PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY. 69 



bewildering, even an overwhelming, variety, without suggestion 

 of order or meaning. While these facts are studied and classi- 

 fied, let the system of the tides be deduced in accordance with 

 accepted physical laws. Let the tidal theory be followed far 

 enough to discover consequences so numerous and so intricate 

 that they cannot be imitated by chance. Neither the inductive 

 nor the deductive work should have precedence. They should 

 advance together, but without confusing one with the other. 

 When both processes are well advanced, let the facts be reexam- 

 ined in the light of the theory, and summon a critical judgment 

 to determine how far the reports of outsight and insight agree. 

 Success in such study requires that the facts shall have been 

 closely observed, clearly described, and fairly generalized; the 

 inductive results thus gained being held apart by themselves. It 

 requires, also, that the theory shall have been logically extended 

 to its legitimate consequences ; the deductive results thus secured 

 being stored away in a special mental compartment. Then, 

 in due order, bring forth the corresponding members of the two 

 classes of results, and judge of the success of the theory by the 

 agreements thus discovered. 



Let the same method be applied in the study of geography. 

 Set an abundant array of facts before the class in the laboratory. 

 Let the facts be examined and classified as far as possible, simply 

 according to their apparent features and without regard to expla- 

 nation. At the same time, present an outline of a deductive 

 geographical system in the lecture room. During the advance 

 of the two lines of work, compare their results frequently, but do 

 not confuse them. In a few months a large array of facts may 

 be examined, an extended deductive system may be developed, 

 and the two may be compared in the most thorough manner. 

 Every comparison aids further advance in both parts of the work. 

 Both outsight and insight are cultivated. A geographical under- 

 standing, based on a proper combination of many mental facul- 

 ties, is aroused and strengthened. The real study of geography 

 is well begun. The several steps involved in this plan of work 

 may now be traced in some detail. 



