On the Natural Boundaries of Empires. 109 



the Romans, last by the Saracens ; in the intervening peri- 

 ods it has always presented small independent sovereignties. 



The western coast of South America is a narrow district 

 of country, extending between the Andes and the Pacific 

 ocean. It resembles the northern coast of Africa, and like 

 that cannot well be formed into one dommion. The genius 

 of Bolivar will not be able to unite permanently the desti- 

 nies of Colombia and Peru. 



The central valley of Europe, bordering on the Danube, 

 presents a district of country of great length in proportion 

 to its width, and never has any conqueror, in ancient or 

 modern times, been able to combine it in one empire. It is 

 now divided between Bavaria, Austria and Turkey. 



The central valley of Africa, bordering on the Niger, 

 bounded by the mountains of Kong and the desert of Za- 

 hara, resembles in its shape the central valley of Europe. 

 It is impossible to unite it under one government. The dif- 

 ficulty of discoveries in Africa has arisen from this cause ; 

 the traveller incurs the risk of losing his life and property 

 from twenty various robbers; each invested with sovereign 

 power and separate dominion. 



6. Where the natural boundaries are not very definite, the 

 oscillation of dominion may he considerable. 



Thus in the smaller states of Germany, there appears to 

 be no definite rule by which their territory can be determin- 

 ed ; in general they possess both sides of the rivers where 

 they are placed. 



7. Influence of internal communications on the boundaries 

 of nations. 



It has generally been supposed that roads and canals, 

 forming extensive lines of communication, are favorable to 

 the extension of territorial power. When these are situated 

 within a natural kingdom or state, they of course tend to 

 unite the people of a country, but it is perhaps questionable 

 whether they can ever be sufficiently numerous, as to join in 

 one sentiment people of distinct national habits. 



The five roads across the Pyrenean mountains are not suf- 

 ficient to unite France and Spain. 



The road of the Simplon, however magnificent, did not 

 preserve to the viceroy of France the submission of his Ital- 

 ian subjects. 



Roads, however numerous, will not change the seasons : 

 will not alter the geographical situation of a country. 



