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Cj • €,••» *>*, 1*01! •^4 4 - iliilliilXllSHXipI) M' w %.^.i l,-< I *.' ^W^-AsW^- .^1 nVNOOX'S 0ATS0BX8M8. .4t-- w*"' CATECHISM OF (itSS(I[!)(iimikIPSIT % BEING AN SAS7 XNTRODVOTZOH TO THE KXOWLBDGB OP THE WOLD, ANI> ITS INHABITANTS. THE WHOLE OF WHICH MAY BE COMMITTED T(^ MEMORY AT AN EARLY AGE. MONTREAL: H. H. CUNNINGHAM, No, 38, St. Paul-Street. i. A. HOISINGTON, PRINTSIU 183a. 4 X :£k^ CATECniSM 0? GEOGRAPHY. CHAPTER I. Definitiont, Question. What is Geoqraphy? 4n9wer. A description of the enrtb. Q. Wh9tist.be earth? A. The world, ojr rather the gbbe, OD which we lire. Q. Of what shape is th.e enrth ? A, Nearly round, like an orange*. Q. How large is the earth ? ,. ' A, It is more than twenty-fovr thousand miUt roand, and eight thousand thiough t* Q. How far is it from Ihe saq ? A. Ninetj-iive millioiis of milies. Q. Dpes the earth move f A. Yes ; it has two motions ; ihe one round the sun, which it performs yearly ; apd thejother round its own 9¥i8i I'^hich it performs daily | ^ E.eing flatte^ned at the poles. t The circumference of the earth if 24,872 miles, and iU diameter is, 7,914 miles. t There is also a third niQtio.i;! of the earth, called the precession of the equinozeSf yrhich it a slow motion of the two points where the equatet cuts the ecliptic, which ^re found to move backward and forward fitly seconds jevcry year. a3 CATECnilM OF 1^ Q. What are these mationi called ? A. The first is called its annual nnotion, and the last its diurnal. Q. What is cnused by (he annual motion ? A. The change and variety of the seasons. Q. WhAt is caused by the diurnal motion ? A. The successioo of day and night. CHAPTER II. Of the Surface of the JEJari^.— Land. Q. or what does the earth consist I A. Land and water. Q. What are the great divisions of the earth ? A» The earth is divided into five great portions, fiamety, Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Aus- tralia*. Q. What are the smaller divisions of the earth? A. The smaller divisions are continents, island*} peninsulas, isthmuses, promoiitories, Slc Q. What is a continent? A. A continent is a large tract ofland, contain- ing many nations, as Europe. Q. What is an island ? A. An island is a smaller triict of land, entirely surrounded b^ wate^ as Great Britain. Q. What IS a peninsula ? A. A peniftsuta is a tract ofland, almost surroun- ded by water, as the Morea in Greece. Q. What is an isthmus ? A. An isthmus is a narrow neck of land which joins a peninsula to a conti lent, or two continents ^fX^AtWV^WWVW^I * Until Very latelr, it was customary to say, that the earth was divided into four quarters : but the term Australia (or, as it issometitnes wrilten,AusTRALA«iA) has been adopted by modern geographers, to den^ote the numerous islands in the Great Pacific Ocean, which hy some are classed under two eamei, viz. Australasia and Poltnksia. fe f!:i. '^; CKOOKJLPHT. )n, and the ition ? Ksons. otion ? iy of Biscay, 8lc. Q. What is meant by a strait ? A. A strait is a narrow part of the sea joining one sea to another, as the Strait of Gibralter, and the Strait of Dorer. Q. What is a river ? A. A river is a stream of water rising in the land and flowing into the sea, as the Thames. Q. What is a lake. ^ A. A lake is a large body of water, surrounded by land, as the lake of Geneva, &c. CHAPTER III. OF EUROPE. Q. How is Europe bounded ! CATICnilM OF A, Europe bat the Froxen Ocean (o tbe oortb, Alia to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to ihe iouth, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Q. What is the size of Europe ! A. Europe contains five millions of square milei, being the smallest ofthe great divisions of the earth* Q. For what is Europe celebrated 7 A, Europe is celebrated for the learning, polite- ness, activity and intelligence of its inhabitants, as well as for the fertility of its soil, and the tempera- ture of its climate. Q. What are the principal nation of Europe ! A. Europe comprehends the folioiyinffindepen- dent countries, vi;;, Syireedej;i, Russia, Denmark* Prussia, Germany, Hanover, Saxony. Wirtemberg, Bavaria, Austria, Turkey, France,the Netherlands, Switzerland, Parma, Naples, Rome, Sardinia, Tuscany, Spain, P^jrtugal, Great 3rjtajn and Ire- land and the republic of the Seven jylands* CHAPTER ly, 0/ Sweden Norway, and Lapland, (^. How is Sweden bounded 7 A. Sweden is bounded on the south by the Baltic, 4)n the east by the Gulf of Bothnia, on the west by Norway, and on the north by the North Sea. Q What kind of a country is Sweden with res- pect to size and climate ? A. Sweden is a very large country, excessively cold in winter, having; many parts of its mountains always covered with snow ; but the air is pure and wholesome. C|. How longdoes the winter continue in Sweden? A. Seven or eight months, and in some parts nine, but the summer comes on so suddenly that jthe valleys are green in a few days. Q. What kind of soil hds Sweden 7 A.: than ff 'rcrcks, Q. den? A. I and itc deals, which Q. 1 A, able to Q. ^ A. ' friend I A. '. Am k. q. 1 'li A. 5 Q. 1 A. 5 Q. ^ Swedei ancient * A. 1 couatr populii ii « It is no Ing 10, » ihe aartb, Sea Xq jUie est. |uare mjlef , iftheearlli. lin^, polite- abitants, as le tempera- r Europe! iffindepen- Deniuarjc* ^irtemberg, etherlanda, Sardinia, m and Ire- nds* landp the Baltic, he west by h Sea. n with res- ixcessively mountains s pure and in Sweden? onae parts denly that I CCO^ti^ltt. ^ it. The soil of Sweden, in general h rather barren ^hin fertile, the country being full of mountams, roteks, woods, and lakes. Q. What are the principal commodities of Swe-^ den? A. It has many mines of silver, copper, lead, and itdti; also, vast quantities of pitch, tar, masts^ deals, hides, buck-skins, fur, tallow and honey^ which the Swedes export to foreign countries. Q. What in the character of the Swedes ? A. The Swedes are of a robust constitution, and able to sustain the hardest labour. Q. What are the manners of the Swedes? A. They are polished and warlike, brave, active, friendly to science, and luxurious. Q. What is the religion of Sweden ? A. The Lutheran. Q. What is the capital of Sweden ? A, Stockholm. t^. How for is Stockholm from London ? A. Stockholm is distant from London 895 miles. Q. How many inhabitants does Sweden contain? A. Sweden contains three millions of inhabitants. Q. What was the ancient name of Norway and Sweden ? «/^. Scandinavia. Lapland was unknown to the ancients. Norway. Q. What is Norway ? •' •4. Norway is a very mountainous and extensive couatry, iu the north of Europe^ but with a small population not exceeding one million. O. To whom does Norway belong ? M. Norway formerly belonged to Denmark, but it is now subject to Sweden. O. What are the chief towns of Norway ? «v. Christiana and Bergea, the former contain<«^ ing 10,000 inhabitants, and the latter 19.000 cAi;£CHi9M or Q. In ^hat do«s the wealth of Norway consiit/ A, The chief wealth of Norway arisea from itf timber, and iron and copper mines, with which it supplies the greater part nf £urope. Q. What is the religion of Norway? A. The religion of Norway, like that of Sweden, is the Lutheran, and the language is a dialect of the Gothic. Q. What is the climate of Norway? A. It is, in general very damp, much exposed ta heat during its short summer, and excessively^ cold in winter : yet, for the most part, it is considered a very healthy country. Q. What is the length of the longest day in Norway ? m^ The longest day in the north, is two n^ontbs and in the south eighteen hours only : the differ- ence of the latitude of this country being so gre^t as to cause this variation. Q.What is the character of the Norwegians? A. The Norwegians are a strong brave andt friendly people ; but passionate and revengeful. Lapland ^ Q. What is Lapland ? A, Lapland is the most northern country in Europe and is divided into Danish, or north Lap- land* ; Swedish, or south Lapland ; and Russian, or east Lapland. Q. To whom does Lapland belong ? A. The greatest part of Lapland belongs to^ Sweden, and the remaining part to Russia. The precise boundaries of Lapland are unknown. Q. What are the chief towns of Lapland ? ^Danish Lapland is sometimes called Finmark. Thi» pait of Lapland lias been lately ceded to hwc(}4ii, tqg«' ihcr with Woi way. GEOGRAPAHT. r«y consiit? sea from it» ith which it of Sweden, f 1 dialect of < I { exposed to ^ ssivelj" cold considered gest day in wo n^ontbs the differ- ing so gre^t wegiaiis ? brave and Fengeful. country in^ north Lap- id Russian, belongs to^ ssia. The :nown. )land 7 Ttark. Thit m^iiif tqg<<- A, The principal towns of Lapland are Wardfius in Danish Lapland, and Kola in Rnssian Lapland. Q. What kind of of a country is Lapland / Jl, It is extremely cold and barren, and consists chiefly of mountains, fens, forests, and lakes, which are covered wiih snow two-thirds of the year. It* forests consist principally of fir, and its pasture are full of rein-deer. Q.