118 SECTIONAL ADDRESSES 
CONCLUSION. 
I have devoted most of this address to Northern Rhodesia for four 
reasons: First, because it is now possible for the first time to give to 
this Section some idea of the real results of an inquiry set on foot within 
the Section. Secondly, because these results themselves represent new 
material contributed to the geographical synthesis of a region still very 
imperfectly known—material, moreover, which is really geographical in 
nature. It relates to specific localities and it records both the human 
actions in these and the explanations in so far as they are traceable to 
special environmental factors. My third reason lies in the importance 
that I attach to directing the attention of all interested in Africa to a close 
understanding of the conditions of the natives’ material life, which, 
simple though it is, yet varies considerably throughout the continent. 
Finally, I have in mind the wider implications of the success of this 
investigation. 
Our Committee hope that the other African territories will do for us 
what Northern Rhodesia has done, and answer our nineteen points, or 
such of these as are applicable, district by district. But I am looking 
beyond Africa to countries where many Europeans reside, people who 
may never have thought of geography as we regard it, but who might 
well be sufficiently interested in the land of their choice to be willing to 
take part in the kind of team work which I have outlined. 
Take India as an example. In spite of voluminous official and other 
literature, we have still a great deal to learn of the geography of man in the 
sub-continent. Although the task of gathering the information there would 
be much more complex than in the case of Africa, there would be certain 
offsetting advantages. Among these are: the accuracy of the map of 
India, the existence of a great body of data created by the various scientific 
services, and a wonderful census organisation. In addition, there is the 
likelihood that men of science could be found on the spot who would be 
able to fill in the gaps in the picture of the physical environment. These 
might be asked to deal with the numerous connecting links which are 
not usually required for official departmental reports but are nevertheless 
essential to the geographer. 
