Well, my question was *why* early humans settled down and started
cultivating. Given the demographic boom probably followed agriculture, I
find it hard to understand the reasons behind such a "choice". 

I read recently in a book review of a possible religious origin of
agriculture and I wonder whether any of you knows something more about this.
As soon as I get hold of the book in question (the translated title is "free
from civilization" by Enrico Manicardi - foreword by John Zerzan) I will be
more precise.

>>Cohen, Mark and G. J. Armelagos,
>>Paleopathology at the Origins of Agriculture.

Sounds interesting. Hope I can find it.

>>Guns, Germs, and Steel sheds a lot of light on this topic. Great read very
>>informative
>>Kyle Pringle

Diamond's one of the list's favourites, isn't he?

>>and in 
>>the Bible as the flood.
>>William

The Bible? Must be new, I never heard of this one...