Publisher's Synopsis
""The Earth As Modified By Human Action"" is a book written by George P. Marsh, an American diplomat, lawyer, and conservationist. First published in 1864, the book is considered one of the earliest works on environmental conservation in the United States. Marsh's central argument is that human actions have a profound impact on the Earth's natural systems, and that these impacts are largely negative. He argues that deforestation, soil erosion, and other forms of environmental degradation are not only damaging to the natural world but also have significant economic and social consequences. The book is divided into two parts. The first part provides a detailed description of the Earth's natural systems and how they have been impacted by human activity. Marsh discusses the effects of deforestation, the depletion of soil nutrients, and the loss of biodiversity. He also examines the ways in which human activity has altered the Earth's climate and water cycles. The second part of the book focuses on solutions to these environmental problems. Marsh argues that conservation efforts must be based on a scientific understanding of the Earth's natural systems, and that they must be guided by a sense of moral responsibility to future generations. He advocates for the establishment of national parks and reserves, the protection of wildlife, and the reforestation of degraded landscapes. Overall, ""The Earth As Modified By Human Action"" is a seminal work in the field of environmental conservation. Marsh's insights and recommendations continue to be relevant today, as we grapple with the ongoing challenges of climate change, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation.There can be no doubt that moisture is given, out by trees and evaporated in extremely cold winter weather, and unless new fluid were supplied from the roots by the exercise of some vital function, the tree would be exhausted of its juices before winter was over. But this is not observed to be the fact, and, though the point is disputed, respectable authorities declare that ""wood felled in the depth of winter is the heaviest and fullest of sap.""This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
