172 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



places where the struggle to meet physical needs consumes every energy. 

 For that reason, the character of the winter may be regarded as another 

 factor constantly tending to retard Russian national evolution. 



In many instances the value of the climatic variation from season to 

 season, and especially the effect of the cold season, as a stimulus to regu- 

 larity of effort is over-estimated. In this country, it is true, the cold 

 winters are, to a certain extent an asset, in that during this period of the 

 year great volumes of clear, dry, pure and invigorating air spread east- 

 ward from the northwestern highlands. From these " cold waves " 

 comes stimulation, vigor and energy for many of the American people, 

 yet the duration and intensity of the cold, especially in the more north- 

 erly sections, impose heavy burdens on a large part of the population. 

 There is such a thing as too harsh a spur of the seasons. Many a 

 Russian peasant is a chronically jaded creature largely on that account; 

 while in this country, the poor are made poorer because of the increased 

 need for woolen clothing, warmer houses and heavier diet. Though 

 commonly passed over lightly, this question of climatic position is at 

 all times of critical importance in the strength and welfare of nations. 



Considered from the broad standpoint, the combined influence of 

 physical position and situation climatically determines whether impor- 

 tant national evolution may or may not have its inception and advance 

 successfully under the modifying influences of the other physical 

 factors. 



Surface. — The configuration of the surface, to which alone so much 

 significance is usually attached, is a consideration of decidedly second- 

 ary importance in the evolution of nations, for the reason that similar 

 surfaces, in different positions, show radically unlike results. Thus a 

 national evolution, may in an inhospitable position remain incapable of 

 type of surface which, when well situated, appears most favorable to 

 any real development. On the other hand, a less desirable type of sur- 

 face in a more advantageous position may serve as the basis for a fairly 

 important nation. The untouched, level Arctic tundras, and the 

 progress of rugged Norway, may be cited as contrasting examples of 

 the importance of position, both physically and climatically, in con- 

 sidering what the surface qualities are likely to induce. 



Surface Area. — In the consideration of the surface and its features, 

 the extent of the surface or the area of the national territory, is of 

 primary significance. The influence of mere size varies in the different 

 stages of evolution. During the first steps of national growth a small 

 or restricted area, other things being favorable, quickly produces & 

 condition of compactness, which is at once a source of strength and a 

 material aid in the advancement of national qualities. The familiar 

 description of Britain as " a tight little island " suggests the way in 

 which British separation was supplemented by restriction of area in 



