NECESSITY FOR THE STUDY OF STRUCTURAL GEOGRAPHY PREPARATORY TO THE DRAWING OF MAPS.
The fundamental object in the study of Geography, as we understand it, is to acquire mental images of the present appearance of the earth’s surface; its structure, the rocky material of which it is composed, and the causes and effects of its changes, as a preparation for the home of organic life.
It is a study of the earth as a material basis for the evolution of man, and the development of civilization. It leads up to a search for the laws and workings of the creative forces—forces relating to our planet and to the sun, the central source of light and heat.
This study has a different meaning to different persons. To one it means the study of all that lies between the covers of a book, or memorizing other people’s sayings. To another it means “Connected information regarding the condition of man’s life on this planet”—again “Geography is a description of the earth’s surface, or anything that affects or is affected by it.” A more common definition is, “Geography is a description of the earth’s surface and its inhabitants.”
An ability to recognize in present environment that which leads to an understanding of geographical conditions in general, is much to be desired and is the aim of the teacher of the present day. Geologists tell us that the same processes are going on now that have ever been in operation, in the fitting of the earth for the habitation of man. That these changes are taking place is implied in the very fact that we are studying the earth’s present appearance.
The study of the history of these changes, and of the nature of the earthy material as shown in rock and soil, and in vegetation, and of the influence of heat, light, air and moisture, means the study of all the natural sciences; not as special isolated studies, but bound together in one great whole. So closely are they related, merging into and impinging upon each other as they do, that there seems to be no place or line of separation between them.
The larger part of the surface of the earth (nearly three-fourths) is covered with water, and the action of this mighty agent, under the influence of that great dynamic force and life-giving energy, heat, opens an immense field for investigation.
These combined influences constitute the study of the environment of all organic life; and knowing these in a given case, we get an approximate idea of the stage of development. The development of man, the highest type of organic life, depends largely upon structural, climatic, vegetable and animal environment.
To know these is to understand his habits of life, his reasons for choice of homes, and to judge of his probable advancement in civilization.
The powerful influence which the physical features of the earth’s surface have exerted in shaping the current of historical events, can hardly be realized, until thoughtful investigation of the subject has been made. The knowledge of geographical conditions, as climate, mountains, valleys, rivers and seas, with vegetable and animal life gives us the theatre of action for events in history.
As the mere existence of mountain range, desert, sea or river, may be essentially the influence which has led to the growth or downfall of empires, it is clearly seen that a sound knowledge of structural geography is absolutely necessary for all intelligent study of history; no general relation of important occurrences can be traced without it.
Nearly, if not equally necessary is it in the study of literature. In order to properly appreciate the works of our best writers, both of prose and poetry, an acquaintance with nature, a scientific and geographical knowledge, local and general, is very essential. It forms a basis for the correct understanding of books, since the best writers and thinkers of all ages have been students of nature. Their writings are filled with lessons and illustrations, as well as generalizations drawn from close observations of her methods. If, then, a knowledge of structural geography is requisite to the true understanding of man’s relation to man and the world around him, it becomes important that the subject be presented in such a manner as to attract and hold the interest of the pupil; and properly presented there can be nothing more interesting than the study of his immediate environment—that which touches him in his every day experience.
This study of his immediate environment is essential to the forming of mental images of areas and surface forms outside and beyond his sense grasp and to a comprehension of the structure and surface contour of the world at large: such mental images being fundamentally a necessity to the delineation of adequate structural maps of the whole or any part of the earth’s surface.