_Webster, Noah._ A Collection of Papers on Political, Literary, and Moral Subjects. New York, 1843. 8vo. _Wessely, Joseph._ Die Oesterreichischen Alpenlaender und ihre Forste. Wien, 1853. 2 vols. 8vo. _Wetzstein, J. G._ Reisebericht ueber Hauran und die Trachonen. Berlin, 1860. 8vo. _Wild, Albert._ Die Niederlande. Leipzig, 1862. 2 vols. 8vo. _Wilhelm, Gustav._ Der Boden und das Wasser. Wien, 1861. 8vo. _Williams, Dr._ History of Vermont. 2 vols. 8vo. _Wittwer, W. C._ Die Physikalische Geographie. Leipzig, 1855. 8vo. _Young, Arthur._ Voyages en France, pendant les annees 1787, 1788, 1789, precedee d'une introduction par Lavergne. Paris, 1860. 2 vols. 12mo. ---- Voyages en Italie et en Espagne, pendant les annees 1787, 1789. Paris, 1860. 1 vol. 12mo. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. Natural Advantages of the Territory of the Roman Empire--Physical Decay of that Territory and of other parts of the Old World-- Causes of the Decay--New School of Geographers--Reaction of Man upon Nature--Observation of Nature--Cosmical and Geological Influences--Geographical Influence of Man--Uncertainty of our Meteorological Knowledge--Mechanical Effects produced by Man on the surface of the Earth--Importance and Possibility of Physical Restoration--Stability of Nature--Restoration of Disturbed Harmonies--Destructiveness of Man--Physical Improvement--Human and Brute Action Compared--Forms and Formations most liable to Physical Degradation--Physical Decay of New Countries--Corrupt Influence of Private Corporations, _Note_, 1 CHAPTER II. TRANSFER, MODIFICATION, AND EXTIRPATION OF VEGETABLE AND OF ANIMAL SPECIES. Modern Geography embraces Organic Life--Transfer of Vegetable Life--Foreign Plants grown in the United States--American Plants grown in Europe--Modes of Introduction of Foreign Plants--Vegetables, how affected by transfer to Foreign Soils--Extirpation of Vegetables--Origin of Domestic Plants-- Organic Life as a Geological and Geographical Agency--Origin and Transfer of Domestic Animals--Extirpation of Animals-- Numbers of Birds in the United States--Birds as Sowers and Consumers of Seeds, and as Destroyers of Insects--Diminution and Extirpation of Birds--Introduction of Birds--Utility of Insects and Worms--Introduction of Insects--Destruction of Insects--Reptiles--Destruction of Fish--Introduction and Breeding of Fish--Extirpation of Aquatic Animals--Minute Organisms, 57 CHAPTER III. THE WOODS. The Habitable Earth originally Wooded--The Forest does not furnish Food for Man--First Removal of the Woods--Effects of Fire on Forest Soil--Effects of the Destruction of the Forest--Electrical Influence of Trees--Chemical Influence of the Forest.