IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) y ^ /. < (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symbolen suivants apparaitra sur la derniAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols —► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmte k des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clich6, 11 est filmA d partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imag^s nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent is mithode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 •5v^06NS'lv^0GVi)c">l^^i " N m • -■■ '^■mmt^ I N N o c K ' § ?.»'■*'<:■';•.■,■.■ ilS'CATECH OF .->»«- s gp:ogra .■•■ - •.. -"?•• ' ' ■ BEING AN ' ;v,-rEASY INTRODUCTION tc) .• ' • s "^: TO THE r" ^ irancois Xavier iSlareett'^ 1851. > * M-.fULm* ■•*• "iprrfr^mm Few School Books have obtained so extensive a circulation as the series of Catechisms published several years ago by W. Pinnock, of London. Nor is this to be wondered at when we consider that 8ome of the most eminent scholars in England were engaged by Piunock in the preparation of these works. Numberless editions of '.e Catechism of Geography have issued from the Press in Canada, as well as England, and yet there is a call for more. From the frequent changes which occur in the political world, the increase of the population in some countries, and the decrease in others; from the change produced in the condition, names, and character of a people by the advancement of the arts and sciences among them; it must be obvious that any work on Geography, how- ever excellent it may be at the time it is written, will, in a few years, become defective, and need correction. No wonder, therefore, that the late editions of Pinnock's Geo- graphy abound in errors, as to population, &c., since the latest Canadian editions are almost the same as those published upwards ot" twenty years ago. The Publishers of the present edition being desirous to present it to the public free from the numerous errors of former issues, re- quested a well-known Teacher in this City, Mr. Chas. P. Watson. to revise it; and, it is believed that, on examination, it will be found, in many respects, superior to any previous colonial edition. t ii.i..l^ i^v.lj:f**i\j;/' V \ A CATECHISM OF GEOGRAPHY. CHAPTER I. re- DEPINITIONS. Qmstion, What is Geography ? Answer. A description of the earth. Q. What is the earth ? A. The world, or rather the globe, on which we live. Q, Of what shape is the earth ? A. Nearly round, like an orange.* Q. How large is the earth ? A. It is more than twenty-four thousand miles in cir- cumference, or round it, and eight thousand in diameter, or through it. Q. How far is it from the sun ? A. Ninety-five millions of miles. Q, Does the earth move ? A. Yes ; it has two motions ; the one round the sun, which it performs yearly ; and the other round its own axis, whicii it performs daily. Q, What are these motions called ? A. The first is called its annual motion, and the last it» diurnal. Q. What is caused by the annual motion ? A> The change and variety of the seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Q. What is caused by the diurnal motion ? A. The succession of day and night. « Doing flattened at the Poles. ^ CATECHISM OF CHAPTER II. OP THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH — LAND. Q. Of what does the earth consist ? A. Land and water. Q. What are the great divisions of the earth ? A. The earth is divided into five great portions, namely, Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Australia.* Q. What are the smaller divisions of the earth ? A. The smaller divisions are continents, islands, pen- insulas, isthmuses, proniontories, capes, mountains, &c. Q. What is a continent ? A. A continent is a large tract of land, containing many nations, as Europe, Asia. &c. Q. What is an island ? A. An island is a smaller tract of land, entirely sur- rounded by water, as Great Britain, Ireland, &c. Q. What is a peninsula ? A. A. peninsula is a tract of land, almost surrounded by water, as tin Morea, in Greece. Q. What is an isthmus ? A. An isthmus is a narrow neck, which joins two bodies •f land, as the Isthmus of Darien, Isthmus of Suez, &c. Q. What is a i)romontory ? A. A promontory is a tract of land stretching out into the sea, the end of which is called a cape, as the Capo of Good Hope, Cape Horn, &c. Q. What is a mountaiii ] A. A mountain is a vast elevation of land, as the Alps, the Andes, the Rocky Mountains. Small elevations aro called hills, hillocks, and downs. Q. What is a volcano 1 A. It is a mountain that sends forth fire and smoke from its top, as Etna, Ilecla, Vesuvius, &c. • Umil very lately, it was customary to say, that the earth was i1ivit)cd into fiiiir quarters ; but the Icrm Australia, (or as it is sometimes written, Ausiral- a«ia,) has been adopted by modem Geographers to denote llie numerous islands 141 the great Pacific Ocean, which, by soiDe,are classed uudertwo aumes, vig. Auatralasia and Polynesia. boil SJ'^l 4 <3J GEOGRAPHY. I namol/. s> pcn- I &c. taining- ly BUY- t)uncled bodies » &c. t into po of AJps, s aro iok( I irjJo tral- via. I Q. What is a shore or coast 1 A. A shore or coast is the margin or edge of land bordering on the water. Q. What is a desert 1 A. A desert is a barren tract of country, usually con- sisting of sand, as the Desert of Sahara. Q. What is a vale or valley 1 A. The low ground between mountains or hills. Very narrow spaces between mountains are called defiles, or passes. WATER. (^, Of what does the water consist? A. The water consists of oceans, seas, gulfs, bays, straits, rivers, lakes, &c. Q- What is the ocean ? A. The ocean is a vase collection of salt water wl^'ch en- compasses the earth, and is subdivided into the Pacific, Atkntio, Indian, Southern, and Northern Oceans. (^. What is a sea ? A. A sea is a smaller collection of water than an ocean, as the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the Black Sea, &c. Q. What is a gulf? A, A Gulf or bay is a part of an ocean, sea, or lake extending into the land, as the Gulf o^ Mexico, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Hudson's Bay, &c. A bay has generally a wider opening than a gulf. Q. What is a strait ? A. A strait is a narrow passage which connects two bodies of water, as the Straits of Gibralter, Behring's Straits, &c. Q. What is a channel 1 A . A channel is a longer and broader passage than a strait, as the English Channel. When a channel is so shallow that its depth can be measured or sounded with a lead and lino, it is called a sound, as Long Island sound. Q. Wiiat is a river ? A . A River is a large stream of fresh water running tlirough a country, as the St. Lawrence, the Mississippi, ttc. Smaller streams arc called rivulets or brooks. n CATECHISM OF Q. What is a lake? A. A lake is a large collection of fresh water nearly, if not entirely, suriounded by land, as Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, &c. Q. What is a canal ? A. A canal is an artificial channel or a large ditch dug in the earth and filled with water for the passage of boats, as the Lachinc Canal, Welland Canal, &c. the anil CHAPTER III. OF EUROPE. i' < 1. t '^ Q. How is Europe bounded ? A. Europe has the Frozen or NorthernOcean to thenorth Asia to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the South, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Q, What is the size of Europe ? A. Europe contains four millions of square miles, being the smallest of the great divisions of the earth, but it ranks the second in population, having about two hundred and fifty millions of inhabitants. Q. For what is Europe celebrated ? A. Europe is celebrated for the learning, politeness, activ- ity and intelligence of its inhabitants, as well as for the fer- tility of its soil, and the temperature of its climate. Q. What are the principal countries in Europe ] A. They are, England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Russia, Prussia, Germany, and Austria. Q. Which are the most powerful nations of Europe 1 A. The most powerful are, Russia, Great Britain, Franco, Austria, and Prussia. Q. Which are the most enlightened 1 A. They are, the British, French, and Germans. .* I V nearly, if ario, Lako ditch du^ of boats. tlienorth e South, es, being it ranks [red and is,aetiv- tlio fer- vor way, Spain, Russia, ope? •ritain, GEOGRAPHY. 