246 STRABO. [CHAP.

On the subject of trees and plants he contributes a great variety
of information ; thus he describes the palm-groves and balsam-
gardens of Jericho, the papyrus and the Egyptian bean, and the
trees which supplied the precious woods that were used for
furniture at Rome. He also paid great attention to the mode
of life, the habitations and dress, and the traditions of numerous
half-civilised peoples; and to the religious beliefs and rites which
prevailed in various parts of the world-— as, for instance, at the
two Comanas in Eastern Asia Minor, and among the Druids in
Gaul, and the Brahmans in India. On matters, too, which belong
to a higher sphere of intelligence his work furnishes interesting
observations; such as works of art, the opinions of philosophic
schools, and scientific discoveries, e.g. that of the true calendar
by the priests of Heliopolis in Egypt.

Among these various departments of geographical study the
one which predominates in Strabo's work is un-
doubtedly the historical. Not only does he every-

Histoncai where introduce the history of a country side by
side with its geography, but he illustrates the one
by the other, and endeavours to point out the intimate connexion
that existed between the two. In describing the pass of the
Climax on the coast of Lycia he refers to the danger to which
Alexander's troops were exposed in traversing it1. The mention
of the lines of Roman roads through eastern Spain recalls Caesar's
march along them before the battle of Munda2; and so on
throughout the entire work. Besides this he is fond of tracing
influence of *e influence of &* features of a land on the
a Land on its character and history of its inhabitants. A notice-
inhabitants. , . f , . . , . .
able instance of this is his discussion of the manner
in which the physical peculiarities of Italy contributed to the
development of the power of Rome. ; In this he dwells on the
advantages which that country derived in respect of safety from
its peninsular character, which secured it against attack, and in
respect of commerce from its excellent harbours ; on its varied
and temperate climate, and the difference of elevation in different
parts, which caused it to enjoy the products both of the moun-
tains and the plains; on its plentiful water-supply, and ample
1 14- 3- 9- * 3- 4- 9-