London & Cambridge: Macmillan & Co.
INTBODUCTION.
» , T h e primary object of geographical exploration is the
opening to general intercourse such portions of the
earth as may become serviceable to the human race.
The explorer is the precursor of the colonist ; and the
colonist is the human instrument by which the great
work must be constructed—that greatest and most
difficult of all undertakings—the civilization of the
world.
The progress of civilization depends upon geographical
position. The surface of the earth presents
certain facilities and obstacles to general access ; those
points that are easily attainable must always enjoy a
superior civilization to those that are remote from
association with the world.
We may thus assume that the advance of civilization
is dependent upon facility of transport. Countries
naturally, excluded from communication may, through