7 CHAPTER IV. Of Sweden, Norway, and Lapland. Q, How is Sweden bounded ? A. Sweden is bounded on the south by the Baltic, on the oast by the Gulf of Bothnia, on the west by Norway, and on the north by the No'- "i Sea. Q. What kind of a country is Sweden with respect to size and climate ? A. Swodon is a very large country, excessively cold in winter, having many parts of its raonntaiiis always covered with snow ; but the air is pure and wholesome. Q. How long does the winter continue in Sweden ? A. Seven or eight months, and in some parts nine, but the sumoier comes on so suddenly, that the valleys aro green in a few days. Q. What kind of soil has Sweden ? A. The soil of Sweden, in general, is rather barren than fertile, the country being full of mountains, rocks, wo'-'ds and lakes. Q. What aro the principal commodities of Sweden ? A. It has many mines of silver, copper, lead, and iron, also, vast quantities of pitch, tar, masts, deals, hides, buck- skins, fur, tallow, and honey, which the Swedes export to foreign countries. Q. What is the character of the Swedes ? A. The Swedes are of a robust constitution, and ablo to sustain the hardest labor. They are polite, brave, anti hospitable ; and are distinguislied for their general educa- tion, morality, and love of freedom. Q. What is the religion of Sweden ? A. The Lutheran, and, at present, no other form of religion is tolerated. Q. What is the capital of Sweden ? A.. Stockholm, and its chief cities are Gottenburgh and Upsal. Q. How many inhabitants does Sweden contain? A. Sweden contains three millions of inhabitants. (■ 1! i v. „ 8 CATECHISM OF . i ii Q. What was the ancient name of Norway and Swe- den? A. Scandinavia. Lapland was unknown to the ancienia Norway. Q. What is Norway ? A. Norway is a cold, barren, and mountainous country. It abounds in sublime and romantic scenery. Q. What is the population of Norway ? A. Norway contains only one million three hundred thousand inhabitants, being the most thinly settled coun- try in Europe. Q. To whom does Norway belong ? A. Norway formerly belonged to Denmark, but in 1814 it was ceded to Sweden. It retains, however, its own constitution, army, and laws. Q. What are the chief towns of Norway ? A. Christiana the present, and Bergen the former cftpital. Q. In what does the wealth of Norway consist ? A. The chief wealth of Norway consists in its fisheries, mines of iron, copper, and silver, and in its immense forests, chiefly of i)ine, which furnish vast quantities of lumber ior exportation. Q. What is the religion of Norway ? A. The religion of Norway, like tliat 3f Sweden, is the I>utheran, and the language is a dialect of the Gothic. (}. What is the climate of Norv.-ay? A. It is, in general, very damp, much exposed to heat during its short summer, and excessively cold in winter; yet, in consoquenco of their temperance and the general j)urity of the air, the Norwegians are very healthy, and live to a great age. Q. What is the length of the longest day in Norway ? A. Tiie longest day in the north, is two months,* and in the south eigiiteon hours only ; the difVoronce of the latitude of this country being so great as to cause this variation. Q A ■em brav in tl man I * I'liut is to say, the sun dues ik t set fur two iiionths. GEOGRAPHY. 9 aad Swe- le ancients 13 country. liundred tied coun- it in 1814 > its ovin former it? Hslicrios, se forests, f lumber on, is the othic. I to heat wiii((>r ; goucrul tliy, and 'orway ? »s,* and of the use til is Q. What is the character of the Norwegians ? A. The Norwegians, in their manners, very much re- semble the Swedes. They are honest, industrious, frugal, brave, and hospitable. They are generally well instructed in the common branches of education, and almost every man is his own tailor, carpenter, smith, &c. Lapland. Q. What is Lapland 1 A. Lapland is the most northern country in Europe, comprising the northern part of Norway and Sweden, and part of Russia. Q. To whoiTi does Lapland belong 1 A. The greatest part of Lapland belongs to Sweden, and the remaining part to Russia. Q. What arc the chief towns of Lapland ? A. The principal towns of Lapland are Tornea in Swedish Lapland, and /Cola in Russian Lapland. Q. What kind of a country is Lapland 1 A. It is extremely cold and barren, and consists chiefly of mountains, fens, forests, and lakes, which arc covered with snow two thirds of the year. Its forests consist principally of fir, and its postures arc fuU of rein-deer. Q. Describe the Laplanders. A, In consequence of the very rigorous climate of Laplai\d, its inhabitants are a diminutive race, seldom exceeding four foot in height, their features arc very coarse, and their complexions swarthy. Their language is rude and scareoly articulate. Notwitlistanding the dreariness of their country, they prefer it to any other. Q. What is their religion I A. 1'he religion of the Laplanders is a mixture of pagan- ism and Christianity. Q. Is the rein-deer of much use to the Laplander ? A. Yes ; it is his chief support; the rein-deer being to tlio Laplander what the camel is to the Arab. Its milk and llesh sui)ply him with food, and its skin with clothing. Wiiou harnessed to a sledge it draws him over the snow at the rate of 80 or even 100 miles a day. 10 CATECHISM OF 1 1 ' i»i :!l CHAPTER VI. 0/ Russia in Europe. Q. What are the houndarics of Russia in Europe 1 A. It is bounded N. by the Nortliern Ocean ; W. by Sweden, the Baltic, Prussia, and Austria ; S. by Turkey, the Black Sea, the Sea of Azof, and Mount Caucasus ; E. by the Caspian Sea, the river Ural, and the Ural Moun- tains. Q. What was the ancient name of Russia ? A. Russia was anciently divided into two great parts, ni aiely : Sarmatia and Scy thia ; the former situated to the west, and the latter to the east. It has also been named Muscovy, from Moscow, its ancient capital. Q. llow is the Russian empire divided 1 A. The Russian empire is divided into Russia proper, Lapland, Finland, Poland, and Asiatic Russia. Q' What is Finland ? A. Finland,* formerly a province of Sweden, was in- vaded by the Russians in the year 1808, and added to their empire in 1809, together with the adjacent islands find part of Lapland. Its chief town is Jlbo. Q. What is Russian Lapland ? A. Russian Lapland is the eastern part, situated north of Finland, and is included in the government of Arch- angel ; but tlie inhabitants trade chiefly with the Swedcrs and Norwegians, Q. Is not the Russian empire of great extent ? J]. Yes ; it is the largest country in the world, compre- hending all the northern ]>arts of Asia, the east of Eu- roi)0, and a large part of Nortli America. Q. What kind of climate has Russia? A. As tiio (^xtent of Russia is very great, there is a 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 1 I I ! • Finliiiul WHS i)un of llic ancient Scandinaviu, llicii culled Finijria -tho people Vim,— Taritux. GEOGRAPHY. 11 irope ? m ; W. by y Turkey, Caucasus ; >tal Moun- roat parts, lated to the cen named sia proper, n, was in- i added to >nt islands itod north of Arcl)- le Swede's » coiiipro- st of Eu- A. The ueneral face of the country is marshy, full of [extensive plains, forests, lakes, and rivers. The northern ' provinces, for the most part, are barren and but little cul- tivated ; but the middle and southern provinces are very fertile and yield plenty of corn. Q. What is the produce of Russia? A. Russia produces large quantities of timber and iron, skins, furs, leather, tallow, hemp, honey, and wax. Q. What is the general character of the Russians ? A. The Russians are, in general, robust, well shaped, and of a ftxir complexion. They were formerly the most ignorant, and even the most savage people In the world : but they are now making very great progress in every eW- gant improvement and refinement. (^. What is the metropolis of Russia ? A. St. Petersburgh, founded in 1703, by Peter the Great. It is situated on both sides of the river Neva at its entrance into the Gulf of Finland. It is so magnifi- cent a city that it surpasses all other cities in Europe, in the breadth, cleanliness and regularity of its streets, and the splendour of its edifices. Q. What are the other principal cities of Russia 1 ^1. They are Moscow, Odessa, Cronstadt, Archangel, and Novgorod. Q. What is the population of Russia ? A. Sixty millions in Europe, and six in Asia. (J. What are the principal rivers in Russia 1 ^1. The principal rivers in Russia are the Volga, the Don, the Neva, the Dniester, the Dwina, and the Vistula. The V^olga is three thousand miles in length. 