^Describe the Laplanders. •6[. In consequence of the very rigorous climates of Lapland, its inhabitants are a diminutive race seldom exceeding four feet in height. Their features are very coarse, aud their complexions swarthy. Thdr language is very rude aud scarcely art;i:ulate. Q. What is the population of Lapland y •1. It is very thin and scattered, and the whole does not exceed 60,000. CHAPTER VL Of Russia in Eurape, Q. What was the ancient n«me of Russia ? wi. /^nssia was anciently devilled into two j:reat parts ; namely ; Sarmatia and Scythia ; the foriner situated to the west, and the latter to the east. It has also been named Muscovy, fron Moscow ill ancient capitHl. Q. How is the Russian empire divided 7 •fl. The Russian empire is devided into Russia proper, Lapland, Finland, Poland, and Asiatic Russia. Q. What is Finland 7 •i. Finland* formerly a province of Sweden, was invaded by the Russians in the year 1808,and added ^Finland was part of the ancient Scandinavia, thei called Finigia, the people l^mu—Tacituc, A. 3. It CATECHISM or 2*i; to their empire in 1809, together with (he iidjiicent islands and part of Lapland. Its cheif town is Aba O, What is Russian Lapland ? A. Russian Lapland* is the eastern part, situated north of Finland, and is included in the governnnent of Archangel; but the inhabitantp trade chiefly with the Swedes and Norwegians. Q. What is Russia proper 7 A, /Russia proper, situated in Europe, is boun- ded £. by Siberia, S. by Po]and,W. by Finland, and N. by the ocean. This division is by far the most populous. Q, What is Polish /Russia or Poland 7 A. Before the decision of the congress of Vienna in I SI 4, this country had long lost its independence, and was divided between /Russia, Austria, Prussia and France, but at the overthrow of Buonaparte, that portion which belonged to /^ussiat was again erected into a kingdom, under the protection of the Emperor ot 7?ussia, wno is styled its king. O. Is not the /Russian empire of great extent 7 A, Yes ; it is the largest country in the world, comprehending all the northen parts of Asia, and the east of Europe. Q. What kind of climate has i?ussia ? A. As the extent of Russia is very great, there is great variety of climate ; in some parts the winter is very severe, and in others very mild. Q. What is the appearance of the country 7 A. The general face of the country is marshy, full of extensive plains, forests, lakes, »nd rivers. The northern provmces for the must part are barren and but little cultivated ; but the middle and southern provinces arc very fertile and yield plenty of corn* Q. What is the produce of /Russia ? "^Now including part of Swedish Lapland, f About two thirds of th« ancient kingdom. CEOftRAPHY' II e iidjiiceftt )wn is Abar r(, situated overnrncnt liefly with e, is boun- nland, and y far the of Vienna pendence, a, Prussia lonapartc, was a«[ain lion of the extent ? le world, Asia, and t, there is he winter itry ? irshj, full !rs. The arren and southern ^of corn* A, Russia produces large 'quantities of cotton iind silk, skins, furs, leather, thiiow, hemp, honey, and wax Q. What is the general character of the Russians? Jl. The Russians are, in general, robust, well- shaped, and of a fair complexion They were for- fueriy the most ignorant, and even the most savage people m the world : but they are now making very great progress in every elegant improvement and refinement. Q, What is the metropolis of Russia 7 A. St. Fetersburgh, built by Peter the Great. Q. How far is St. Peterburgh from London / A, One thousH nd two hundred and sixty-five miles Q. What is the population of Russia? A. Thirty-six millions in Europe,and five in Asia. Q. What are the principal rivers of Russia 7 A. The principal rivers of Russia are the Wolga* the Don, the Nieper, the Niester, the Dwina, and the Vistula. The Wolga is three thousand miles }n length. CHAPTER VII., Of Poland, Q. How is Poland bounded 7 A, Poland is bounded N. and E. by Russia, W. by Prussia and Germany, and S. by Turkey and Hungary Q. What is the face of the country ? A, Poland in general is level, aud well watered with lakes and rivers ; and abounds with rich pas- tures. Q. What kind of climate has Poland ? A. The climate ofPoIand is in genera! temperate and healthy ; and being situated nearly in the middle of a large continent, the weather is less changeable jthan in those countries which border on the ocean» ^. What are the chief products of Poland/ "N^**(P^ m m u CATECHISM OF A They are leather, hemp, flax, honry, and wax, besides l?irpc mines of salt. (^. What are the chief cities of Poland 7 i/i. The cheif cities of Poland are Cracow, its former capital, and Warsaw, its present. Q. What is the character of the Poles ? A, They are in general, handsome, tall, and well made: robust, hardy, and brave; but must be cen- sured as beint; meanly submissive tu their superi- ous, arrogant to their equals, and tyrannical to their inferiors. Q. What is the population of Poland, and what its prevailing religion 7 A. The populj*tion of Poland is suppofted to be about thirteen millions and a half, and its prevail- ing religion the /?oman Calholic. CHAPTER VIII. Of Denmark, Q. What kind of country is Denmark? A. Denmark is a very small country, in general flit, and the poU very fruitful, producing plenty of corn and vegetables. The climate is very cold and fsevere. Q. What compose the Danish dominious ? A. The Danish dominious consist of a peninsula contairiint^ Jutland. Sleswick, and Holstein, and of the Islands of Zealand, Funen, Laland, FaUter; and Iceland and Faro, with others of les« note. Q* What is the character of the Danes ? A. They are a brave and warlike people, very frugal and industrious. Q. What is the name of the metropolis of Den- mark? A. Copenhagen, in the Island of Z> aland. Q. How far is Copenhnsjen from London ? A. Five hundred and ninety five ndles. r Q A Q marl A. and Q rathi A by t Q «KO«llAPHT. li honry, and nd; 'p«cow, its U es? II, nnd well list be cen • leir superi- rannical to , and what o?ed to be ts prevail- 7 n general plenty of very cold ous ? peninsula in, and of FaUter; not«». s? pie. very of Den- nd. Ion? Q. What is the popuiatioa of Denoaark 7 A. Three millions. Q. What are the government and religion of Den- mark ? A. The government is an absolute monarchy, and religion Lutheran. Q. What was the ancient name of Denmark or rather Denmark proper f A. Cimbrica**. The people were called Cimbri^ by the Romans and Cimmeri by the Greeks. Q. What is Denmark proper ? A. North and South Jutland t, down as far at Hulstein^. South Jutland is usually called SUs- wick. Q. Whence is the origin of the Cimhri ? A. History does not particularly inform us; but |t is generally conceived they were a colony of Scy« thians from the country between the .Caspian and Euxinc* seai. Q. When were the inhabitants of Cimbrica first called Danes ? A. In the seventh century, ^nd they were so ci^l- len from the Dani^ a distinguished people from Norway, who conquered Cimbrica in the period above mctioned. Ht was uanaly called by the Greeks Cinhrifia Cher- Monessus, or the peninsula of Cimbrica. t This country received the name of Jutland from a people called the Jutes, who once inhabithd part of thia countiy. It is to bs observed that Cimbrica, ot th« Danisli nation, in its early periods, consisted of distineC tribes, or independent bodies of adventurers, without law?, or any ragular, form of sovernmeut. TheCirobri and Teutonesare among the hrst people of Europe men- tioned in history : Uie latter principally resided in the islands of Zer.lanjd and Funeu. tHolstein is considered M ap^rt of the priienf alil «ncieat Gtrmany^ o 14 CATKBCISM OF :i CHAPTER IX. Of Prussia? Q. What kind of country is Prussia ? Jt. Prussia is a very rich and fertile country, producing a j^reatilealof'flax, hemp, and corn. Q. What coil) pose the kingdom of Prussia ? Ji. The Prussian dominions are situated in three diffe- Tf^nt countries : namely, in Germany, Prussia, and Po- land. Some of the provinces in Germany, situutt'd on the lihine, aie considerably detached. Q,. What was the ancient name of Prufisia .'' j3. The ancient state of i'russia is involved in obscurity. Its original inhabitants appear to have been a bold and warlike people, descended from the Sclavonians. Prus- sia proper or Ducal Prussia, was formerly subject to the Teutonic knights, who conquered it in the 13thcentury. It Was raised to a Dukedom in 1525, and formed into a kingdom in the year 1701. Q,. What is the charcier of the inhabitants P .i. They aie of a strong coastitution, laborious, and brave. Q,, Which is the chief city of Prussia ? Ji. Berlin is its capital. Q,. How far is Berlin from London ^ A. Five hundred and ninety miles. Q,. What is the population y I producing ia? 3 three difTe- ssia, and Po- , situttted on ia ? in obscurity. 1 a bold and lians. Prus- ibject to the Sthcentury. rraed into a s? oriouSj and n contained ler number slie gained ition to his nony, with ssia r o Lutheran dancy — ail in h heri- Ud States J9, The NelhcrlandB, or Low Countries, so called by rhurlcfs V. of Spain and Germany, from thrir low situa tiun, comprised Holland and Belguim : the iormer is somelimts called Bulavia, and the latter the Catholic , I\.'thfrlands.* ''■ Q- What does Holland compnhend ? A. Under the name of LloUand is comprehended the sevei) utiiicd provinces of the I^ ether lands, of which that province it* ihe principal. Q. How ia Holland cr the seven united Provinces bomided ? A Holl.tnd is hounded N. and W. by the German ocean, S. by Belgium, and E. by Germany. Q,. When did Holland separaie itself from the other parts of the J\«lherlands, and what occasioned it? A. Tlie division of Holland from Belgium was occa- sioried by the tyranny of its sovereign, Phillip H. king oftlpajn, which caused an insurrection of the inhabi- tants in 1609, when the Spainards were compoUed to declare the Hollanders a free peoplet. I Q. What kind of country is Plolland ? * A. It is a very smaM country, but more populous than any other in the world of so small an extent. The hind is every where lower than the uca, which is kept out by means »>fd)'kes. Q,. What IS the character of the inhabitants : and by what name are they generly called ? A. They are generaly c.illed Dutch, and are rather ceremonious than palile ; but are plaln^ and industri- ous. -•♦♦8 ©©♦••- * The name Catholic was applied to this division from its re- maining subject to the crown of Spain after the? revolt of the other provinces from their Catholic prince Phillip. t These people were im.nediately afterwards acknowlcdg- • ed by all Europe to be an iudepoiipent state, uaJcr the title of the sp.veu United Provinces : bin Bel;?ium, or ilia Caiholie Provinces, remainod subject to the Spanish government till the year 1700, whoa liiey were ceded to the house of Aus- tria J sim^e which they have been 4ismsmber8d by the Prus- sians, Datch, &c. *, conquered by the French ; and again united with Holland and raised tea kingdom, called ''the kiaijdym of ih« Netherlands." 