The necessity for instruction in a subject that pertains so closely to the welfare of a people is apparent, and an apology for presenting this manual is needless. Moreover, it should not interfere in any way with the regular course in geography; indeed, more comprehensive work in the latter is becoming imperative, and it should be enriched rather than curtailed. In the preparation of the work, I wish to express my appreciation of the great assistance of Principal Myron T. Pritchard, Edward Everett School, Boston, Mass. I am also much indebted to the map-engraving department of Messrs. The Matthews-Northrup Company, Buffalo, N.Y. J.W.R. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1 II. HOW COMMERCE CIVILIZED MANKIND 7 III. TOPOGRAPHIC CONTROL OF COMMERCE 17 IV. CLIMATIC CONTROL OF COMMERCE 29 V. TRANSPORTATION--OCEAN AND INLAND NAVIGATION 39 VI. TRANSPORTATION--RAILWAYS AND RAILWAY ORGANIZATION; PUBLIC HIGHWAYS 62 VII. FACTORS IN THE LOCATION OF CITIES AND TOWNS 81 VIII. THE CEREALS AND GRASSES 88 IX. TEXTILE FIBRES 105 X. PLANT PRODUCTS OF ECONOMIC USE--BEVERAGES AND MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES 127 XI. GUMS AND RESINS USED IN THE ARTS 141 XII. COAL AND PETROLEUM 147 XIII. METALS OF THE ARTS AND SCIENCES 159 XIV. SUGAR AND ITS COMMERCE 185 XV. FORESTS AND FOREST PRODUCTS 193 XVI. SEA PRODUCTS AND FURS 203 XVII. THE UNITED STATES--THE SEAPORTS AND THE ATLANTIC COAST-PLAIN 211 XVIII. THE UNITED STATES--THE NEW ENGLAND PLATEAU AND THE APPALACHIAN REGION 219 XIX. THE UNITED STATES--THE BASIN OF THE GREAT LAKES AND THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY 227 XX. THE UNITED STATES--THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS AND TERRITORIAL POSSESSIONS 247 XXI. CANADA AND NEWFOUNDLAND 261 XXII. MEXICO--CENTRAL AMERICA--WEST INDIES 267 XXIII. SOUTH AMERICA--THE ANDEAN STATES 275 XXIV. SOUTH AMERICA--THE LOWLAND STATES 285 XXV. EUROPE--GREAT BRITAIN AND GERMANY 295 XXVI. EUROPE--THE BALTIC AND NORTH SEA STATES 310