3 a great y se\ere. inij:ia-thc I CHAPTER VII. Of Poland. Q. What is Polish Russia or Poland ? M ^. Poland, formerly one of the most powerful kingclonDi " of Europe, was in the year 1705 divided between Russia, 12 CATECHISM OF J' 111 i *ii Hi Prussia and Austria, and ceased to be an independent king* dom ; but at the overthrow of Buonaparte in 1815, that portion which belonged to Russia, was jigain erected into a kingdom, under the protection of the Emperor of Russia, wlio added to his title " King of Poland. " Q. What changes have since taken place with respect to Poland ? A- The Articles of the Polish constitution having been basely violated by the Russians, and the most unjust cruel- ties inflicted on the Poles, on the 29th of Nov. 1830, an insurrection broke out at Warsaw and quickly extended through all the parts of ancient Poland. A poAverful Rus- sian army immediately invaded the country; the brave Poles »voro subdued, and in 1832 Polauc' became incorpo- rated with Russia. Q. How is Poland bounded 1 A, Poland is bounded N. and E. by Russia, W. by- Prussia and Germany, and S. by Turkey in Hungary. Q. What kind of climate and soil has Poland ? A. The climate of Poland is, in general, temperate and healthy ; and being situated nearly in the middle of a largo continent, the weather is less changeable than in those countries which border on the ocean. The soil is exceed- ingly fertile, and so well adapted to the growth of grain, that the annual export has amounted to sixteen millions of bushels. Q. What are the chief cities of Poland ? A. The chief cities of Poland arc Cracow, its former capital, and Warsaw, its present. Q. What is the character of the Polos ? A, The nobles are, in general, handsome, tall, and well made ; robust, hardy, and brave ; courteous and hospit- able ; but the peasants are indolent, ignorant, mean-spirited, and but slaves to the nobles. Q. What is the population of Poland, and what its pre- vailing religion? A. The population of Poland is supposed to be about fifteen millions, and its prevailing religion the Roman Cuth- olio. GEOGRAPHY. 13 U8l5,thai f fectedinto | of Russia, I respect to [ving been iust crucl- • J 830, an extended i erful Rua- ^ tlie brave e ineorpo- ia, W. bj jury. erate and of a largt) ^ in those 3 exceed- of grain, iilions of former ind well hospit- piritcd, its pr«- I aboui I Cttth- CHAPTER VIII. Of Denmark, Q. What kind of a country ia Denmark ? A. Denmark is a very small country, in general flat, and the soil very fruitful, producing plenty of corn and vegetables. The climate is moist, but temperate for its latitude. Q. What compose the Danish dominions 1 A. The Danish dominions, consist of a peninsula, con- taining Jutland, Sleswick, and Holstein, and of the Duchy of Lauenburg, with the Islands of Zealand, Funen, Laland, and Falster. Among its foreign possessions are Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Q. What is the character of the Danes ? A. They are a brave and warlike people, very frugal and industrious. The higher classes are fond of pomp and show ; and the lower are distinguished for neatness of dress, hospitality, and cheerfulness. Q. What is the name of the metropolis of Denmark 'i A. Copenhagen, in the Island of Zealand. Q. What are the chief cities of Denmark 1 A. They are Altona, Kiel, Elsinore, Aalborg, Flensborg, and Odensee. Q. What is the population of Denmark? A, Three millions. Q. What are the government and religion of Denmark ? A. The government ia an absolute monarchy, and reli- gion Lutheran. Q.^^What was the ancient name of Denmark, or rather Denmark proper 1 A. Cimbrica.* The people were called Cimhri, by the llomans, and Cimmeri, by tlio Greeks. Q. What is Denmark proper 1 • It was usually called by the Oreeks Cimbrica Cfieraonesitu, or the peninsula of Ciinbiicu. B 14 CATECHISM OF A. North and South Jutland,* down as far as Holatein.f South Jutland is usually called Sleswick. Q. Whence is the origin of the Cimbri 1 A. History dees not particularly inform us ; but it is generally conceived they were a colony of Scythians, from the country between the Caspian and Euxine seas. Q. When were the inhabitants of Cimbrica first called Danes ? A* In the seventh century, and they were so called from the Dani, a distinguished people from Norway, who con- •|uered Cimbrica in the period above mentioned. CHAPTER IX. I I I I y. I 1 } 1 i Of Prussia. (yl. What kind of country is Prussia ? A. Prussia is a very rich and fertile country, producing a iiToat deal of flax, hemp, grain and wool. Q. What compose the kingdom of Prussia ? A. The Prussian dominions are situated in three different countries : namely, in Germany, Prussia and Poland. ^onio of the provinces in Germany, situated on the Rhine, are considerably detached. Q. What was the ancient name of Prussia ? A. The ancient name of Prussia is involved in obscurity. Its original inhabitants appear to have been a bold and warlike people, decended from the Sclavonians. Prussia l)roper, or Ducal Prussia, was formerly subject to the Teu- tonic knights, who conquered it in the thirteenth century. It was raised to a dukedom in 1525, and formed into a kingdom in the year 1701. * This country received the name ot Jutland from a people called the Jute^, wlio once inhabited part of this country. It is to ho observed, that Cimbrieai ' ■ ' iistinct tribes, or inde- lar I'orm of govem- ile of Europe men* iinncd in history ; the latter principally reside iii the islands of Zealand and Funen. t HoUlein is coiisidorcd as a part of the present and ancient Germany. vrlio once ninauueti pari oi mis country, ii is lo op ooservei or the Danish nation, in its early periods, consisted of distin pendent bodies of Aclvenlurers, without laws or any regulai uient. The Cimbri and T eutones are among the first people i. ^., .^- r-' GEOGRAPHY. 15 HoIstein.t but it is ana, from IS. irst called ailed from who con- i I Q, What is the character of the inhabitants ? A, They are of a strong constitution, laborious and brave. Q. Which are the chief cities of Prussia ? A. Berlin, its capital, Dantzic, Breslan, Magdeburg, Ko- nigsburg, and Cologne. Q, What is the population of Prussia ? A. Prussia contains about 16 millions of inhabitants. Q. W^hat is the prevailing religion of Prussia 1 A. It is the Protestant, which is divided into Lutheran and Calvinistic ; but the former has the ascendency — all other religions are tolerated. Q, What is the government of Prussia 1 A. The government is that of an hereditary monarchy, and was almost absolute, but recently the King has granted a constitution with an upper and a lower House of Repre- sentatives. •roducing > different Poland. le Rhine, bscurity. bold and Prussia the Teu- century. d into a the JutP4, Cimbrico, !8, or inde- of govem- rope men* mi Funen. iny. CHAPTER X. Of the Kingdoms of the Netherlands, Holland, and Belgium. HOLLAND. Q. What is meant by the Netherlands ? A. The Netherlands, or Low Countries, so called by Charles V. of Spain and Germany, from their low situation, comprised Holland and Belgium : the former is sometimes allied Battavia, and the latter the Catholic* Netherlands. Q. What docs Holland comprehend ? A. Under the name of Holland is comprehended the ueven united provinces of the Netherlands, of which that province is the principal. Q. How is Holland, or the seven united provinces, bounded 1 * Tho imine Catholic wus applied to thiH division, from its remaining euhject to the Crown of Spaiii after tho revolt of the other provinces from their Cntho^ )ic I'rince Philip. 16 CATECHISM OF n M A. Holland is bounded N. and W. by the German ocean, S. by Belgium, and E. by Germany. Q. When did Holland separate itself from the other parts of the Netherlands, and what occasioned it ? A, The division of Holland from Belgium was occasioned by the tyranny of its sovereign, Philip H. king of Spain, which caused an insurrection Df the inhabitants in 1609, ■when the Spaniards were compelled to declare the Hol- landers a free people.* | Q. What kind of country is Holland ? A. Holland is the most level country in Europe^ and resembles a large marsh that has been drained. The sur- fece is lower than the level of the sea at high water ; dikes or high mounds of earth, faced with stone or wood have therefore been erected along the shore, to prevent the coun- try from being overflowed. ' Q, What is the character of the inhabitants : and by what name are they generally called ? A, They are generally called Dutch, and are very indus- trious, persevering, intelligent and honest; All classes of people seem com^rtable, and men, women, and ohildrea iti rags, are scarcely ever seen. Q. What is the usual method of travelling in Holland ? A. The Dutch generally travel on the canals ; during ■>. the summer in covered boats ; and in winter, on the ice in sleighs or on skates. m Q. Wliat are the names of their chief cities ? * A. Amsterdam, the capital, the Hague, Rotterdam, Haar- lem, and Layden. Q. What is the population of Amsterdam T A. Two hundred thousand. Q, What is the population of Holland ? i A. Three millions two hundred thousand. ^ • Tliese people were immediately aAcrwnrds acknowledged by all Europe 10 be an indep'.ndent state, under the title of the Seven United Provinces; bui Belifium, or the Catholic Provinces, remained subject to the Spanish Govern-, ment till the year 1700, when they were ceded to the house of Austria ; since which they havn been dismembered by the Prussians, Dutch, &c. ; conquered by the French; united with Holland; and lastly, in the year 1830,. formed into a separate kingdom. GEOGRAPHY. 