16 CATCCHISM' Q, What is the occui^ation of tlio Dutch ? A. Trade and getting money, fur which their nation is proverbial. Ot. What is the name of their cheif city ? A. Amsterdam. Q,. How far is Amsterdam from London ? A. Two hundred nnd six miles. Q What is the | o[,uhition of Amsterdam ? A. 7' wo hundred thousand. Q. What kind of country is Belg'um .' A. The air of Belgium is temperate, and its soil ex- trenily fertile in corn and pasture; and there arc seve- ral large manufictoriesof lace lawn, &c. Q,' How is fie'gium bounded ? A. Belgium is bounded N. by Holland, E. by Ger- many, S. by France, and W by tho German Ocean. — This connu'v is very populous. Q,. Why are the Catholic Netherlands nometimes called Belgium, and at other times Flanders ? A. They received the name ofBelgium from the Ro- mans in the time of Ju'ius Caesar, and that of Flj^ndcri from its principal division, which is so named. Q.By what name are the inhabitants ofBelgium ge- nerally known, and for what are they celebrated? A The inhabitants ofBelgium are sometimes railed Belgians, but tliey g nerily goby the name of Fle- mings, from Flanders : and are celebrated for their inven- tion of the art of staining glass ; also for making cam- brics, laces, <^'c. and have had the hi>nour of forming a school for paintinar, to vie with that of Italy. Q,. Whata'e the chief cities of Hrlgium ! A. Th \v are Antwerj), Brussels, and Ghent : but the yrinripil of them is Brussels The population of Hrus- feU is about 80, ) : Client 6").0 ; an I Antwerp 50,000 Q,. VV hat is the Dopul.tion of the Netherlands j A. if is about six mil ions. Q.. What vva^ theancien name ofthf^ Ncthrrlanda ? A. Belgica, which was one of the pricinal divisions of ancient Gaul". The people were c^llea Bo>9. *rn the time of Julius Cqsiar, Gnul was divided into three great nations ; namely the Ccltcs iho Acjjuitani and f i rtp brii i CKOttRAFUT. 17 tbeir nation m ? ] itfl soil ex- re arc seve- E. by Get- n Ocean. — (tometimcs J? orn the Ro. ofFl^ndera d. ielgitim ge- rated 7 iniea railed me of t'le* heir inven- king cam- furminga nt : but tbe m of Hrus> ^erp 50,U00 iiids i thrrlanda ? I divisions ie^0. I'ided into tiitani and Q;. What was the ancient name of Holland ? A. Balavia, so called from the Batavi, the prin- cipal people of this country. The Batavi were a branch of the Battii'iom Germany. CHAPTER XJ, Of Germany. Q. "What kind of country isf Germany? A. Germany is a very large counlry, situated in the raidille of Europe, and ks rpmnrkHble for bein;^ dividfMl into .1 «»ieat number of independent states, whichate politically united forthe maintenance of the external and internal inviolnbililv of Germany, and fornt uhat is called tbe Germanic Confederation. Q. Are tlit'se ip.depondenl States of equal magni- tude and iniportance ? A. No ; some art, Bre- men and llaiid)ur.'h, which are soveri^^n st;»tes ia theuTielve', jroverneii \\y their own inayistrates. Q. What is the ciiniale of Germany .? A. Tin' air is ttrnperate anwer Lu- lar. The lillions. iuatcdoa nil the Elbe, i« th^ enpilal of the kin;;don), nnd if ( noted for its hindsnaie appeiirancc : the number of its inhnbitnnts is about sixty thousniid. Leipsic is famous for its j^rratfHirs.iind for the celebrated bat- tle of ISM, between Buonaparte and the Allied Towers of Auitrin, Russia, and Pruii>ia. Q. How far is Dresden from London ? ^1. Five hundred and ninety miles. (I. Describe Hanover. A. The kingdom of Hanover, situated on the north of Germany, is composed of the duchies of Lune • hur;;,Bremen,Verden, and Saxe Lauenburj(Ti, with the countriet) of Calenburg, Grubenha^ren &.c. Its cnpital is Hanover, contaming about fifteen tboi- snud inhabitants, and is noted for the burial plac9 of Zimmerman, nnd for having given birth to Dr. Herschel. Hunover contains aljout three millions of ifdjahitants. Q. Describe Wirlcmhnrg, j1. The kingdom of Wirtemburp, situated in tho jsonth of Germany is the smallest of the recent Ger- man kingdoms, but one of the most fertile. Its po- pulation is about two millions. The capital is Stut- gard containing about twenty thousand inhabitants. <^. What is Baden ? /I. The grand duchy of Baden is one of the smallest of the minor states of Germany. It is situated bcr tween the Rhine and the kinj^dom of Wiitemburg It is very fertile in wine, corn, and fruit, and has a suj«erfluity of tish and wood.The capital isCarlsruhe. (^. What is Mecklenburg ? A. Mecklenburg is a small principality in the north of Germany, whose house has been frequently divi- ded*. At present there are two lines, Schwerm and Strelitz. It is from the latter that her late majesty Charlotte, queen of Great Britian, was descended. *Th« princei of xMccklt^nliurg nre 00 o.' 'a* inhabitants. In the late wars with France she lost fiel- gitim or Flanders; but, on the other, hand acquired the Venetian t'jrritorica, so that she ie still a very power- ful empire, iA.'«^Ing a population of about 28,000,000 of iniiabitant<<« t Owing io Jr.' 3 mf-'vuise of population since the cen- sus of Austiui, aud thatofth< newly acquired territorie«, tfce inhabitants q( 'his empire are rated ai above. «eOtRAPNY. nan empire:^ nds Austrin, i*, Moravia, Tyrol, part ig the terri< e Austrians? ersed in the iganans ? \ff and mil- ive. ountry ? t to Austria, id with vast productive, d its proper CHAPTER XIII, ^ Of Turkey, Q. What kind of country is Turkejf ? Ji. Turkey is a very large empire, having a|part In Europe, a part in Asia, and a part in Africa. Q. What was the a-cicnt n^me of Turkey in £urope 7 .^.The greatoi* pari w? » anciently called Gr.H, Thfc Turks derive their origin from the Av- :«res a tribe of Huns, who dwelt in Great Tartary, till forced by the Huns of the south to abandon itheir country, when a considerable colony seized ^pon Turkey, and founded this empire. Q. What is the climate of Turkey ? *a. It is, in general, wholesome and pleasant, but the inhabitants are frequently visited with tho plague which is partly attributed to their indolence and to their'want of cleanliness. Q. Whht'is the character of the Turks? in the Aus- a acquire'^ ;' •00,000 0,' li* he lost fiei- acquired the very power- 3,000,000 of ice the cen- d territoriet, above. 'Greece proper was a very inconsiderable spot in Eu- rope, yet more formidable thnn all others in war, and more celebrated in the arts of peace. The inhabitants called it HeU/is^and themselves Helcnes ; the Romans «'alled tiir*" Gra.a. After the pubjugafion of their coun- • y by tile lurks, they remained in a state of vasealago under their bcirbarous conquerors ; but for several yeara past, a'desperate effort has boon making by ihtjm to re- gain their independence : and a war characterized by un- usual ferocity, has been carried on. between the oppres. aors and the oppressed in the island- and continent of CJreec*. The celebrated English pot t LordjByron,vvho had warmljr espoused the cause of the Greek», died at Missolonghi. in western Greece, on the 19th of April, m^, aged 36 vear*. IK. 2. UK CATEfUISM OF A. Thej art a strong, w«1I-inadt psoplt, but diilike labour, and derire n« adrantHge from the fine soil they inhnbit. They arje ignoraDt ; but i'rugal, temperate, fiud ebaritabU. Q. What is the capital of the Turkish empire ? A. Constantinople. Q. How far is Constantinople from London ? i, A. One thousand five hundred miles. Q. What is the population of Turkey ? A, Turkey in Europe has eight millions, in Atsia ten millions, and in Africa, tfvx) millions five hun- dred thousand. Q. W^bat are the principal mountains of Turkey in Europe 7 ^. The principal mountains in European Turkey afe Athos, Fmdus, Olympus, Parnassus and H^amus. Q. What are the principal rivers ? A. The Danube, the Save, the Pruth and the Don. CHAPTER XIV. Of ly-anre. Q. What kind of country is France ? •a. France is a very large and populous country, containing about twenty-nine*niillions of inhnbitjinls seven hundred and eighty cities, and forty-one thou- sand towns and villages. Q. W^hat are its soil,it8 climate and its produce ? A. The Bir is pure and wholesome ; and the soil which is agreeably diversified, produces all the ne- cessaries of life, and, among its luxuries some ex- cellent wines. Q. W^hat is the character of the French ? *In September 181C, lh« Gazette ofFrnnu staled o» autliority, that the population cf tliis eoiinuv thfn a- mountsil to !30;4rf>,OCO. tikOixiArHr. 98 p«op1f, l)Ut ge from the noraDt ; but ish empire ? London? i\ I. •y? ions, in Aeiia ns five hun- is of Turkey lean Turkey nassus and ith and (he I 3US connf ry, fiiihnbitjinls y-one thou- 9 produce ? and the soil I all the U9- 8 some cx- Gh? i§§ Ktated o» jnirv then u- Jl. TheFrpMch }»re a polishod people, gallant and ^ou rageous, but light, inconstant, Hud excef-sively vain ' Q. Of what are tliey parti(^ufarly fond ? W. or the arts and sciences, and of games, exhi- *bitions, and tlancinir. Q. What is the capital of France? ./?. Pari!*, on the river Seine. Q. How far is Paris from London ? A. Two hundred and ten n'liles. Q. AVhat arc the principal cities of France? ' A. Rouen, Tours, Lyons, Nisnaes, Wontpeiier, **nd Totdouse. Q, What are its chief seaports? *i. Havre, Brest, Nantes, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Marseilles*, and Toulon. Q. What are the principal rivers ? Jl. The Seine, the Loire, the Garonne,or Girond« and th*» Rhone. Q. What is the reli«:ion of France.^ A. The religion established by law is the Roman Catholic; but all others are tolerated. Q. What are the foreign possesiions belonging to France? Ji, The isles of Martinico and Gaudaloupe in the West Indies, part of (^ulana in South America, Pondicheriy in the Fast Indies, and (he Isles of Bourbon in the Indian Ocean. Q. What was the ancient nnme of France ? Ji. Gallia or Gaul. The people were called GaUi by the Romans ; O'alaUe by the Greeks ,and Celtre bv themselves. It took its present name from the Franks, a people formerly inhabiting Geruiany tvho afterwards conquered part of Gaul. CHAPTER XV. OJ Switzerland. Q. AVhat kind of country is Switzerland? A. Ne country i^ffbrds a greater variety of surface. ft4 CATECHISM OF k h sablime mountains, frightful precipices, regions ot snow that never melt, glaciers that resemble seas of ice, fertile valleys, cottages, and hanging vines diversify the scene. Q. What is the nature of the climate? A, It is wholesome and agreeable, but the winter frosts are extremely severe, and many of the moun- tains are always covered with snow* Q. For what are the Swiss remarkable ? A, For their simplicity of manncrs,purity of mo- rals, and strong attachment to their native country^ Q. For what are the men particularly distin- guished ? Ji. For their strength, courage, and sobriety. Q. In what do the women excel ? A. The women excel in modesty, and in the ma- ternal and domestic duties. Q. What are the chief towns of Switzerland ? •^. Berne its capital, and Geneva and Lausanne. Q. How far is Berne from London ? A. Four hundred and forty five miles. Q. What is the population of Switzerland ? Jl. Two