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ment not only of the human race but of the whole 

 animal, vegetable and mineral kingdom. Significance 

 of the old classification of the elements as consisting of 

 Fire, Air, Earth and Water 



The atmosphere, until quite recently, known only 

 in its lower strata. High level observatories now used 

 for studying the upper strata: and the very high strata 

 explored by balloons ....... 3 



Oceanic Exploration. The general laws of Weather 

 depend chiefly on the action and reaction between the 

 atmosphere and the surface of the Ocean. The founda- 

 tion of our knowledge of these conditions due to Maury 4 



The first regular cruise for the purpose of sounding 

 in ^reat depths, namely that of the U.S.S. "Dolphin" 

 in 1851 was due to Maury ...... 5 



The extension of telegraphic enterprise an import- 

 ant stimulus to the investigation of the depths and 

 configuration of the ocean bed. Difference bet\veen the 

 conditions of submarine and subterranean research . <> 



.vantage enjoyed by the explorer of the ocean, 

 that he can freely traverse its surface and place himself 

 vertically over every point of the three-fourths of the 

 surface of the solid globe which is covered by water 

 and explore it in detail from top to bottom ... 7 



Comparison of Arctic Exploration with that of the 

 Ocean s 



Communication and Population. The study of the 



communications of Nations and economical circum- 



s which attend them an important department of 



Geography ......... 



Impossibility of the existence of large cities in 

 without the possession of maritime 

 advantages. Ancient Rome an example of tin . 10 



;he introduction <>t railways, the length of 

 sea coast and navigable river \va> the determining 

 re of a country's development. Unique position 

 of ai; :vpt in tins respect. America*! 



development dependent on the same features . . i i 

 t of the mtiodm lion ol .tioii on 



Both banks of a river available 



ssed nin: nxi'-as, ^ting 



coastline by double the 1cm -able portion 