17 nan ocean, the other f occasioned of Spain, in 1609, the Hol- rope, and The sur» er; dikes '^ood have the coun- •• and bjr *y indus- elasses of lildren in Holland? ; during he ice in n, Haar^ H Europe 'cesj but Govern, la ; since >nqucrei} med iow BELGIUM. Q. What kind of country is Belgium ? A. The air of Belgium is temperate, and its soil ex- tremely fertile in corn and pasture ; and there are several large manufactories of lace, lawn, &c. Q. How is Belgium bounded ? A. Belgium is bounded N. by Holland, E. by Germany, S. by France, and W. jy the German Ocean. This coun- try is very populous. (^. Why are the Catholic Netherlands sometimes called Belgium, and at other times Flanders? A. They received the name of Belgium from the Romans in the time of Julius Cresar, and that of Flanders from its principal division, which is so named. Q. By what name are the inhabitants of Belgium gen- erally known, and for what are they celebrated ? A. The inhabitants of Belgium are sometimes called Belgiai.^, but they generally go by the name of Flemings, from Flanders ; and are celebrated for their invention of the art of staining glass ; also for making cambrics, laces, &c., and have had the honor of forming a school for paint- ing, which vied with that of Italy. Q. What are the chief cities of Belgium? A. They are Brussels, the capital, containing 100,000 inhabitants ; Ghent, 90,000 ; and Antwerp, 80,000. Q. What is the population of Belgium ? A, It is about four millions. Q. What was the ancient name of the Netherladns 1 A. Belgica, Avhich was one of the principal divisions of ancient Gaul.* The people were called Belgro. Q. What was the ancient name of Holland ? A. Batavia, so called from Batavi, the principal people of this country. The Batavi were a branch of the Batti from Germany. • In tlic time of Julius C.ncsar, Gaul was divided into three great nationB ; nnrnely, the Celta?, the Acquitani, and the Belgos. Of thef^e the Celtse, or Cello, were the most ancient and numerous. The word Gallia is the Latinised term of Gaul, which was the name given to this country by the Romans. M. m Hiiil ■ >*r 111 m m 18 CATECHISM OF CHAPTER XL Of German!/, Q. What kind of country is Germany ? A. Germany is a very large country, situated in the middle of Europe, and is remarkable for being divided in- to a great number of independent states, which are united for their common safety and welfare under the title of " the Germanic Confederation." Q. Art^ these independent states of equal magnitude and importance 1 A. No ; some are kingdoms, the rest are grand duchies, iiiarquisates, principalities, bishoprics, or free cities. Q. Which are kingdoms 1 A. The kingdoms are Austria, Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, and Wirtemberg. Q. Which are the free cities, and how are they governed ? A. The free cities are Luboc, Frankfort, Bremen, and Hamburgh, which are sovereign states in themselves, go- verned by their own Magistrates. Q. What is the climate of Germany 1 A. The air is temperate and wholesome, but more in- clinable to cold than heat. Q. What is the soil of Germany t A. It is very rich and fertile, both for corn and pasture. Q. What is the character of the Germans 1 A. They are in general open and free, good soldiers, inured to labour and quick in the sciences, dexterous in manufactures, and fruitful in inventions. Q, What is the population of Germany, exclusive of Austria and Prussia 1 A. Sixteen millions. Q. What are the principal rivers of Germany ? A. Tlie ))rincipal rivers of Germany are the Danube, Rhine, Maine, Weser, Elbe, and Oder. Q. Wliat was the ancient name of Germany t A. Gerraania, the limits of which were very different from those of modern Germany. Ba GEOGRAFHT. 19 ted in the ivided in- line iiDited e of "the lagnitudo 1 duchies, s. > Saxony, overned ? men, and elves, go- more in- pasture. soldiers, terous in lusive of Danube, lifferent Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, Wirtemherg, Badeni and Mecklenburg. Q. Describe Bavaria ? A. The kingdom of Bavaria is situated in the South of Germany, bordering on Italy and Switzerland, with the kigdoms of Wirteraberg on the west, Saxony on the north, and Austria on the east. The population of Bavaria is about four millions. Q. What is the capital of Bavaria t A. It is Munich, one of the most pleasant cities in Ger- many ; the houses are high, and the streets spacious, and intersected with canals. It is situated on the Iser, and contains about one hundred thousand inhabitants, Q. Describe Saxony % A. The kingdom of Saxony, so celebrated in the history of Europe, comprises part of the former electorate of Sax- ony, and of Upper and Lower Lusatia, with the duchies of Gotha and Weimar. Saxony is the smallest kingdom in Europe ; the number of its inhabitants being about two m illions. Q. What are the chief cities 1 A. Dresden and Lcipsic. The former, situated on tlvo Elbe, is the apital of the kingdom, and is noted for its handsome appearance ; the number of its inhabitants is about sixty thousand. Leipsic is famous for its great fairs, for the sale of books, &c. and for the celebrated battle of 1814, between Buonaparte and the Allied Powers of Aus- tria, Russia, and Prussia. ^ Q. Describe Hanover] A. The kingdom of Hanover, situated on the north of Germany, is composed of the duchies of Luneberg, Bremen, Verden, and SaxcLauenburg, with the countries of Calen- burg, Grubcnhagen, &c. Its capital is Hanover, contain- ing about twenty-eight thousand inhabitants, and is noted for the burial place of Zimmerman, and for having given birth to Dr. llerschel. Hanovor contains about two mil- lions of inhabitants. ^3" so CATECHISM OF ri I; ■m lit' m 1 :,t"! i ; : i I ■ I ■ » filu Q. Describe Wirtemberg t A. The kingdom of Wirtemberg, situated in the south of Germany, is one of the most fertile and best cultivated of the German kingdoms. Its population is about two millions. The capital is Stutgard, containing about thirty- eight thousand inhabitants. Q, What is Baden 1 A. The grand duchy of Baden is one of the smallest of the minor states of Germany. It is situated between the Rhine and the kingdom of Wirtemberg. It is very fertile in wine, corn, and fruit, and has a superfluity of fish and wood. The capital is Carlsruhe, built in the form of an open fan, and contains about 24,000 inhabitants, Q. What is Mecklenburg ? A. Mecklenburg is a small principality in the north of Germany, whose house has been frequently divided.* At present there are two lines, Schwerin and Strelitz. It is from the latter that her late majesty Charlotte, queen of George the Third of Groat Britain, was descended. CHAPTER XII. ! !!(^ 'M Of Austria. Q. What countries compose the Austrian Empire ? A. The empire of Austria comprehends Austria Proper, Bohemia, Hungary, Gallicia, Moravia, Transylvania, Scla- vonia, Croatia, the Tyrol, part of Dalmatia, the Kingdom of Lombardy, and Venice, Styria and Illyria. v^ Q. What is *he general character of the Austrians ? il. They are sensible, polite, well versed in the arts and sciences, and noted for vivacity and fondness for music. Q. What is the character of the Hungarians 1 A. They are well made, brave, hardy, and military ; but the peasants are poor and held in great subjection. 1^^— — l.^^^— ■» « ■■ I M .1 I ■-- I I I 111 ■ I ill! ■■ — ■ I . M i n i I I . !■■ .. , »■■■■ * The princes of Mecklenburg are descended from the ancient Vandals wbo jinhahited tbia counlrv. f ( I ! GEOGRAPHY. 21 the south cultivated )out two at thirty- mallest of ween the ry fertile fish and •rm of an ; north of ed.* At tz. It is queen of d. ire? V Proper, nia, Scla- Kingdom ians ? arts and tnusic. nilitary ; Jtion. indals wbo ■9: i Q. What is the appearance of the country ? A. It is, in many of the regions subject to Austria, mountainous, and in many parts covered with vast forests. The soil would have been productive, had not the ravages of war prevented its proper cultivation. Q. What is the capital of Austria 1 A. Vienna, containing 330,000 inhabitants. Q. What are the chief cities ? A, They are Prague, the capital of Bohemia, Buc'j. and Pesth, theca])itals of Hungary ; Brunn, the capital of Mo- ravia ; Lemberg of Gallicia ; Milan of Lombardy and Venice ; Trieste, the chief port of the empire, and Venice. Q, For what is Venice remarkable ? A. Venice was formerly the capital of the Republic of Venice, and the greatest comr^erclal city on the globe. It is built on 70 small islands, connected by 500 bridges. Though much reduced, it is still one of the most magnifi- cent cities of Europe. It has canals instead of streets, and ornamented barges, called gondolas, instead of carriages. Q. What are the principal rivers in Austria ? A. They are the Danube, with its tributaries, the Dravo, Save, Theiss, and Jun ; the Elbe, Moldan, and Dniester ; and in Austrian Italy, the Po and the Adige. Q. How many inhabitants are there in the Austrian dominions ? A. Thirty-six millions.