millions. Q. What was the ancient name of Switzerland ' A. Helvetia. The people were called Helvetii *nd were famed for their teavery. CHAPTER XVL Of Italy. Q. What kind of country is Italy ? Jl. It is the most celebrated country in Europe, having been formerly the seat of the Homan empire, and being still the residence of the Pope. It is so fine and fruitful a country, that it is often called the garden of Europe. Q. Describe its climate, soil, and productions. A. The air is, in general, temperate and whole- *?Ric ; and the soil very fertile; producing a grcaf: CAtKrHISM OF dd eg, regioRS of resemble sens banging vines ate? )ut (he winter ' of the moun- cable ? purity ofmo- itive country, ilarly distin- 1 sobriety. nd in the ma- vitzerland ? id Lausanne. es. zerland i* Switzerland' led Helcetu f in Europcj man empire, pe. It is 80 often called roductions. and whoIe< cing a great ariety of wines, and the best oil in Europe ; also heat, rice, oranges, citrons, &c. and all sorts of fruits honey, and silk ; with sugar and cotton. V Q. What is the character of the Italians 7 i A. They are polite, sensible, and fond of the arts. They excel in Sculpture, painting^and music : but 4re revengeful and superstitious. Q. Who has the sovereign power of Italy ? A. It is divided between the emperor of Austria, |he king of Sardinia, the archduke Francis d'Este, ttie archduchess Maria Beatrice d'Este, the arch- Quchess Maria Louisa [late empress of France,] the lirchdukB Ferdinand of Austria, the infanta Maiia fcouisa of Spain, Ferdinand IV, king of the two llicilies. and the Pope.* Q. Which is the most celebrated city of Italy 1 ^ A. Rome. ^ Q. How (ar is Rome from London 7 Jl. Eight liuiidred and sixty-three miles. * ^. What are the other chief citi^^s of Italy 7 . A. They are Milan, Venice, Naples, Turin, Genoa, and Florence. Q. What are its chief mountains ? yi. The Alps, which divide it from France and IBiwitzerland, the Appenines,and Mount Vesuvius, fc volcano. r^ *The Emperor of Austria possesses the Venetian states ' JUilan^ and Mantua. 2. The king ofsjurdinia, Piedmont, part of Savorj, and Genoa, 3. The archduke Francis d'Este, Modena. 4. The archduchess Maria Btntrice d'Este Massa, Carrara, and TMnigiana. 5. The archduthesa Maria Louisa, Parna, Placcntia, mid Guasiella, 6. The archduke Ferdinand of Austria, Tuscany and JPLivifnno. 7. The infanta Marin Lonisa, T/jjcra. H. The Pope, The !fta(cs of the Churrfi. f). Frrdiiinnd fV. king dfthc two Sicilies. .Yapkx. f,Q CATEHCISM or O. "What are its chief rivers * A. They are the Po, the Aulation of Italy ? A. Ton Millions. Q. What was the ancient name of Italy ? A. Italia^ one of the noblest countries in Europe, not only in climate, but in intportance. CHAPTER XVII. Of Portugal. Q. Whit i«« Portugal ? A, Portugal is a small kin«j Q. Describe the climate of Portugal. A. It is pure and wholesofne. the heat being mo- deratetl by frequent westerly winds. O. What kind of soil has Portu<;nl ? A. There are many barren mountains, but some parts are rich and fertile, producing excellent wines and fruit of all kinds. ' Q. What is the charactCF of the Portuguese ? A. They are, in general, brave, austere, and su- perstitious : but sensible and well informed in the arts, sciences and trade. Q. How far is Lisbon from London ? A. One thousand and ten miles. Q. What is the chief UiVer / A. The Ta;5us, on which is Lij^bon. Q. What was the ancient name of Portujrnl 7 A. Lusitania : the people were called Lusitani, CHAPTER XVm. Of ^pain. Q. W^hatkind of country, is Spain ? A» Spain is a large country about t^^c sire of m r.EOGRArHY. C7 e Arno and Italy ? es in Europe. nfain^ about I is L,isboii. at being mo- '*<» but some cellent wines tuguese ? ere, and su- rmed in the jrtuornl ? Lusitani ri«ncr» — lis pnpiilntion is about 13,000,CC0*. [a«lri(] is the cnpital city. Q. Whjit is the chmaie of Spain 7 ji. The air is generally very hol,which frrqnpnf • % ohlipps the inlmhitants to lie down after Oinner, Vlid to stt up laie at night. (^. What is the charaetpf of the Spanian!s ? W. They are proud and haughty, grave and politic, and attached \o their country, of which .j^ieir pafrioMc ''triiggle against Buonaparte s u- Ijurpation aft'orrlfd a noble ^specimen. ijj Q. For what are the vSpainards celebrated ? • A' For their sobriety and probity; still their idle- fjipss makes them a iniserahle people, thoug;h they Jivp in one of the finest countries in'lhe wond, J Q. Wiiat is the soil of Spain 7 *.'L Spain in general is very fertile, but is not fjultivated, through the pride and laziness of its in- habitants. iVany paits are overrun with wood.s, Und encumbered v»ith lofty mountains. Q. What are the most remarkable cities ? »jI. Saragossa, Salamanca, Toledo, Cordova, Gre»»ad t, Seville and Badajoz. Q. AVhat are its chief seaports ? .7. Corunna^ Ferrol, Cadiz, Gibraltar and Barce- lona. ^^. What ]« the produce of Spain ? A. Wines, fruits of various sorts, wool, boncy, 6oik, anchovies. &.c. Q. Hon far is Madrid from London ? A, Fiight hundred /niles. >X/V%<^^/WX'V\^/\^'W% T om tiip rrrisus taken in ]S"20, it appears timt tlio P^pnlaiion or.^jitiin. iiicludin;: Ivita, AJinorca, Majorca ajjd the Canary Jslcs, r.niounls to 13 millons. he sire of J %$ CITKCHISM OF CHAPTER XIX, Of Great Britain, Q. What constitutes the British empire 7 wJ. The British empire consists of Great Britain & Ireland, -with some adjacent isles of Europe. This empire whs formerly divided into three dis- tinct kingdoms, namelj,Engiand. Scotland,and Ire- land ; but it is now united under one government*. Q. What kind of country is Great Britain ? A. It is a large island advantageously situated for commerce. The southern part (or England) is very fertile, and the land in a high state of cultiva- tion, abounding with every production necessary for the sustenance of man. Q. What is the character of the inhabitants f A. They are a brave and polished people;honest, industrious, and hospitable ; fond of liberty, and attached to their country. They are likewise great patrons of the arts, and encouragers of literature. Q» What were the ancient names of England, Ireland, and Scotland ? *'Tlie foreign possessions of Engl.ind, whicli are situ- ated in every quarter of the globe, are very rxtensive. Those in Asia, consist of a vastterritory in the East Indies, containing more than 30,000,000 of inhabitants. In Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, St, Helena. Sierra Leone, with several forts on the Coast of Guinea.— J n America, Canada, Labrador, New Brunsvvick, Nova Scotia, the counlries around Hudson's Bay, Ncwfoumlland, Jamaica, with many other vahiable islands in the West IndieSj—In EwROPE, the fortress of Gibraltar in Spain, the l:h. Clackrnanan, Kinross. Ross, Elgin. Kirkwall Berwick. Q,. Where and what is the town of Berwick ? A. The town of Berwick stands on the borders of England and ScotUnd properly belonging to neither, is a country of itself, it is very large, pop- ulous, and well built. Q. What is the population of Scotland ? A. Upwards of two millions*. Q. What are the chief cities of Scotland ^ A. Edinburgh, the capital, Perth, Leith^ and Glasgow, Q. What are thp islands of Scotland ? A. The islands belonging to-«$^cotla.nd are the «S'het" land, the Orkney.Hebride?, jS'kv,Arrsfi, and Bute. t|. What are the principal lakes in Scotland ? A' The chief lakes of S'ea ; Lebanon in Judea ; Taurus, and the loftv Caucasus. Q. What are its chief rivers ? A. The Euphrates, the Tigris, the Indus, »nd the Ganges, fir.OfiRArMr. 57 Asia, Q. What are Ihe principal islands of Asia? •^.^The chief Asinlic islands are the Ja{ an«se isles, the Ladrones, the Fhillippines, the Molucca or Clove isles, the Banda or Nutmeg isles, Borneo. Sumatra, and J?rva; Cejlon, Nicobar isles, New Holland, New Guinea, the Pelew isles, and the Carolines, with some others of less note. CHAPTER XXIV. Of Asiatic Turkey, Q. For what is Asiatic Turkey particularlj cele- brated. A. As the principal scene oi* early Scripture history; and of those romantic expeditions called the Crusades. Q. What is n Crusade? A. A holy war ; a name given to the expeditions of the Christians against the infidels for the recovery of Palestine, so called, becaise those who were engaged in them wore a cross on their clothes, and boie one on their standard. Q. What else have you to observe of this country? A, That it is covered with wrecks of ancient Splen- dour: it was once very fertile and rich, containing many flourishing kingdoms, and a great number of celebrated cities ; but it is now quite barren, the people miserable and the cities few. Q. How is Asiatic Turkey divided ? A. Turkey in Asiats divided into four great provin- ces, viz. Natolia, the ancient Asia Minor, Armenin, Diarbeck, and Syria. In the last mentioned province were situated Palestine, or the Holy Land, Canaan, Judea, Phoenicia, the celebrated city of Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, rendered so illustrious by the birth of our Saviour. Q. What are the principal cities of Turkey in Asia? A. The principal cities of Turkey in Asia are Smyrna, Alleppo, Damascus, Jerusalem, and Bagdat. Damascus is a very extcns>ive and populous city, contains; about 40,000 inhabitants. ^. What art its chief mounulni ? I is CATtcfiisM or Q. Tht chief 'mountains of Turkey in Asiaf arc Tauruft, Ararat, and Libanufi. Q* "What are the chief islands ? A, The islands of Turkey in Asia are Mitylene, Scio, Sanaos, Rhodes, and Cyprus. Q. For what is Turkey in Asia particularly cele- biatcd 1 ({. Turkey in Asia is celebrated for its carpcU oils, silks, Rhubarb, and fruits. * CHAP I ER XXV. Of Asiatic Russia. Q. What kind of country is Rus9ia in Asia ? '' .^.It is a very large country, compreFiendino^th^ most noithern parts of Asia ; being ftbout two Ihoa- sand miles in length from west to ea^t ; and eiglit huntlred in breatlth from north to south*. / Q. What is particularly to be observed of Asiatic Russia ? A. When it is noon-d;»y in the western parts, it is almost midnight in the eastern pails. In the the South, the longejst day does not exceed fifcen hours and a hair,in the north the sun is always visible lor nioaths. Q. How is this country divided ? A. Asiatic Russia is divided into two governments, Ihat of Tobolsk in the west, and Irkutsk in the east. Q. Whal is ihe pioduce of Asiatic Russia ? A. The southern part produces all the necessaries, of life, but the northern part is eztremly cold, al^)o^t uncultivated, and thinly peopled. I'he principal ridies of the county consist of line skins and furs. •This vnit extent of rountry was usuly kuovvn by the name of Siberia, a tlenomination not now so gao;^r.ip]icrs Asiatic lUis^ia. CBOaRAPilT. S9 [siar are tjlene, }y cele- :arpcU Ihoa- eigiit Asiatic its, it i«i ? South, 's am] n nioaths. nmenfs, he enst. • ssaries, afn)o^t [incipal '•irs. » by the ily used ^sia, ibr Q.W4u(rh are ♦he principal cities in Asiatic Russia? A, Astracan and Tobolsk. Q. How far is Astracan from London ? A. 