Chapter I: Introductory

Natural Advantages of the Territory of the Roman Empire--Physical Decay of that Territory--Causes of the Decay--Reaction of Man on Nature--Observation of Nature--Uncertainty of Our Historical Knowledge of Ancient Climates--Uncertainty of Modern Meteorology--Stability of Nature--Formation of Bogs--Natural Conditions Favorable to Geographical Change--Destructiveness of Man--Human and Brute Action Compared--Limits of Human Power--Importance of Physical Conservation and Restoration--Uncertainty as to Effects of Human Action

CHAPTER II.

TRANSFER, MODIFICATION, AND EXTIRPATION OF VEGETABLE AND OF ANIMAL SPECIES.

Modern Geography takes Account of Organic Life--Geographical Importance of Plants--Origin of Domestic Vegetables--Transfer of Vegetable Life--Objects of Modern Commerce--Foreign Plants, how Introduced--Vegetable Power of Accommodation--Agricultural Products of the United States--Useful American Plants Grown in Europe--Extirpation of Vegetables--Animal Life as a Geological and Geographical Agency--Origin and Transfer of Domestic Quadrupeds--Extirpation of Wild Quadrupeds--Large Marine Animals Relatively Unimportant in Geography--Introduction and Breeding of Fish--Destruction of Fish--Geographical Importance of Birds--Introduction of Birds--Destruction of Birds--Utility and Destruction of Reptiles--Utility of Insects and Worms--Injury to the Forest by Insects--Introduction of Insects--Destruction of Insects--Minute Organisms