GEOGRAPHICAL MAPS. 243 



times most important knowledge is acquired of what will ensue 

 hereafter, and of the character of the means that are necessary 

 to avert mischievous action, or to guide and control natural 

 forces. 



The examination of a series of maps of one region is most 

 fascinating to a geographical inquirer ; for there is no other means 

 by which he will obtain so clear and definite a knowledge of the 

 progress of discovery, and of the adaptation of scientific apparatus 

 to geographical purposes. In the early dawn of modern times, 

 when the traveller by land usd no scientific instruments, and the 

 mariner had only his compass and cross-staff, the resulting maps 

 were very rough, and the attempts to delineate mountains and 

 rivers were rude and altogether conventional. At the same time 

 these old maps were frequently marvels of accuracy, considering 

 the inadequate means, and were beautifully drawn. The improve- 

 ments in the art of map-making steadily advanced^vith the parallel 

 improvements in scientific instruments ; and as the cartographer 

 was supplied with more accurate and fuller materials, so he 

 delineated them with greater skill and less conventionality. The 

 study of a series of maps, while thus illustrating the progress of the 

 art of cartography, also conveys to the mind of the inquirer a lucid 

 and exact knowledge of the progress of discovery ; and it is thus 

 that real benefit is to be derived from an intelligent examination o* 

 a carefully selected collection of maps, side by side with a similar 

 collection of scientific instruments for geographical purposes. 



CLEMENTS R. MARKHAM. 



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