'SI 49 miles. Q. What are the names of the principal nations of Asiatic Russia ? A' The Cossacks, Cirimucks, Circassians and Ge - orgiani, the Samoieds. Ostiaks,Koriak8, the Tschut- ki, Kamtschatdales, and others of less note. Q. Are the Asiatic Russians like those of £uropQ' A. No, very ditferent ; for in this wide expanse there are many distinct races of men, not only differing from the European Russians, but also from each other, both in nppear'ance, manner.<9, religion and language. Q. What nations live toviards the north ? A. T4ie Samoieds, Ostiaks, Koriaks, and other similar tribes, who are sunk in gross superstition and idolatry, and very filthy and squalid in their ap- pearance. Q. How do they subsist 7 •d. Chiefly by hunting and fishing, but all are ar^rse to steady industry. Some are fixed, and oth- ers wandering. These people in general are of smalj stature, and hard featured; and, considering the ex- tent of country they 0Gcupy,are very few in population. Q. Who aVe {\\tTschutkV ? A. The Tgchutki, who inhabit the north-cast cor- ner of Russia, are superior in size, and Better feat- ured than the preceding tribes, and are more sjcilled in the various a.rts of life. The peninsula of Kam- tschatka is inhabited by another race, but not less filthy and brutalized than the Samoieds. Several of the tribes before mentioned are considered in gen- eral, very dull, heavy, and harmless. Q. Which are the chief nations inhabi'ing the southern parts of Asiatic Russia ? -»»e ^ e*<»' Pron Chiitki, 46 CATBCWMM OF A. The Cossacks, (Z^almucks, Circassian*^ and Creor^ians. Q. Describe the Cosiacks ? A. The Cossacks ane divided into frhe Don Ukrnine and Uralian Cossacks ; but the most ctiebraf«id are those ^Tho reside on the borders of the river Don. It was the latter, who, under tueir enterprising leader Platoir, made such dreadful havoc among the French n Buonaparte's unsuccessful campaign into Russia, in 1812, when he lost nearly 300,000 men, Q. Who are the Calmucks ? A. The Calmucks are a nation of wanderers, who lix'e in tent8,and remove from place to place in quest of pasturage for their numerous cattle, consisting of horses, camels, cows, and sheep. These people neither sow nor reap.so that they live without bread, or any kind of vegetable. Their feed is fish, Hesh, milk, bu(ter, and cheese. Q. Who are theCircassians 7 il. The Circassians are a noble people, very cou- rageous,and possessing a great military genius, and, were they united under one chief, might become a great independent empire ; but they are a nation of wandering mountaineers divided into many different and hostile tribes, and want a spirit of unity to make their power effectual. Q, What is Georgia ? A, Georgia is a very fine conntry, situated be- tween the Black and Caspian seas. It is very pro- ductive, and the inhabitants are a fine and warlike people : its chief town is Tefflis. CHAPTER XXVI. Of China. Q. What is China ? A. China is one of the most ancient and polished «EOGRAPHr: 41 m, and Ukrnine atMcl are Don. It J Ifacler French Russia, !rs, who in quest sting of people t bread, b, flesh, ry cou- 8, and, come a it ion of ififerent 3 make ed be- py pro- »varlike lished nations of Asia, and is celebrated for its extent and prodigious! populntion. ({. For what is it otherwise celebrated ? A. For its immense wall, which is one thousand two hundred miles long, twenty-five feel high, and eighteen thick. Q.Forwhat purpose was^this immense wall built? A. To divide China from Tartary, and keep the Tartars from plundering the Chinese territories. Q, What are the chief cities of China ? .4. Pekin the capital, Nankin, and Canton the on- Jy port where Europeans are admitted. Q. What is the character of the Chinese ? A. They are industrious beyond any people on earth: possess a yrent share of in{;enuity,and are generally honci^t in their dealings. They are lovers of the arn and sciences, but have too great an opinion cftheir own wisdom, antl think meanly of other nations. Q What else is worthy of observation in respect to the Chinese ? Jl. Their complexion, which is tawny ; and those are thought to excel in beauty who are most bulky-- Tbe women affect much modesty, and are remaTkable for their small feet. Q.. How far is Pekin from London ? ^. 4999 miles. Q. What is the population ofChina ? J[. Oue hundred and fifty millions. Q.Whatis Tibet? c^.Tibet, sometimes called the snowy Region is a rast extent of country in the interior of Asia, subject to China. Q. How is it divided, and^what is the number^of its inhabitants ? A. Tibet is divided into three parts, Upper,MiddIc and Lower ;; its inhabitants are few, consisting of no more than one million. Q. Whet is Chinese Tartary ? A. Chinese Tartary is a large country to the fiorlh of China Proper, to which it i^ tribitary, 42 CATECHISM or whose population consists of abont gix millioRS. The several countries, naiuelr,China,Pioper,Ghinese Tartary, an'i Tibet, constitule what isJcalleU the ^'Chinese Empire'^ CHAPTER XXVII. Of India in General. Q. What is meant by India 7 A. The general n-uiie of India is now appliedto those vast regions of Southern Asia A^i the confines of China, an 1 from the n.ountains of Tibet in th§ norfh to the osean. Why is It called India ? ^4. It is so called from ^herirer Indus. Q. How is it divided ? India is generally divided into two great'parts, namely, India Interior and India Exterior ; or India within and India without the Ganges. , Q. Wbat kind of country is India ? A. India consists chiefly of extensive plains, ferti- lized by a great num.ber of beutifuljmeandering riv- ers and piirliiitrstreanus, and interspersed withafew ranges of hills. The periodical rains and intense heats produce a luxuriance of vegetation almost un- known to any other country in the world. Q. What is the soil of India ? A. It U rich in every kind of production, whether fosiil, vegetable, or animal. The Indians sow the ground in May and June, before the rainy season,ani reap in November and December, which are the most temperate months in the year. Q. Wh^t are the prodnctiuns of India ? A. Wheat, rice, barley, and other grain, in ^reat plenty and perfection ; also, all kinds of fruits, spi^ ces S^^* Q. What is the character of the Hindooi 1 A. The Hintioos are extremely mild, aod.by no iga?ijn$ adapted f jr hard labour or war GcosRirnY'. 4," niiiions. Chinese lied the )plie(1 fo i!onfines it ill th9 nt'part^, or India ins, fcrti- ering riv- rith a few i intense naost un- whether sow the ;ason,Mnl 1 are the , in f reat uits, gpi^ ? nd.by no Q. What \n the po]»uliiUon of Hindostan? »4. Eighty fiTe-niilhons*. Q. What is tliC capital of British iHdia? A, Calcutta. Q, How far is Calcutta fronj London 7 A. 49^29 miles. Q. Wnat other ren:iaikable cities are there ? Jl. Delhi, iMadrns, Pondicherty, Seri'nj^apatam, Goa, an<) Bombay. Q. What are the chief mountains? A' The Gauts, or Ghats ; and the Kimnjaleh, jn the North, the highest in the world. 1^ Q* What aie the chief mines of India ? *1 The chief mines of India are gold, silver, and diamonds Q. What are the chief animn Is of India ? A, They are elephants, i hinocerose.*, tigers, leo- pards, pantluri, canitls, djomedarieSj bufioloes, and ijionkies. CHAPTER XXVIII. Of Interior India^ or Hindostan. Q. How is Hindostan situated ? A, Hindostan is bounded N. by Great Tfirtarr and Tibet, E. by part of the Birman Empire and the iftay of Bengal, S. by the Indian Ocean, and W. by Persia and the Arabian Sea. 0. How is Hindostan divided 7 A. Hindostan is divided into four great portions; namely, Gangetic, Scindetic, Central, and Southern. Q. How are the inhabitants divided 7 A. The Hindoos are divided into tribes or castes. The principal are the Brahmins,soldiers, mechanics, and labourers. The Bramins have the care of reli- X'V^^V^/^'WW^/WX'VW I •From the increase of popu'ation, and fiom the rocent tJiscoveries made in this conn ry, it is conceived the inhab- itints amount to about 15,000,^00. 3 h t m 44 CATECHISM OP gion ; the soldiers are usually called rajah-poots ; those in the service of the English are called Sepoys; the mechHnics comprehend merchants and tradeis; the labourers include farmers and all who cultivhte the land. The greater part of the Hindoos are ido- laters Of Exterior India. Q. What is Exterior India? Jl. Exterior India is a vast extent of country, com- prising the Birman empire, Adalacca, Siam, and the empire of Tonquin. Q. How are these countries situated? Jl» The Birman Empire, Malacca, Siara. and Ton- quin, are situated to the east of the Bay of Bengal, and are bounded on the south and east by the ocean, and on the north hy the Chinese empire. CHAPTER XXIX. Of the Birman Empire. Q. What is the situation of the Birman empire ? At The Birman empire is situated east of Hindus- tan, south of China, and west of the Chinese sea. Q. What are its principal divisions ? •^. Its principal divisions are Ava, Pegu, Laos, Camboc'ia, and part of Siam. Q. What is the general character of the Birm«ns? A, They are a lively and inquisitive race of peo- ple, but passionate and revengeful. Q. What are its chief cities ? A, The chief cities of the Birman empire are Ava, its ancient, and Ummerapoora its present capital. Q. How far is Ava from London ? A. 5346 miles. Q. What is the population of the Birman empire ? •fl. Seventeen millions. ^. What are the chief production of Birman ? GEOGRAPHY. 