* §x CHAPTER XIIL 0/ Turkey. / Q. What kind of country is Turkey ? A. Turkey is a very large empire, embracing parts of Europe. Asia, and Africa. Q. What is the origin of the Turks ? ^ A. The Turks derive their origin from the Avares, a * Owing to the increase of population si '.ce the census of Austria, and that of the newly acquired territories, t' e iuhabitams of tlus empire are rated a« above. 22 CATECHISM OF .1 I i W •! tribe of Huns, who dwelt in Great Tartary, till forced bv the Huns of the south to abandon their country, when a considerable colony seized upon Turkey, and founded this empire. Q. What are the climate and soil of Turkey ? ^^ A. The climate is, in general, delightful, but the inhabi- tants are frequently visited with the plague, which is partly attributed to their indolence and want of cleanli- ness. The soil is remarkably fertile, and though poorly cultivated, produces an abundance of wheat, rice, cotton, silk, wine, oil, fruits. &c. Q. What is the character of the Turks ? A, They are well formed, imposing in their manners and noted for their hospitality to strangers ; but they are also ignorant, indolent, and bigoted ; and though they inhabit a country unequalled in climate, soil, and situation for agriculture, manufacture and commerce, yet owing to the Mahometan religion and the despotic government, every tiling languishes, and the people are miserable. Q. How do the dress and manners of the Turks differ from ours ? yl. The Turks wear turbans instead of hats ; loose and flowing robes instead of coats; they shave their heads in- itead of their beards ; they use their fingers in eating in- stead of knives and forks ; and, instead of using chairs, they sit cross-legged on mats or cushions. Q. What is the capital of the Turkish empire ? A. Constantinople, which contains, includuig its sub- urbs, about 550,000 inhabitants. The other chief cities are Adrianople, Sabonica, Shumla, and Belgrade. Q. Whul is the populaiion of Turkey? A. Turkey in Kurope has ton millions; in Asia, twelve millions, and in Africa, two millions iivc hun- dred thousand. Q. What arc the principal mountains of Turkey in Euro[)e ? ^1. The principp^ mountains in European Turkey are Athos, Pindus, Olympus, Parnassus, and IIu3raus. Q. What are the principJ rivers ? A> The Damibc, the Sava, the Pruth, and the Dou. pf til donf ditej ting jlific t Q proc A rug due and \ peo ( i \A\\ ho: c i Y \ » till forced bv >untry, wlien a d founded this :oy? >ut the inhabi- _ue, wliich is ant of cleanli- hougli poorly y nee, cotton, manners and tliey are also tliey inhabit situation for o^ving to the iiment, every Turks differ 3 ; loose and eir heads in- in eating in- ising chairs, re? "g its sub- f'liief citifs io, in Asia, ^ivc hun- f Turkey 11 Turkey Htc mus. the Dou. I 'i GEOGRAPHY. CHAPTER XIV. Of Greece. 23 N (i. AVhat kind of country is Greece ? vl. Greece, which, till the year 1821, formed a part pf the Turkish empire, is a small but interesting king- dom, bounded N. by Turkey ; AA\ and S. by the Me- diterranean ; and E. by the Archipelago. It is dis- tinguished for its mild climate, fertile soil, and mag- nificent ruins. Q. Describe the appearance of the country and its productions? A. Greece is finely diversified with hills, plains, rugged mountains, and fertile vales. Its chief pro- ductions are wool, cotton, silk, corn, oil, wine, rice, and fruits. Q. What is the character of the Greeks ? A. They are an enterprising, industrious and brave people, and are distinguished for personal beauty. Q. What is the capital of Greece? A. Athens, renowned as having been the birth place of the most distinguished orators, sages, and heroes of antii[uity. The population of Atliens is about 26,000, and that of Greece, 900,000. CHAPTER XV. Of France. Q. What kind of country is France ? A. France is a very large and i)opulous country, containing about thirty-five and a half millions of inhabitants, seven hundred and eighty cities, and lorty-ono thousand towns and villages. (i. AVhat are its soil, its climate, and its produce? A. The air is pure and wholesome ; and the soil, which is agreeably diversified, produces all the neces- 24 CATECHISM OF I' hll r \aj m 'f saries of life, and among its luxuries, some excellent wines. Q. What is the character of the French? A. The French are polite, gay, ingenious and courageous, but light, inconstant, and excessively vain. Q. Of what are they particularly fond ? A. Of the arts and sciences, and of games, exhi- bitions and dancing. Q. What is the capital of France ? A. Paris, on the river Seine, the centre of fashion, and the gayest city in Europe. Q. What are the principal cities of France t A Rouen, Tours, Lyons, Nismes, Montpelier, and Toulouse. Q, What are its chi of seaports? A, Havre, Brest, Nautes, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Mar- seilles, and Toulon. Q. What are the principal rivers t A. The Seine, the Loire, the Garonne, or Gironde, the Rhone and the Somme. Q. What is the religion of France t A. The great mass of the people are Roman Catho- lics, only about a twentieth part being Protestants; but there is no established religion, all sects being equal in the eye of the law. Q. What is the government of France? A. The government was a limited monarchy, but, in February, 184-8, a Revolution was effected, the kingfledto England, the monarchical form of govern- ment was abolished, and a Republic, having an elected president and assembly, was established. Q. What are the foreign possessions belonging to France ? A. The isles of Martinique and Guadaloupe, in the West Indies, Cayenne in South America, Pondicherry and Chandermagore, in the East Indies, the Isle of Bourbon in the Indian Ocean, Algiers, Senegal, and the Isle of Goree in Africa, and the Marquesas Isles in the Pacific Ocean. , . A GEOGRAPHY. 25 excellent pioiis and vely vain. les, exhi- f fashion, je? elier, and ane, Mar- r Gironde, an Catho- Jte slants ; cts being rchy, but, 34ed, the •fgovern- Lving an led. tnging tu )e, in the idicherry le Isle of gal, and sas Isles i Q. What was the ancient name of France ? A. Gallia or Gaul. /The people were called GaUi by the Romans, GaUfCm by the Greeks, and CeitcB by themselves. It took its present name from the Franks, a people formerly inhabiting Germany, who after- wards conc[uered part of Gaul. CHAPTER XVI. 0/ Switzerland. Q. What kind of country is Switzerland 1 A. No country affords a greater variety of surface ; sublime mountains, frightful precipices, awful chasms, regions of snow that never melt, glaciers that re- semble seas of ice, fertile valleys, beautiful cottages, and hanging vines diversify the scene. Q. What is the nature of the climate t A. It is wholesome and agreeable ; the summer months are delightful ; but the winter frosts are severe, and many of the mountains are always covered with snow. Q. For what are the Swiss remarkable ? A. For their simplicity of manners, purity of morals, and strong attachment to their native country. Q. For what are the men particularly distinguished? A, For their strength, courage, and sobriety. Q. In what do the women excel 1 A. The women excel in modesty, and in the ma- ternal and domestic duties. Q. What are the chief towns of Switzerland 1 A. Berne, its -capital, Geneva, Lausanne, Basle and Lucerne. Q. Is Switzerland distinguished for the number and beauty of its lakes t A. Yes ; the Lakes of Geneva, Lucerne, Constance, Neufchatel, Zurich and Maggiore, are all distinguish- ed fur their picturesque beauty. c i-' « 9 2Cr CATECHISM Of Q. What is the population of Switzerland t A. Two millions three hundred thousand. Q. What was the ancient name of Switzerland ? A. Helvetia. The people were called Helvetii, and were famed for their bravery. m CHAPTER XVII. . ,0/ Italy. Q. What kind of country is Italy ? ■ ■' ^ ■ A, It is the most celebrated country in Europe, having been formerly the seat of the Roman empire, and being still the residence of the Pope. It is so fine and fruitful a country, that it is often called the gar- den of Europe. Q. Describe its climate, soil, and productions ? A. The air is, in general, temperate and whole- some: and the soil very fertile, producing a great variety of wines, and the best oil in Europe ; also wheat, rice, oranges, citrons, &c., and all sorts of fruits, honey, and silk, with sugar and cotton. Q. What is the character of the Italians ? A. They are polite, sensible, and fond of the arts. They excel in sculpture, painting and music ; but are indolent, revengeful and superstitious. Q. How is Italy bounded ] A. It is bounded on the north by the Alps ; on the west by France and the Mediterranean ;; on the south ])y the Mediterranean; and on the cast by the Adriatic. Q. Into how many kingdoms and states is Italy at present divided 1 '^ A. Into eight, namely: 1st. The kingdom of Sar- dinia, comprising the island of that name ; and Savoy, Piedmont, and Genoa ; 2nd. Venice and Lombardy, which belong to the Emperor of Austria ; 3rd. Parma ; 4th. Modena and Massa 5 5lh. Lucca j 6th. Tuscany ; GEOGRAPHY. 