Excerpt from Physical Geography
Certain preliminary matters which are often treated under the head of Physical Geography, but which do not properly belong to that subject, are omitted. It is assumed, for instance, that the reader understands the principles of the barometer and the thermometer, and that he has some acquaintance with the motions of the earth and the moon. But no one who has been through a general elementary course in science, such as is now given in most secondary schools, should meet with any difficulty.
A few words as to the arrangement adopted may be of use, especially to teachers who may wish to know how far the book will be serviceable in their own classes. The book falls naturally into three sections dealing respectively with the atmosphere, the ocean and the land. Logically the study of physical geography may begin either with the atmosphere or with the land, and it is mainly a matter of convenience which of these courses should be followed. The two branches of the subject are to so large an extent independent that, if desired, the section on the land may be read before the section on the atmosphere. But the study of the atmosphere should always precede that of the ocean.
In planning a course, however, there is one consideration that should be borne in mind. It is easy to arrange a useful series of laboratory lessons upon the atmosphere or the ocean; but in the case of the land comparatively little laboratory work is possible and the most valuable form of practical work consists of excursions in the field. Consequently there are advantages in dealing with the atmosphere during the winter months and with the land during the summer. But much depends upon the circumstances under which the course is given.
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