64 



contributed so much to its civilisation, were totally 

 ■vranting in tlie other, and had no analagous produc- 

 tions to represent them. A vegetable and animal 

 feeding people has ever the advantage in physical 

 strength and mental activity over a purely vegetarian 

 race ; and a country having a variety of soU, climate, 

 and produce, is ever the most favourable for evoking 

 an energetic and progressive civilisation. As one act 

 leads to another act, and intellectual exercise to in- 

 tellectual activity, so from their geographical positions 

 and pursuits men are gradually led to assume national 

 characteristics which ultimately become transmissible 

 and permanent. Hence it is that one people continues 

 indolent and unprogressive, while another exhibits 

 incessant activity and progress ; that one nation is 

 lively, gay, and fickle, and another serious, sober, and 

 steadfast. Hence also in a great measure the higher 

 intellectual nature, and the power to subjugate and 

 adapt the forces of nature according as geographical 

 position supplies the means of subjugation and 

 adaptation. 



In support of this doctrine we might adduce a 

 thousand instances, but content ourselves with one 

 which has thus been very aptly advanced by an 

 American observer : — " The nature and extent of the 

 influence of topographical features receive,'' says Mr. 

 Squier, in his Notes on Central America, " a striking 



