20 On the Boundaries of Empires. 



cut clown the woods, and this is one reason why civilized na- 

 tions have larger boundaries than those which are savage. 



2. Rivers. — In the first ages of man, rivers are a real 

 boundary ; they prevent the passage of armies. They are 

 now used as a boundary because they afford a definite line 

 about which there can be no dispute. Europe, Asia, and 

 America, afford numerous examples. A singular fact takes 

 place in regard to them ; a small stream is a better division 

 between nations than a large river. The Danube would not 

 form a line of demarcation between Russia and Turkey, but 

 that there is a sparse population on its banks. France has 

 fought to obtain the boundary of the Rhine ; she must either 

 advance to the mountains beyond, or retire to the next range 

 of hills in her present territory. The reason of this law is 

 obvious ; the fertile banks of large rivers are usually inhab- 

 ited by numerous tribes of men, the calm and tranquil sur- 

 face of the river invites them to cross over, the interests of 

 commerce keep up a continual intercourse, the river is easily 

 passed, and both banks must be united under one government. 

 Never have the Ganges, the Nile, the Danube, or the Rhine 

 seen hostile nations in possession of the opposite shores. 



The small stream which divides Spain and Portugal is a 

 more lasting boundary than the Tagus would be if it flowed 

 in the same direction. 



" Where Lusitania and her sister meet, 



Deem ye what bounds the rival realms divide ? 



Or ere the jealous queens of nations meet, 



Doth Tago interpose his mighty tide ? 



Or dark Sierras rise in craggy pride ? 



Or fence of art, like China's vasty wall ? 



No barrier wall ! no river deep and wide ! 



No horrid crags ! nor mountains dark and tall ! 



Rise like the rocks that part Hispania's land from Gaul." 



" But there between a silver streamlet glides, 

 And scarce a name distinguisheth the brook, 

 Though rival kingdoms press its verdant sides." 



3. Seas and Oceans. — These form a decided boundary to 

 the greater number of nations ; but the effect of dominion 

 at sea will be noticed hereafter. 



4. Mountains form a permanent and frequent boundary. 

 They vary in their power to restrain nations within proper 

 limits according to their breadth and altitude, but, on the 

 whole surface of the earth, they form a real barrier. An in- 

 dividual ascends a mountain, but he returns to dwell in the 



