XXIV 
INTRODUCTION. 
step towards commerce. To obtain the supply, the 
savage must produce some article in return as a me¬ 
dium of barter, some natural production of his country 
adapted to the trader s wants. His wants will increase 
as his ideas expand by communication with Europeans: 
thus, his productions must increase in due proportion, 
and. he must become industrious; industry being the 
first grand stride towards civilization. 
The natural energy of all countries is influenced by 
climate; and civilization being dependent upon indus¬ 
try, or energy, must accordingly vary in its degrees 
according to geographical position. The natives of 
tropical countries do not progress : enervated by in¬ 
tense heat, they incline rather to repose and amuse¬ 
ment than to labour. Free from the rigour of winters, 
and the excitement of changes in the seasons, the 
native character assumes the monotony of their coun¬ 
try’s temperature. They have no natural difficulties 
to contend with,—no struggle with adverse storms and 
icy winds and frost-bound soil; but an everlasting 
summer, and fertile ground producing with little tillage, 
excite no enterprise ; and the human mind, unexercised 
by difficulties, sinks into languor and decay. There are 