27 [land ? yetii, and Europe, empire, is so fine the gar- tis? whole- a great e ; also sorts of he arts, but arc on the e south driatic. taly at of Sar- Savoy, ibardy, *arnia ; scany ; 7th. The states of the church of Rome which are governed by the Pope ; 8th. The kingdom of the Two Sicilies, comprising the island of Sicily, and Naples. Q, Which is the most celebrated city of Italy? A. Rome, on the River Tiber. p,. What are the other chief cities of Italy ? A. They are Naples, Turin, Genoa, Florence, Pa- lermo, Leghorn and Cnglian : also, Milan, Venice, and Mantua in Austrian Italy. Q. What are its chief mountains 1 A. The Alps, which divide it from France and Switzerland, the Appenines and Vesuvius, the Vol- canoes, near Naples and Etna, in Sicily. Q. What are its chief rivers t A. They are the Po, the Adige, the Arrio, and the Tiber, Q. What is the population of Italy ? ' ' ' A. Abiiut twenty-two millions. Q. What was the ancient name of Italy ? A. Itcdiaf one of the noblest countries in Europe not only in climate, but in importance. . CHAPTER XVIII. Of Portugal. * Q. What is Portugal] A. Portugal is a small kingdom, bounded N. and E. by Spain, S. and W. by the Atlantic Ocean. It con- tains three and a half millions of inhabitants ; its capi- tal is Lisbon, situated on the river Tagus. Q. Describe the climate of Portugal. A. It is pure and wholesome, the heat being mod- erated by frequent westerly winds. Q. What kind of soil has Portugal ? A. There are many barren mountains, but some parts are rich and fertile, producing excellent wincN and fruit of all kinds. ( 1 28 CATECHISM OF Q. What is the character of the Portuguese ? A. They are, in general, brave, friendly and hospitable; but ignorant, austere, and superstitious. Q. What are the principal cities of Portugal 1 A. Lisbon, the capital, situated on the river Tagus, Oporto, famous for its port wine, Coimbra, St. Ubes and Elvas. I i ' ! If i. !• I .1 ;f '•■llll ill i CHAPTER XIX. Of Spain. Q. What kind of a country is Spain 1 A. Spain is a large country, about the size of France, bounded N. by the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees, which separate it from France ; E. by the Mediterranean ; S. by the Straits of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean; W. by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. Its population is about 13,000,000. Q. What is the climate of Spain ? A. The air is generally very hot, which frequently obliges the inhabitants to lie down after dinner, and sit up late at night. Q. What is the character of the Spaniards ? A. They are proud and haughty, grave and polite, and attached to their country, of which their patriotic struggle, against Buonaparte's usurpation, affords a noble specimen. Q. For what are the Spaniards celebrated ] A. For their sobriety and probity ; still their idleness makes them a miserable people, though they live in one of the finest countries in the world. Q, What is the soil of Spain ? A. Spain, in general, is very fertile, but is not culti- vated, through the pride and laziness of its inhabitants. Many parts are overrun with woods, and, with the exception of Switzerland, Spain is the most mountainous country ia Europe. OBQGIUPHT. 29 spitable; Tagus, ^bes and France, «, which ; S. by W. by is about quently d sit up ite, and ruggle, ;cimen. lioness one of culti- itants. option try in Q. What are the most remarkable cities ? A. Madrid, the capital, Saragossa, Salamanca, Toledo, Cordova, Grenada, Seville, and Badajoz. Q. What are its chief seaports 1 A, Corunna, Ferrol, Cadiz, Gibraltar, and Barcelona. Q, What is the produce of Spain ? A. Wines, oranges, lemons, figs, olives, wool, honey, cork, &c. Q. What are the chief rivers of Spain ? A. The Tagus, the Douro, the Guadalquiver, the Gua- diana, the Minho, and the Ebro. Q. What is the religion of Spain, A. The religion established by law is the Roman Catho- lie. The priests are very numerous, in proportion to the population, and exercise great sway over the minds of the people. CHAPTER XX. Of Great Britain. Q. What constitutes the British Empire t A. The British Empire consists of Great Britain and Ireland, with some odjacent isles of Europe. This Em- pire was formerly divided into three distinct kingdoms, namely, England, Scotland, and Ireland ; 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 com- merce. The southern part (or England) is very fertile, and the land in a high state of cultivation, abounding with every production necessary for the sustenance of man. • The foreign possessions of England, which are situated in every quarter ot the globe, are very extensive. Those in Asia consist of India and its dependencies ; Ceylon, Peirnng, Singa- pore, Aden, &c. In Africa, ilie Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius, »eychell« Islands, St. Helena, Ascension, ISierra Leone, Oambia, with several forts on tii« Coast of Guinea. In Auerica, Canada, Iwibrador, New Brunswick, Novft- ticptia, the countries around Hudson's Bay, Newfoundlnnd, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, &c., with many valuable islands in the West Indies. In Europe, the fortress of Gibraltar in Spain, the Ionian Isles, and the IslaiKi of Malta iu the Mediterranean Sen. In Australaisa, various Colonies in New IloUaad ; with dome other possessions of less note. 30 CATECHISM OF K f > If 11 Fi?!l it in m Q. What were the ancient names of England, Ireland, and Scotland ? A, Of England, Bntannia*[; Ireland, Hibernia^] Scot- land, Cfdedonia.lf. Q. How is England divided ? A. Into forty counties or shires, which are as follows : Six northern, Three south eastern, Four bordering on Wales, Four southern, Twelve midland, Three south western, Eight eastern. Q. Name the six northern coimties, with their chief towns 1 Counties. Chief Toicns. A. Northumberland, Newcastle, Cumberland, Carlisle, Durham, Durham, Yorkshire, York, Westmoreland, Appleby Lancashire. Lancaster. Q. Which are the four bordering on Wales, with their chief towns ? A. Cheshire, Chester, Shropshire, Shrewsbury, Herefordshire, , Hereford, Monmouthshire, Monmouth. Q. "Which are the twelve midland counties, with their principal towns ? Counties. Chief Toicns. A. Nottinghamshire, Nottingham, Derbyshire, Derby, Staffordshire, Stafford. Leicestershire, Leicester. Rutland, (.;akham. Northamptonshire, Northampton. Warwickshire, Warwick. Worcestershire, Worcester. Gloucest'jrshire, Gloucester. Oxford' ire, Oxford. Buckinghamshire, Buckingham. Bedfordshire, Bedford. ■ — — ^ - - — ... - ii ir iii I I * So called by the Romans. The original Celtic name was Hretton, signifyinif a high moantalnous counlry. Pliny says its ancient name was Albion; mil thiii BrUannta, a name of the same meaninsf, became the prevalent appellatioH. t So called by Ca>aar, Tacitus, and Pliny ; but named leme by 8tral>o. i Tacitus. chief GEOGRAPHY. 31 h Ireland, p«t; Scot- I follows : Istern, Astern, Iheir cliief Wth theii nth their ''CTifyiiiir Q. Which are the eight eastern counties, with their chief towns? A. Lincolnshire, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Lincoln. Huntingdon. Cambridge. Norwich. Ipswich. Chelmsford. Hertford. London. Q. Which are the their chief towns ? three south-eastern counties, with A. Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Guildford. Maidstone. Chichester, Q. Which are the four chief towns ? southern counties, with their A. Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshiie, Dorsetshire, Reading. Salisbury. Winchester. Dorchester. Q, Which are the their chief towns 1 three south-western counties, with A. Somersetshire, Devonshire, Cornwall, Eath, Exeter. Launceston & Bodmin. itlON. 0. Q. What is the population of England and Wales ? A. In 1841, the population, including the Army anlS Navy, was nearly sixteen millions. Q. What are the chief rivers in England 1 A, The Thames, the Severn, the Medway, the Humber, the Mersey, and the Trent. Q. What are its chief mountains 1 A. Seafoll, Skiddaw, and Ilelvellyn, in Cumberland ; the Peak, in Derbyshire, the Cheviot Hills, between Eng- land and Scotland ; Ingleborough and Whernside, in York- shire ; and the Mendip, in Somersetshire. Q. What are the chief ports I A. London, Liverpool, Bristol, Hull, Newcastle, Sun- derland, Southampton, Yarmouth and Falmouth. 32 CATECHISM OF vm M Q. What are the principal naval stations ? A. Portsmouth, Plymouth, Deptford, Woolwich, Chat- ham, and Sherness. Q. What are the principal manufacturing cities ? A. Manchester, the second city in the kingdom in popu- lation, is noted for cotton manufactures, Birmingham for hardware, Sheffield for cutlery, Kidderminster for carpets, Leeds and Wakefield for woollens, Nottingham and Lei- cester for stockings, Worcester for porcelain, and Coventry for watches and ribbons. Q. What is the metropolis of England 1 A, London, the largest and wealthiest city in the world, and of the most extensive commerce. Q, What is the character of the English 1 A. They are noted for frankness, sincerity, intelligenco, industry, and enterprise. The merchants are distinguished for integrity and wealth ; the mechanics for skill and in- dustry ; and the sailors and soldiers for discipline and bravery. w m I 11 v.