4J^ b-poots ; feepojR; tradeis; ^ultivhte are ido- ry, com- and the nd Ton- Kengal, le ocean, empire ? Hindos- e sea. a, Laos, Birm«ns? ;e of pt'O- are Ava, ipital. i empire ? ririan ? A. The «oiI being extremely feitile, iJyelds excel- lent wlinat, sugar-canes, indigo, and cotton ; and the difieieii tropical fruits in high peif*' ion, and in gie»t abund;ts. A. The Malays are, in general, of small stature hut well mnde, with a tawny complexion, and lon^; black shining hair. These pebple are classed among the principal merchants of the east, and their colonies and commerce are widely spread all over the Indian teas. Q. What is their general character 7 A. The Malays are deemed the most IreacLerous and most ferocious people on the globe, and their history is full of such enterprises as maike this des- perate character. CHAPTER XXXII. 7^e Empire of Tonquin, ' Q. Describe the empire of Tonquin, A. The name of this empire is but of recent date ; it was formerly tributary to China. It now comprises Tonquin, Cochin China, Siam, and Laos, For its size, it is one of the finest kinjs^doms in the east, hav- ing a population of about 21,000,000 of inhabitants ; and possessing a fruitful soil, and a mild and salubrious climate. Q% What are its chief productions 7 A. They are very numerous, and the frnits excel all the rest of Asia in flavour and beauty ; and their elephants are esteemed the largest and swiftest in the worM. Q. What is its (hiffcity? ^4. The chief city is Backu formerly called Kcsho^ containing 40,000 inhabitants. and 0£06RiPUr. ^7 that It \<2, future loner imong flonies Indian CHAPTER XXXIII. Of Persia* Q. What kind of country is Persin ? A. Persia is h large country, containing about ten millions of inhabitants Its chief cities are Ispahan and Ti'heran. Q. How is Persia situated ? ^. It i^ bounded N. by the Caspian Sea and part ofTart^ry; E. by India; W. by Asiatic Turkey ; and S. by the Ocean and Persian Gulf. Q. What are its climate and soil 7 A. Ilis said that no country in the world has greater v'l.riety of cHmate and soil than this, being extremely mountainous barren a id cold in the northern parts; in the middle very mild and 8andy,but enjoying a tempe- rate air; and in the south, level and extremely fertile, though for several njonths the heat is excessive. Q. What IS the character of the Persians ? A, They are very luxurious and effeminate : pos- sess much good sense and ability , are honest in their deahnvs; but passionate and revengeful. Q. What are the chief productions of Persia ? A. Corn, wine, oil, great abundance of oranges, date.s, melons, grapes, and nuts ; also senna, rhubarb, and various other drugs ; and it is famous for silks. Q. How do the Persians write ? A. The Persians write form the right hand to the left, and, as no printing is allowed, a great number of people are constantly employed in writings an art in which they excel. Q. What is their religion ? A. The greater part of the Persians are Mehonoe danSfWith some idolaters,whe worship the 8un,fire,8ic« Q. Wh?it are their chief towns ? A. Casbio, Tauris, and Shirax. i^. For what are tl^eie tawns famous ? E 2. m 1*1 43 CATICHISM •F A. Casbin is large and populous, and is noted as the naarl for aInionds,raisins,Bnd melons; Tauria the second city in Persia,is noted for its mosques and cnr- avansaries, and is also famous for its great trade in cotton,cioths,si!k8,and gold and silver brocades : the population is upwards of 550,000. Skiraz is also ve- Tj large and populous, and is famous for its wines. CHAPTER XXXIV. Of Independent Tartary, Q. What kind of couutrj is Tartary ? A. Tartary is of very great extent,8ituated on the north of India, &e. C|. What is the character of the Tartars? A. The generahty of the Tartars are wanderers, like their ancstors the Scythians, and are celebrated as a hardy race, who live in tents and lead a roving life, and with their families, their cattle, and all they possess, wander about in the temperate parts and vast solitudes of the Asiatic continent, from the con- fines of Europe to the great Pacific ocean. On meet- ing with a fertile and pleasant situation, they pitch their tents, and continue in the place till the grass is all consumed, when they again set forward in learch of another inviting spot. Q, What is the chief city of Tartary 7 A. Samarcand. <2. How far is Samarcand from London } A. 3127 mites. Q. What is sufiposed to be the population of Tartary? A. Ten milliont. CHAPTER XXXV Of Arabia, Qr What kind of country is Arabia ? A. Arabia is a la-^ge country, situated east of the CE06RAriir 40 Red Sea, an J Soulli of Tuikey. It contains about ten millions of inhubitunt^. Q. What is the general chniacterof (he Arabians? A. Tlie Arabs generally live under tents ; the greater part are wandering tribes ; like the Tartars, c)!ninittia^ depredations and robberies wherever they «;o. C^. What are the chief proudcf ions of Arabia ? A. The most valuable productions are its horses, caiiels, glim aiul colfec. Tlie horses are said lo be the best in the world. Q. What are its chief toirns 7 A. Mecca, where Mahornet,the founder of (he ?»Ia" homedan religion, was born ; and Medina, where he was buried. Q. How far is Mecca from London ? A. 3i)3S miles. CHAPTER XXXVI. Of Japan. Q. W*hat kind of country is Japan ? A. Japan is a very largo country, sitnatpd east of Asia, wiih the title of an empire, co^ , o*ea of a ^reat nuTiber of islands difficult of acct'i*ji, the principal of which i<8 Niphon. Q. For wh?it is Japan celehrate»1 ? A. Japan is said to be the iichest country in the world fir g )!d ; and the air and water are most ex. ct'llent. Q, What is the genernl charactpr'of the inhabifants? A. They are naturally inf»eni(>u«!, ami posses a g-ood memory, but their manners are exactly opposite lo ours. Our com non drinks are cob!, theirs ar«» hot ; we uncover the bt^a 1 ontof resfiect, aud they the feet ; we are fond of white teeth, and th'^y of black ; we ^I't on horsebai'k on the left side, atid they on the tight; an I they have a Innguagn so perculiar that it is not to be unierstocdby any othernation. r. 50 CATaCHlSM OF Q. What is the population of Japan I A. Thirty millions. Q, Whht is the chief city ? A. Jedilo. Q. How far is Jeddo from London ? A. 5942 miles. CHAPTER XXXVir. OF AFRICA. Q. What is Africa ? A, One of the four quarters* of the world, hound- ed N. by the Medilerranean Sea ; W^ and S. by the Ocean ; and E. by the read Sea and the Isthnous cf Suez. Q. What are its climate and soil } A. The createst part of Africa lying under the tor- rid zone, the heat almost insupportable in many pla ces. However, the coasts in general are very fruitful the fruits excellent, and the plants extraordinary. Q. Are there not several deserts in Africa ? A. Yes ; several v«rhich are almost without water; and whose sands are so loose, that, by means of ;i stronj; wind, the will sometimes bury whole carvaans at a time. Q. What are its productions 7 \. Its production are gold fruit, gum, Sec. camels, elephants, and all sorts of wild beasts. Q. What are the principal rivers .'' A. The two largest are the Nile and the Niger, which annually overflow their banks, and fertilize the adjacent countries. Q. How is Africa divided. l^y modern geographers the world is now divided into 7TVC great portions, instead of fout quarters, as forraeiy. ,(Scp. 4.) I ; / GEOGRAPHY. 51 bound- . by the iimus of the tor- iny pla fruitful inary. t water; fins of H ;arvaans camels, ; Niger, :iliz8 the ided into mely. A. Africa is divided into the following gonernl parts, viz. — Barbary, Egypt, Zaarn, or the Desert, Negro. land, Guinea, and Ethiopia. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Of Barhary, Q. How is Barbary divided ? A. Barbary is divided into five stateu, namely, Mo- rocco, Algiers, Trifoli, and barca. Q. What are the situation and boundaries of Mo* rocco 7 A. Morocco is about 500 miles in length and 488 in breadth. It is bounded N. by the Mediterranean Sea; E. by Algiers; S. by the desert of Tafilet ; and W. by the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco, is its capital. Q. What is the s tuation of Algiers r A. Algiers is about 480 miles in length, and 70 in breadth It is bounded N. by the Medi'errane^n ; S. by Mount Atlas? E. by Tunis? ahd W, by the em- pire of ?v1orocco. Algieis is i's capital. Q. What is 'he s tuation of Tunis? A. Tunis is 202 miles in length and 170 in breadth. It is bounded N. by th? Mediterranean: S. by Tri po!i: Mud W. by Algiers. Tunis, it* capital, is built near the ruins of the once famous Carthage. Q. What is the situation of Tripoli ? A. '^^ripoli is situated on the borders cf the Medi- terranean,between Barca on the east, and Tunis on. the west. Q. What is the situation cf Barca? A. Barca is situated between Tiipoli and Egypt Its <:hief city is Barca. CHAPTER XXXIX. Of Egypt. Q. How is Egypt situated ? A. Egypt is bounded N. by the Mediterranean, E. CATRMCISJJ OF tl.e Upper, M^U'ej J"'^^^ ^ ^ the northern. .o»th.rnp.rt, x";^. ^"J.fjf „:;„. ii. Egypt? ^. 213 J mile*. ., ,,,j cUmite of Egypt- , „ A. The cli.i.ate of ''f ?P' ' „jiH„ly fruitful, owms ,u!;i.HO,ne .• ht« ti'7"' \t«f ;;;,,^>f ,e.ves ufaf.eu- ,o ihe overflowma "f the ■>' i„g m mure beinnil ,,,„„ii ,ble? , , ^ . \i. Fo.v,h,t.. W;;™;, re slupendous fabric. •^•,''"'"'oc.':eTe^V:bou.:.ndye.r.. %X r ir.J^^PSfa»a •., governed b, CllA^TEll XL. Of Zaara, or /Ae D^'ser^ q. Hd-v i. Z"='■■^''r'«''l•the B.rb,r, .t.te.; E. ""V W>'.. ".-.r^S'byTrihL of r.™hr.n. Ar.b. ;;WK.,ret.eWjrie.;;f^^ ,At.li:Sw\> MUnf.c. ^Q HowUUdividtd? eiOGRAPHY. 6i dW. cnlled it tlie und nn« ifdtteii"' 3 fabric* 'cr ncdb;? I Guinea •, in{5 .\rA09, rs that de- theBlacks- nd? Mubia; 3. I TU Nepoes «re J-«J y^^ ,,^,y toward, i.nor^nt people ; and Are lo the Europeans. CHAPTF.R XLl. 0/ (7/);^er Guinea. A- '^*^^^^ flense • bat they ave .aid to be ad< do n<^t want jrood Mnise , u » j dieted to ehe alii'l' OfLoxi-er Guinea. ^,VhHt coonuies aces Uwe. Guinea co.,.e. ^;^;S.U;naor .Mheoa U.lo ^^^^^^ m„,, of 54 CATECHISM OF by the Fotafjuese, whosR )TincIpal fort is Lmmla, St. Paul, H very neat ami h iivl >o no called by theai city, combining SOvOO hJU^e« buikofstorif, besi le* ii great number of habitationi of a mean c kind pos3 essedbythe egroea. CHAPTER XLIII. Of Ethiopia. (I. What is Ethiopia ? A. Under tlie genera! name of Ethiopia is incbuJed all the remaining parts of Africa, excepting those which ure unexplored. Q. How is it divided ? A. Into two great parts, the Upper an 1 liOwer. Q. What countries doca Upper Ethiopia compre- hend? A. Upper Ethiopia comprehends Nubria, Abys- ainia, and the c.m'Ast of Abex and Zan^nohar. Q. Wliat conntrifs does ihe Lower contain ? A Low^er F'thiopia coMiitrehends CofTraria, Mono, niotapa, Monoemugi, and Sofali, the eoiintr/of the Hottentots, and the colony of I he f '**peof gooii Hope. Q,. What i>i the capital of Nubia f A. Sennar. Q. What is the capital of Abysbinia .