced 

 by that done on allied problems, so that in deciding the subjects 

 to be selected for special attack a review of the whole field is neces- 

 sary. The following diagram is designed to show in broad outline 

 the interrelations of the subjects considered in this volume, and to 

 explain the order in which they are treated. 



An attempt has been made to arrange the subjects in such a way 

 that each topic discussed depends on those which have gone before. 

 Thus knowledge of the configuration of the land (Surveys and 

 Maps, II) necessarily precedes the study of the structure of the 

 rocks comprising it (Geology, III) and of the atmosphere above it 

 (Meteorology, IV). But the surface configuration is itself deter- 

 mined by geological structure and climate, and this is indicated in 

 the diagram by connecting arrows pointing in both directions. 

 These three subjects, constituting the physical basis of the environ- 

 ment, include that all-important factor in Africa — water-supply. 

 The combination of water-supply and ground structure is respon- 

 sible for the character of the soil (Soil Science, V), which in turn 

 determines and is determined by the flora growing upon it (Botany, 

 VI). From the wild flora we proceed to the two main appHed 

 branches of botanical study, Forestry (VII) and Plant Industry 