-; I m U CHAPTER XXL Of Wales. Q. Into how many counties is Wales divided ? A. Into twelve : six northern, and six southern. Q. Which are the six northern counties, with their isbief towns 1 Couniiti. ' Chief Totcnt. A. Flintshire, Flint and St, Asaph. Denbighshire, Denbigh. Carnal vonshire, Carnarvon. Jsle of Anglesea, fieaunnaris. Merionethshire, Dolgelly and Bala, Montgomeryshire, ' Montgomery. Q. What are the six southern countiea, with their chief towns I A. Radnorshire, Kadnor. Cardiganshire, Cardigan.' GEOGRAPHY. 33 ^icb, Chat- ^ ies? )m in popii- (ingham for for carpets, and Lei- Coventry the world, itelh'genco, itinguished :ill and in- ipline and i \ •n. ^ith their ph. loir chief Pembrokeshire, Pembroke. Carmarthenshire, Carmarthen. Brecknockshirej Brecknock. Glamorganshire, Cardiff. Q. Which are the chief mountains in Wales 1 A. The chief Welsh mountains are Snowdon, CaJer- Idris, Plinlimmon, and Brecknock Beacon. CHAPTER XXII. Of Scotland, Q. How IS Scotland divided t A. Into two parts, one north, or the Highlands, and the other south, or the Lowlands. The whole contalni thirty-three counties. Q. Which are the first six counties, with their chief towns ? Counties. Chi^ Towni. A. Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Haddington, Haddington. Roxburgh, Jedburgh. Selkirk, Selkirk. Peebles, Peebles. Lanark, Lanark and Glasgow. Q. Which are the second six counties, with their chi^ towns? A. Dumfries, Dumfries. Wigton, Wigton. Kircudbright, Kircudbright. Ayr, Ayr. Dumbarton, Dumbarton. Bute, Rothsay. Q. What are the names of the third six counties, wUh their chief towns ? A. Caithness, Wick. Renfrew, Renfrew pice isles, >^ Nicobar «*^e8, and Q. How is Asiatic Turkey divided 1 -A. Into Asia Minor, Armenia, Kurdistan, Irak-Arabi, "^or Chaldea, Algesira or Mesopotamia, Syria and Palestine, or the Holy Land. Q. What are the principal cities in Turkey in Asial A. The principal cities of Turkey in Asia, are Smyrna, Aleppo, Damascus, Jerusalem, Bagdad, and Bassorah. Damascus is a very extensive and populous city, containing about 100,000 inhabitants. Q. What are if-g chief mountains ? A. The chief mountains of Turkey in Asia are Taurus, Olympus, Ararat and Lebanon. Q. What are the principal rivers 1 A. The Euphrates, the Tigris, the Orontes and the viordan. Q. For what is Turkey in Asia particularly celebrated T A, Turkey in Asia is celebrated for its carpets, oila, silks, rhubarb, and fruits. CHAPTER XXVI. -brated ? history • ides. tions of of Pa- aged in >n their idour ; )urish- cities ; ^d tho Of Asiatic Russia, Q. What kind of a country is Russia in Asia ? A. It is a very large country, comprehending the most northern parts of Asia ; being in length frot.i the Ural mountains to the southern extremity of Kamtschatka, 3,600 miles, and in breadth from north to south, 1,900 miles, Q. How is this country divided i A. Into three * govcrniuonts, namely : Western Siberia, Eastern Siberia, and Georgia, or the Trans-Caucasian Provinces. Q. What is the population of Asiatic Russia ? A. It is estimated at six millions. * Orenburg and Atlracbon are now considered a» parte of Europe. 40 ^ATMOHim OF IP 1 1 If: P'. If ff m- W life, but the nortSCtfa'!w """'/" ^^^ "^^sarie, «f vated and thinly ^Cle^'' ^*^"«'y~H almost u„S«. AZioJl"?''^ •"""- «^ 'he principal nation, of daH and othera of 4, S ' ^'"'''"*'"' Kamtsehat: ^^. S«moiedsSiX*Sl'*'r''«''? J ''ho are sunk in gvcsslfZ^"' "'"' "'her si^il^ ^^.^ ^ "ory filthy and squalid iX t™ ""n "'"''"^' ""'^ «- Q- How do they subsist ' *''P®'"^''"<'e- Those people, in^genera^ a' „7'' "",1 ""'^'•' wanderin"! featured ; and considering ,h^ «t nt""/"""" "»<• ''ard eupy, arc few in popnlati'n!"" "" "^ '^""^'y *•>«? oc- Russia, are auperil"!-' i,rsi ^''^^JV"'" "»'"'-^'«* ^"'ner of preceding: tribL, and ar^^r '^siXT-*"!^"^''' ">»'' *>« of hfe. The peninsula Jf v . '' '" *''e various arts another race, bSt , o ts fiUhv 'f'^,''" " '■»'>»bie«< by Samojeds. Several of tie tt^,w ''"""'"'"'' ">«» th« considered, in general, vcrv dnil i' ^""^ mentioned, are «. Which a?e the elS.tilfW- ■■'.'"' '"'™'«»'' ____^^*^_Cn^^^ The« ■1. GEOGRAPHY. ^ I? necessaries of Iniost unculti- riclies of the c Russia ? ^1 nations of I Georgians, Kamtschat- urope ? panse there ing from the both in ap- nilar tribes, y> and are 1 '» nations are celebrated for the bravery of the men, and the beauty of the females. I Q. Describe the Cossacks ? 'i A. The Cossacks are divided into the Don Ukrain and '; Uralian Cossacks ; but the most celebrated are those who reside on the borders of the River Don. It was the latter, who, under their enterprising leader, PlatoflF, made such dreadful havoc among the French in Buonaparte's unsuc- cessful campaign into Russia in 1812, when he lost neaiiy : 300,000 men. Q. Who are the Circassians ? A. The Circassians are a noble people, very courageous, 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 country, situated between the Black and Caspian Seas. It is very productive, and the inhabitants are a fine and warlike people ; its chief town is Tefflis. B all averse v^andering, and hard y they oc- corner of than the •ions arts ilnted by than the ^^^, are less. ountrj -s Theso CHAPTER XXVII. 0/ the Chinese Empire. Q. What countries constitute the Chinese Empire ? A. The Chinese Empire embraces China proper, Chinese Tnrtary, and Thibet. Q. What is China? A. China is one of the most ancient and polished nations of Asia, and is celebrated for its extent and prodigious population. , _, ,. ,^ Q. For what is it otherwise celebrated 1 A, For. its imraen»e wall, which is one thousand two ■■^.fe 42 CATECHISM or hundred miles long, twenty-five feet high, and eighteen feet thick, Q. For what purpose was this immense wall built 1 A. To divide China from Tartary, and keep the Tartars from plundering the Chinese territories. Q. What are the chief cities of China ? A. Pekin, the capital ; Nankin, and Canton. Q. What is the character of the Chinese ? A. They are industrious beyond any people on earth ; possess a great share of ingenuity, but are artful and fraud- ulent. They are lovers of the arts and sciences, but have too great an opinion of their own wisdom, and think meanly of other nations. Q. What else is worthy of observation in respect to the Chinese ? A. Their complexion, which is tawny ; and those are thought to excel in beauty who are most bulky. The women affect much modesty, and are remarkable for their small feet. Q, What is the population of China \ A. About 200 millions. Q. What is Thibet? A. Thibet, sometimes called the Snowy Region, is a vast 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. Thibet is divided into three parts. Upper, Middle and Lower ; its inhabtiauts are estimated at five millions. Q. What is Chinese Tartary? A. Chinese Tartary is a large country to the north of China Proper, to which it is tributary. Its population is about twelve millions. It comprises Mandshuria, Man- golia, Corea, and Little Bucharia or Cashgar. Q. What are the principal tribes inhabiting Chinese Tartary ? A. The Calmucs, Eluths and Kalkas. ^. Describe the Calmuca ? A. The Calraucs are a nation of wanderci^s, who liv« in >nj GBOGRAPHT. 