^ A. Gonder Q. How far is Gondar frona London ? A. 3370 miles. Q. What is the population of Abyssinia ? A. Two tnillions. Q. Wlial is the population of the empin ,jf .\roroc- CO, includin;r Fez, Tafdet, and Susa ? A. N cari fift een fnillions Hi Q. What isthp ()opulalion of Algiers ^ A. A quarter of a million, Q. What is the populaiion A. A quarter of a million. Q. What is the population of Tripoli A. Half a million. A, o riti led a poss )y8- GEOORAPRT. »• CHAPTER XLIV. African Islands. Q. What are the principal islands belonging to Africa? A. The Canaries, Madagascar, Mauritius or Isle of France, Bourbon, and St. Helena, Madeira, Cape de Vcrd lalejj, and (he Azores. Q. Decribe the Canaries, ^4. The Canaries, seven in number.are very fruit- ful in corn, ^vine, and truits. They belong to Spain, and are celebrated as having | roduced (he Canary Bird. Q. Opcribe the Ap.orcs and Madeira. «/3. The Azores, nine in number iwe very feitile and salubrious. jMutltirais renowned for its excel- lent iiine; Ihese islanU belong to Poitu^al. Q, Describe St. Helena .? A. This stnail but iniportanl i&land is possessed by the English. It contains about three thousand inhabitants, ;md is remarkable for the exile and deatli of Buonaparte.. Q. What is Madagascar? •^, Matlaga^ear, in ibe Indian Ocean, is one of the largest isl.indji in the world, und is con^iidered \ery fruitful . It is supposed to contain inHny indepen- dent slates, but tbe interior is very liltle known. Q. Describe the isle> of Bi-rbon and Fr.mce ? A. These island- are in hi^^h cultivation, rich and ffuilful, producing all the necessaries cf life. The isle of France contains about seventy thousand inhabi- tants and Bourbon sixtv-eij^bl thousand. The for- mer 'belongs to the English, and the latter to the French. CHAPTER XLV. MIERICA, Q. What is America.^ A, One of the five great porlions of the wc 56 CATECHISM or by moch the largest. It is bounded on all sides by the ocean, as appears from the latest discoveries. Q. How is it divided ? Ji, Into North and South America. Q. What are the principal states of North and South America ? A. North America comprehends the United States, British America, and the former Spanish America or Mexico, South America, Brazil, Paraguay, Chili, Peru, Amazonia, Patagonia, and Guiana. Q. What are its chief mountains 7 A. The Stoney and Allegany in North, and the Andes or Cordilleras, in South America. Q. What are its principal lakes ? A, Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. Q. What are the chief bays? Jl, Bafin's and Hudson's bays, andi the Gulf of Mexico. "^ Q. What are its principal rivers ? A. Those of St. Lawrence, the Mississipi, and Missouri, in North America; and the river of the Amazons, and Rio de 1^ Plata in South America. Q. Who discovered America ? A. Columbus, a Genoese, in 1492. . CHAPTER XLVl. u , - Of the United States, :. Q. What part of North America is possessed bjr the United States ? y^ .^ j • A, All the eastern part, extending westward to the Pacific. Q. How are they divided 7 A, Into three parts ; Norther^i, Middle^and South* cm. Q. What are these states ?■ >?■;;/ ^.T he Northern States are Vermont,New Hamp- Bbire,Ma8sachusetts,Coiinectieut, and Rhode Island, ■^•i\. WU'- '^.''l\ geographt: 57 II sides by overies. ^orth and ted States, America aaj, Chili, h, and the Erie, and he Gulf of issipi, and •iver of the America. issessed by estward to and South* BW-Harop- :)de Island, The Middle Slates are New York, New Jersej Pennsylvflnia, Delaware, and the territory, on the northwest ot'the Ohio. The Southern t)tates are Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, North^Caro1ina,Sou(h CaroIina,Georgia,and the country south of Kentucky. Q. What are the productions of the United States? A. Thr^' produce abundance of grain,fruit,tobaC' CO, leather, skins, cattle, timber, hemp, flax, and all kinds, of metals. Q. What is the general character of the inhabi- tants of the United States ? A' They are reputed to be proud and indepen* dent. Frugality, industry, and attachment to liber- ty, are the leading parts of their character. Q. What is the capital of the United States ? •^. Washington, 3653 miles from London. Q. What are the chief porta? .^, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. Q. What is the population of the United States ? A. From the numerous emigrations which have re- cently taken place, and the great increase of popuIa» tion,it$ inhabitants amount to about thirteen millions CHAPTER XLVII. of Mexico, Q. What were the Spanish dominions in North America ? A, California, Old Mexico, and New Mexico. Q. What political changes have taken place in these countries? A, They have now|thrown off the yoke of Spain, and form the independent republic of Mexico. Q. What are the chief ports of Meixco ? A. Acapulco, in the Pacific and Vera Cruz, in the Gulf of Mexico. Q. What are the soil and climate ? A. The climate in general is pure and salubrious, and the soil is extremely fertile. Mexico is its capitals . r !^it:-,^>^ •• CATECHISM 99 CHAPTER XLVIII. Of the British possessions in North •America, Q. What are the possessions in Norlh America which belonw to Great Britain? .^. The Biiliiyh dominions are very extensive, in- cluding Upper and Lower CHnada, Nova Scotia^ New Brunswick, the island of Breton, Newfound* land, and the Bermuda or Summer Islands. Q. Describe the climate and soil 7' Jl, The climHte is vnrjr severe the greater pnft of the year, and the soil mountainous and barren, hut abounding with l«kes, rivers, and bjiys, thatalfoid plenty of fish. The fur trade and fisheries rei dcr these countries valuable. Q. What is the population of British America ? w3. Thepopulationof (he wholeofBriiii!.h America, as above described, is supposed to amount to about 2,000,000. . , . . , Q. What is the chief city ^ A. Quebec, on ihe river St. Lawrence. Q. How fa? is Quebec fiom London ? A. 3161 miles. CHAPTER XLIX. Of the Jormer Spanish South America. Q.What parts of South America once belonged to Spain 7 A. Terra Firma, Peru.Chili, and Paraojuay,whfch predtice gold, silver, jewels, gums, and drugs, and the choicest fruits. Q. What political changes have occurred, and what are the present divisions ? ' A. Like Mexico, these provinces have asserted their independence : and are now divided into the re- publics of Colombia, Peru, Chili, and the Unit«d provinces of La Plata. uia. A. A. inde form Q hca, lerica Ive, in- pcotia, Ifuund. pa ft of pp. but fiffoKi rei dcp irica ? merica, ) about a. iged (o ,whfch ;s, and id, and iserted (he re- Jnited CEOGBAPUT. Q. What is Colonnbia 7 ' ^ > A. It contains the N. pari ofSoulh America. The capital is Bogota ; and the chief poits, Carthagena, Caraccas, and Porto Bello. Q. What is the capital of Peru? - Jl. Lima. ^ Q. How far is Lima from London ^ A. 5699 miles. Q. What are the chief ports of Peru ? JJ, Caliao near Lima, Guyaquil and Truxilo, Q, Wluit does Peru chiefly abound in .'' A. Gold iind silver niines. Q. What is Chdi and what is ils capital 7 A Chili is to the S. of Peru. J(s capital is St. Ja- £0, and its chief ports Valpfiraiso and Conception. Q. Wh:it are the United Provinces of La Plata.' A. They are situated between Peru a^id Chilijnnd the Atlantic, and consist of Paraguay, liuonos Ayres, &c. Q. What country is to the S. of them ? w3. A wild country but little known,called Piitago- uia. Q. What is the population of these states.'' A, Thirteen millions. , ^ . ' CHAPTER L. Portuguese South America, cr Brazil. Q. What country formerly belonged to the Portu- guese ? A. The Brazils, a very large country, beinj^ the eastern part of South America, to which the Portu- guese court removed when the mother-country was invaded by the French. Q. Whut event has happened since ? A. The Brazilians, in 18^22, declared (hemselvs independent, and proclaimed the eldest son of their former king, emperor of Brazil. Q. W^hat are the climate and soil of the Brazils ? 60 CATECHISM OF A. The cHma(e is in general temperate and health- fu), and the soil very fertile, so far as the country has been discovered, for the inland parts are but little known. Q What is the character of the Brazilians? A. Some of the Natives are wild, but others are kind, tractable, and ingenious. Q. What is the capital of Brazil ? A. Rio Janeiro. Q. How far is Rio Janeiro from London ? A. 5723 miles. Q. What IS the population of the empire? A* Four millions, CHAPTER LI. Of the West Indies, Q, Whafis meant by the West Indies ? A. A certain number of Islands on the east side of America, situated near the Gulf of Mexico. Q. Which are the principal of the West India Islands ? A. The principal are Cuba, Hispaniola, or St, Do mingo*, Jamaica, Porto Rico, Barbadoes, Guada- loupe,Martinico,Tobago, St. Christopher's, Antigua, Barbuda) Anguilla, Dominica, St. Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia, with several others of less note. Q. Why are these islands called Ihe West Indies} A. They are so called from the following circum • stance: ChristopherColumbus.the discoverer of Ame- rica, proposed to sail to the East Indies by a western course ; but, instead of reaching Asia; he found Ame- rica ; still he was persuaded that those islands were the western part oflndin; and before a sufficient num- ber of voyages could be accomplished to convince him of his error, he died. From this mistaken notion, the islands acquired the name of West Indies; beside, to "Now an independent Republic of UIacks,calIod Hayti. GlOGRAPIir. healih' itry hag It little 8? lers are nst side 0. it India St Do Guada- intjgua, renada, Indies f 5ircum- )fAme' ivestern J Ame- Is were itnum- iceliim ion, the side, to I Hayti. go to them from England we must sail to the west Wtird ; and as we mU8t sail to the eastward to go to India^ the terms East and West Indies are not inapplicable. Q,, Are there any other islands in the world that we have not n»entioned 7 •^. There are many other islands besides those already described ; the piincipal are New Holland (which is larger then all Europe), Sardina, Sicilj'. Corsica, Ivica, Minorca, Majorca^ G^ndia. Cyprus, Rhodes, New Noifolk, New Guinea, Van Dieman's Land, New Britain, New Zealand, &c. nnd those of the Pacifii!, viz. (he Society and Friendly Isles, with Olaheilo, kc, CHAPTER LII. Of the Earth's Uoimdness. Q. It is mentioned in chapter 1, that the earth is nearly round, like an orange ; can you give me any reason wiiy it is of such a shape ? ./^. Yes : because no other liguie than thatofa sp/iere could prducc the pleaffing bjhI regulfir succes- sion of day and night, and variety of the seasons. Q. What is meant by a Fphere ? A. The earth is sometimes called a sphere^ sone- times a spherical hody^ and sometimes a ginbtiler body :.but whether we use li»e terms globular ^ spheroid, sphere^ or spherical^ it is always to be un- derstood as a globe ; that is a circular body, which these terms signify, Q. How is the earth represented by geographers? M. By an artificial globe, on whish the various parts of the surface of the earth twe delineated ; therefore it is easy to conceive, that if a map of the world be accurately drawn on any round body or globe, the surface of that globe will represent the surface of the earth. IS CATKCUIIM or CHAPTER LIII. Proofs ofLlic Earth being round. Q. What proofs have wc that Ihe earth is sphe- riral? J, From viewing distant objects ; for instance, n Bhi|) goin'^oMtto sea jzihilMJly tJisjippears to a S[)ec- tat.or upon l;m i, ami the last part ol'llie ship visible is tlie topofihe mast ; on the contrary, if a ship be fljlvanoin;; towafiis l»im, the top of the nias«t comes fust into si:iht, tlien the shrouds, an What are the parallels of latitude ? # t •■-" •SOatAVBT. m evcrjr A. Parallels of latitude are lioei drawn at an equal distance from the equator. Q. ^w is the latitude of a place found ? A. Upon a globe it is found by turning the £lebe round till the place comes under the brass meridian in which the gtobe is suspended, which shows the distance from the equator. But upon a map the lat- itude is found at the sides ; if it increases upwards,it is notth ; if downwards, it is south Q. What is meant by longitude ? A. Longitude is the distance of a place from the first meridian to the east or west. If it be on the east 4ide, it is east longitude. Q. What is the greatest longitude a place can have? A. One hundred and eighty degrees, which is one half of the circumference of the globe. All places are either in eastern or western longitude, except un- der the first meridian, which has no longitude, it be- ing there where longitnde begins. Q. How is lons;itude found ? A. Upon a globe it is found at the equator,but Up- on a map at the top and bottom*. AFTm Of the Zonei. <3f '^hat are Zones ? 4^. Certain spaces that encompass the carlb 1«# ^globe. ^ Q. How many zones are there 7 A. There are five zones, namely, one torrid, two temperate, and two frigid or frozen zones. ^ ^W •The degrees of longitude are not equal, like those of latitude, but diminith in proportion as the meridiang in- cline towards the poles. Hence, in GO degrees of latiude, Vdegree of longitude is but half the quantity of a degrea upon tha equator, ttad so in proportion ibr the rest. M cATmeiiH or Q. Wher« is ^the torrid zone, and why ii it to called ? •4. The torrid zone incladet all that pai^ of the earth which is situated between the tropics^; and is denominated torrid, or burning, because of the great and continual heat of the ;;' n, under whose course it lies. Q. Where are the temper-.te zones, and why are they so called ^' A. The temperate zones include all those parts of the earth which are situated between the tropics and polar circles ; within the two extremes of heat and cold, which renders the air more temi»erate^ on which account these parts are much more improved. Q. Where are the frigid zones situated, and why sc denominated f A. They are sftunted between the polar circles, extending round each pole, and are called frigid or frozen, from the rays of the sun falling so verry ob- liquely on those parts,|whieh renders it evcessively cold CHAPTER XLIII. A generalSummir'j^jofall theNations\in the World, together with the^ chief Cities^ ilieir Distance jrom London^ and the Number of InhgMtants each Nation contains. ^ , . Q. What is the general summary of ^ EUROPE? Miles frorr JfeUions Inhabitants. " ' " Sweden 3 milliuns Russia* 36 millions Poland 13^ millions Denmark 3 millions Prussia 10 millions Netherlands C miilionsj Chief Cities, Stockholm Petershurgh Warsaw Copenhagen Berlin Amsterdam London 895 1265 640 565 599 '■■;:s^:i^. ♦••c llu«sitthas 5;000,000 in Asia. ■^ >^.r> m^-jy^ ^i> i^; ■.■m Spam •Inch Saxor tTui makii •XOaRAPMT. U t 10 the [)d is reat rseit are is of sand and vhich why 895 .12t>5 640 565 599 20^ Jfations. German States^ Austria Turkeyt France Switzerland Italy and Naples Portugal * Spain Great Britain & Ireland Inhabitants. 25 millions 28 millions 8 millions 29 millions 2 millions 10 millions 4 millions 11 millions 16 millions Miles froni I Chief Cities, London, Dresden 590 Vienna 78'J Constantinople 1500 Paris 210 Berne 445 Rome 863 Lisbon 1010 Madrid . 802 London « * CHAPTER LX. !-■.-■ •■ 'Q. What is the genral aummarj of V ASIA? - ^%\. yations, Turkey Russia' China Tonquin , Japan * Birman Empire Si am Hin^ostan Persia Tartary ^ , jLrabia ] Inhabitants. 10 millions 5 millions 150 millions 21 millioDB 30 millions 17 millions 8 millions 85 millions iO millions 10 millions 10 millions Miles from Chief Cities. London jJleppo 2980 ^utraean 2149 Pekin f 4999 Bachin Jcddo 5942 Ava 5346 Siam 556(^' Calcutta 4928 Isphan 2951 Samarcand 3127 Mecca 2988 u -'■■^■'«j. ^Including the population of Hanover, Wirtemburg Saxony, and Bavaria. tTurkey has 10,000,000 iii Asia.and !ij500,00« in Egypt, making in the whole I8,5(X>,000. 70 CATSCHJtVK Of fr CHAPTER LXI. J ^. What k tbe general lummar^f AMERICA ? U. Uni' ed States Colo i\b!a, Peru. La iL^lata, &c. Brt- Dofkiinions Em!)iri; ufBrazil Inhabitants. 13 millions 15 npiUions 2 millions 4 millions Chief Citth. London ' Washiugta^ I 3656 Lima Quebec iiio Janeiro 5609 3161 ^573 CHAPTER LXIL % Q. Whar. '^^ ih& general summarj at AFRICA? ^*:' f'*% 'S J^atiom Abyssinia Egypt ^ Morocco ,Fe2i|4ro^ A'-'derg Tuiifcs 0'-' Tripoli' MUitfrom Chief CUies Londmi Gonder Cairo Morocco giers Tripoli 3376 2183 1459 1107 1141 1450 InhabUanta ■I millions ^millions il lions ^million ^million ^^es^ains on Eufope, at is the name oFtlie chief city qf Swed 2 What is the population of Sweden ? 3. What is the name of the metropolis of Russia f^ 4' What is the population of European Russia 1 5. What is the nampof the chief city of Denmark? 6. What is the population of Denmark ? 7. What is the name of the metropolis of Prussia ? 8. What is the population of Prussia 1 9. What is the name ofthometropolis of Holland, <^. ? 10. What is the population of Holland, ^, ? 11. What is the name of the metropolis o( the G^xhX oi States ? 12. What is the popv^ntton of the German Suf ry's. 24. 27. i# V OEOGRAPnr. 71 I365S 5609 3J61 2573 tK:, m-:- Uisfrom Londxm 3376 2183 1459 1107 1141 1450 f % la? id, <^. ? 14. 15. 16. 17, 19. sa 22, 23. 24. qr till ■» 28. What ia the name of the metropolis of Austria f What is tile populaion of Austria ? Whftt istlie name of the metropolis nf Turkey ? Whdt is the population of European Turkey ^ \ V hat is the population ot France ? What isthe name of tlie metropolis ofSwitzerland f v\ \ ^tMs the population of Switzerland ? V/ atjs the name of the metropolis of Italy 1 What is the population of Italy '{ Whr.t is the name of the metropolis of Portugal f What is the population of Portugal ? Wi.at is the name of the metropolis of Spain ? What IS the population of Spain ? What is the name of the metropolis of England.' What is the ^lopulation of the British Isles ? J Questions on Asia* -*»^ ■■^ I. What is the name of the metropolis of Asiatic Turkey ? ^.^jJH^hat is ihe population of Asiatic Turkey ? STWhat ia the name of the metropolisof A static Russia? 4. What is the population of A^atic Russia ? 5. What is the name of the metropolis of China ? €. What isthe population of China? 7. What is the name of the m«liropolis^f Japan ? 8. Wha^s the p6]^tilatioa of Japan ? 9. WlmistheBameofthe metropolis of tJie Birman #inpire ? ' hat is the population of the Birman Empirii ? l|if Whatis the name of the metropols of Siam ? 1 12. What is the nrpalation of Siam ? 13. What is tne name of the metropolis of llindostan^ |£ M. What is the population of Hindostan ? ™ 16. What isthe name of the metropolis of Persia 1 16. What is the population of Persia ? 17. What is the nameofthe metropolis of Tartary ^ 18. What is rhe population of Tartary ? 19. What is tJia name ef the smtropolis of Arabia? 2U. Whr.t is th«» populatieii of Arahia ? Questions on America, 4. What is the nameof tht metr^ploii of thtUnitodStatwF H • ATECRIIM OF CEOOKAPHr ^"^^ S. What are their capital and chiefporta ? 4. What were the Spanish domiona in North AnoMrioa ^ 5. What changea have taken place ? ' 6 What hew atatea are there in south America? 7. What is the name of the metropolis of the Baitiih poi • sessions in North America P ^ 8. What ia ihe population ? 9. What ia name of the metropolis of Brazili^ 10. What ia the population ? Questions on Africa 7 1. What ia the name of the metropolis of Abyaalnia ? 2. What is the population t 3. What is the name of the metropolis of Egypt ^ - 4. What is the population t 5. What is the name of the' metropolis of Morocco t ^. What is the popuiatinn » t ' 7. What is the name of the'nrt; enolis of Algiers 1\.^ 8. What is the population f 9- What is the name of the ra!?t Dpo ;^j )f Tunis t 10. What is the population t 1 [. What is the name of the metropolis Tripoli t 12, What ia the popdation » Questions on flu^ J^tances of the different cities t frMh Londo n, HoMffar ftom London is Stockholm t^Coj^nhagen Petlraburff « % ^mr for from London is Berlin t— Amsterdam f— Dresden? — ^Vienna?--Constantinople?~Pari8? — Bernet- Rome 7 — Lisbon 7 — and Madrid 1 3. How far from London is AleppoT-^AstracanT-Pe- kin ?— Jeddo ?— Ava ?— Siam T—Calcutta ? Ispahan j- Samarcand ? — and Mecca 7 4. How far from London is Washington ?•— Quebec ?— Lima 7— and Rio Janeiro 7 \ 5. How far from London is Gondar 7— Grand Cairo? — Morocco 7 — Algiers 7— Tunis 7— -and Tripoli 7 THE EKD. ft ■ d 1 =«ii' riea^ pof- f,::,'r- •^ .. \ if %' )« '^, \.:S :% «- dtie» bagcn ■i ''■ "1' "?• .# 4 % -.v ?-Pe- hani- ec?— iro? — '••sa .-pt- *?»: *_'^' .«!idt'/<