The opening of 1. 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.
Natural Advantages of the Territory of the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire, at the period of its greatest expansion, comprised the regions of the earth most distinguished by a happy combination of physical conditions. The provinces bordering on the principal and the secondary basins of the Mediterranean enjoyed in healthfulness and equability of climate, in fertility of soil, in variety of vegetable and mineral products, and in natural facilities for the transportation and distribution of exchangeable commodities, advantages which have not been possessed in any equal degree by any territory of like extent in the Old World or the New. The abundance of the land and of the waters adequately supplied every material want, ministered liberally to every sensuous enjoyment.