346 PSYCHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION. [PART II. 



The happiest combination in this respect is generally when 

 the art and skill already acquired are not forgotten, but may 

 be further developed. Nearly all migrations lead to an accom- 

 modation to new circumstances. Fresh difficulties prepared 

 by enemies or the elements, require new efforts and inventions, 

 just as any new animal and every particular species of the 

 chase requires a peculiar skill, knowledge, and experience. 

 Different means of subsistence must be adopted, and the habits 

 of life become essentially altered all of which stimulate psy- 

 chical activity. The expansion of the mental horizon becomes 

 greater when greater skill is required to satisfy such wants 

 as called forth but little exertion in the abandoned terri- 

 tory. It is thus clear that in such cases every thing depends 

 upon what relation the condition of the new country stands to the 

 civilization, requirements, and habits of the immigrant people. 

 If the nature of the country and the condition of the people are 

 favourable to progress, a vagabond people may become agri- 

 cultural and settled ; if unfavourable, it will sink again into no- 

 madic life. 



Migrations become very important in their effects through the 

 reciprocal influences of the various nations who come in con- 

 tact, which is rarely of a peaceable nature at first. Friendly 

 intercourse among peoples, as among individuals, is something 

 secondary. Distrust and jealousy, the desire of exclusive pos- 

 session of the goods of life, are but natural, especially in a poor 

 country, and when the first contact of peoples is usually hostile. 

 The incessant wars in which we see uncivilized nations con- 

 stantly engaged, partly prevent their progress; but, on the 

 other hand, it is war which rouses them from their psychical 

 indolence, and prevents them sinking into a state of lethargy. 

 War, no doubt, rouses all the passions, but, at the same time, 

 it calls for great efforts, and stimulates invention. But this is 

 not all. Wars require, above all, a union of force, which is not 

 easily effected without it. Whether this union be loose or only 

 temporary, whether its duration depend on the individualities 

 of the leading persons, and then on the spirit of submission or 

 independence of the people in general, still an important step 

 has been gained. Individuals who formerly lived in a state of 



