The Land of Britain

Abstract

BRITAIN has been fortunate in its geographers. As soon as the subject emerged from the purely descriptive to the more scientific stage, the need was realized for detailed studies of the land to find out the uses to which it was being put, and to discover, if possible, why a particular use was adopted. Among the pioneers were H. J. Mackinder who, in his classical work "Britain and the British Seas", discussed the marked differences between the uplands and lowlands of Britain ; and H. R. Mill who, in a paper before the Royal Geographical Society, prepared a specimen description of a 1-in. Ordinance Survey map sheet. But it was Patrick Geddes who gave definite form to the idea of setting out the principles on which a survey should be based : starting with a small area and studying it intensively. The idea was taken up with alacrity by teachers of geography throughout Britain : under the wise guidance of H. J. Fleure, they formed themselves into the Geographical Association, which co-ordinated the methods and arranged for periodical discussions and exhibitions of work. In the various colleges and university departments of geography, students were trained in the methods of detailed survey, the pioneers including besides H. J. Fleure, James Fairgrieve, Profs. Eva G. R. Taylor, C. B. Fawcett, S. W. Wooldridge, Dudley Stamp, S. H. Beaver and others. The Le Play Society, founded by Patrick Geddes to carry on the work of the French geographer Le Play, has through its able and energetic director, Miss Margaret Tatton, arranged for its members to make similar studies in various European countries, and these have furnished wider experience and new ideas. Quietly and unobtrusively a large number of surveys were made by the students and staffs of university departments, but owing to absence of means of publication most of them remained only in manuscript. Nor was the Work confined to the universities : it penetrated to the schools and it gave a reality and vividness to the teaching of geography that the subject had never had before. Even village schools took the matter up, and some admirable local studies were made. The Land of Britain Its Use and Misuse. By Prof. L. Dudley Stamp. Pp. viii + 507. (London, New York and Toronto : Longmans, Green and Co., Ltd., 1948.) 42s. net.