43 ' and eighteen all buiJt ? ep the Tartars on. pie on earth ; fuJ and fraud- ces, but have think meaulj ■espect to the id those are bulky. The ible for their Region, is a », subject to mber of its 3er, Middle 'e millions. fie north of 'pulation is iria, Man- ? Chinese who lir* |tt tents, and remove from thence in quest of pasturage for ^eir numerons cattle, coiisisting of horses, camels, cows, Ind sheep. These people neither sow nor reap, so that 4hey live without bread, or any kind of vegetable. Their food is fish, flesh, milk, butter, and cheese. ,- CHAPTER XXVIII. Of India in General. Q. What is meant by India ? A. The general name of India is now applied to thos« jvast regions of Southern Asia on the confines of China, and from the mountains of Thibet in the north to tb« ocean. Q. Why is it called India? A, It is so called from the river Indus. Q. How is it divided 1 A. India is generally divided into two great parts, vif : * Hindostan and Farther India, or India within, and India without the Ganges. Q. What kind of country is India ? A. India consists chiefly of extensive plains, fertilized by a great number of beautiful meandering rivers and purling streams, and interspersed with a few ranges of hills. The periodical rains and intense heats produce a luxuriance of vegetation almoit unknown to any other country in the world. Q. What is the soil of India 1 A. It is rich in every kind of production, whether fossil, vegetable, or animal. The Indians sow the ground in May and June, before the rainy season, and reap in November and December, which are the most temperate months in the vear. Q. What are the productions of India ? A. Wheat, rice, barley, and other grain, in great plenty and perfection ; also, all kinds of fruits, spices, he. ft 44 CATECHISM OF Q' What is the character of the Hindoos ? A. The Hindoos are extremely mild, and by no meani adapted for hard labor or war. Q. What is the population of Hindostan ? A. One hundred and forty millions. Q. What is the capital of British India? A. Calcutta. Q. What other remarkable cities are there 1 A. Bombay, Benares, Delhi, Madras, Pondicherry, Seringapatam, and Goa. Q. What are the chief mountains ? A. The Gauts, or Ghats ; and the Himmaleh, in the north, the highest in the world. Q. What are the chief mines of India ? A. The chief mines of India are gold, silver, and dia- monds. Q. What are the chief animals of India ? A. They are elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, leopards, | panthers, camels, dromedaries, buflfaloes, ani monkeys. CHAPTER XXIX. ^■u 1 i; ,r Of Interior India or Hindostan. Q. How is Hindostan situated ? A. Hindostan is bounded N. by Thibet, E. by part of the Birman Empire, and the Bay of Bengal, S. by the Indian Ocean, and W. by Afghanistan and the Arabian Sea. Q. How are the inhabitants divided ? A. The Hindoos are divided into tribes or castes. The principal are the Brahmins, soldiers, mechanics, and labour- ers. The Brahmins have the care of religion ; the soldiers are usually called rajahpoots ; those in the service of the English are called sepoys : the mechanics comprehend merchants and traders ; the labourers include farmers and all who cultivate the land. The greater part of the Hin- doos arc idolators. 1 by no means ? GEOGHAPHY. Of Farther India. 45 ^ Q. What is Farther India 1 T A. Farther India is a vast extent of country, comprising Assam, Arracan, Tenasserim and Malacca, which are British Possessions, the Birman Empire, Siam, and the empire Pondicherrv ^ Anam, or Cochin China. w Q^ How are these countries situated ? A. They are situated to the east of the Bay of Bengal, aaleh, in the ^'^ ^^^ bounded on the east by the Chinese Sea, and on the ikorth by the Chinese Empire. # 'er, anddia- i rs, leopards, .* monkeys. '"' by part of S. by the rabian Sea. tea. The nd labour- 'e soldiers ice of the nproJiend mers and ti»e Hin- CHAPTER XXX. *0f the Birman Empire. Q, What is the situation of the Birman empire ? A. The Birman Empire is situated east of Hindostan, south of China, and west of the Chinese Sea. Q. What are its principal divisions 1 A. Its principal divisions are Ava and Fegu. Q. What is the general character of the Birmans ? A. They are a lively and inquisitive race of people, but passionate and revengeful. Q. What are its chief cities 1 A. The chief cities of the Birman Empire are Ava, its capital, Rangoon and Ummerapoora. Q. What is the population of the Birman Empire ? A. Five millions. Q. What are the chief productions of Birmah 1 A. The soil being extremely fertile, it yields excellent wheat, sugar canes, indigo, and cotton ; and the different tropical fruits in high perfection, and in great abundance. Its animals are the same as those of Hindostan. It pos- sesses excellent mines of gold, silver, and precious stones. ■f i6 I .I I 11 IP" CATECHISM OF CHAPTER XXXI. Of Siam. Q. What kind of a country is Siam 1 A. Siam consists o^ a fertile valley watered by the river Moinam. It is well fitted for sugar, rice, and other tropi- cal products. Q. What is its chief city 1 A. Its cliief city is Bankok, at the mouth of the Meinam. It consists in a great measure, of houses floating on the water in rows eight or ten feet from the bank. , Q. In what do tho Siamese excel? A, The Siamese excel in some of the ornamental manu- factures, particularly in those of gold and silver, and their miiiature jtaintings have been much admired. Q, Describe the Siamese ? A. The Siamese, in general, are of a dark complexion ; and their food consists principally of rice and fish. The men are extremely indolent, and most of the laborious "works are executed by the women. If CHAPTER, XXXII, 0/ Malacca, Assam, SfC. Q. What are the British Provinces in Farther India? A. They consist of Malacca, Assam, Arracan and Ten- as^erim. These provinces are in many parts very fertile, but rudely cultivated. Assam contains large forests of the tea plant. Q. -Describe Tenasserim. A. Tenasserim is about 500 miles long and 60 milet broad. It is divided into the provinces of Amherst, Tavoy and Mergui. The chief town is Amherst, on the Gulf of Martaban. :m' OEOORAPHT. 47 * Q. What is Malacca ? ^ il. Malacca is a large peninsula, and is divided into the •India? and Ten- ?i*y fertile, forests of I 60 mileg Amherst, it, on th« by the river ot her tropi- he Meinam. ting on the sntal manu- siJver, and ed. omplexion ; fish. The ' laborious kingdoms of Patani and Yahor. The chief cities are llalacca, and Queda. The former contains about 12,000, inhabitants. , Q. Describe the inhabitants 1 A. The Malays are, in general of small stature, but ell made, with a tawny complexion, and long black ining hair. These people are classed among the prin- 8pal merchants of the east, and their colonies and cora- erce are widely spread all over the Indian Seas. The alays are deemed the most treacherous and most ferocioua eople on the globe. I CHAPTER XXXIII. The Empire of Anam, or Cochin China. I Q. Describe the empire of Anam ? i A. The empire of Anam is but of recent date, and con- llBists of Cochin China Proper, Cambodia, Laos and Ton- ^*'quin. For its size, it is one of the finest countries in the least, h aving a population of about 8,000,000; and pos- Ijeasing a fruitful soil, and a mild and salubrious climate. Q. What are its chief productions ? ! A. They are very numerous, and the fruits excel all the ^rest of Asia in flavour and beauty ; and their elephants are jpesteemed the largest and swiftest in the world. Q. What are ihe chief cities of Anam ? i A. The chief cities are Hue, the capital of Cochin China, |Kesho in Tonquin, and Si^igon in Cambodia. CHAPTER XXXIV. Of Persia. Q. What kind of country is Persia ? A. Persia Li a large country, containing about ten mil" 48 CATECHISM OF M kP Hona of inhabitants. Its chief cities are Teheran tlie capi- tal, and Ispahan, formerly the capital. Bushire is ih ohief sea port. Q. What other remarkable cities in Persia ? A. Casbin, Tabreez or Tauris and Shiraz. Q. For what are these towns famous? A. Casbin is noted as the mart for almonds, raisins, and melons ; Tauris, once the second city in Persia, is noted for its mosques and caravansaries, and was also famous for its great trade in cotton, cloth, silks, and gold and silver brocades : it is now much decayed. Shiraz is famous for ita wines, and is the favourite residence of the literati. Q. How is Persia situated] A. It is bounded N. by the Caspian Sea and part of Tartary ; E. by Afghanistan and Bcloochistan ; W. by Asiatic Turkey ; and S. by the Ocean. Q. What are its climate and soil 1 A. It is said that no country in the world has greater variety of climate and soil than this, being extremely mountainous, barren, and cold in the northern parts ; in tiie middle, very mild and sandy, but enjoying a temperate air ; and in the south, level and extremely fertile, though for several nonths the heat is excessive. Q. What is the character of the Persians 1 A. They are very luxurious, polite, and hospitable, pos- sess much good sense and ability, are honest in their deal- ings, but passionate and revengeful. Q. What are the chief productions of Persia ? A. Corn, wine, oil, great abundance of oranges, dates, | melons, grapes and nuts ; also, senna, rhubarb, and va- rious other drugs ; and it is famous for silks. Q. How do the Persians write 1 A. The Persians write from the right hand to the left, and as no printing is allowed, a great number of people are constantly employed in writing, an art in which they excel. Q. What is their religion ? A. The greater part of the Persians arc Mahomedans, with 8ome idolators, who worship the sun, fire, &c. %i eEOGRAPHT. 49 rail tiie capi- ushire is th I Of Afghanistan and Beloochistan. raisms, and rsia, is noted io famous for [d and silver is famous for literati. and part of > tan; W. by I Ims greater i ? extreme])' i rn parts ; iu a temperate 'tile, though pi table, pes- I their deal- figes, dates, b, and va- fco the left, of people kvhich they ijl Q. What kind of country is Afghanistan 1 A. Few countries are so diversified with mountftins, ▼alleys and deserts as Afghanistan. It has almost every jrariety of climate and soil. ' Q. What is the character of its inhabitants 1 A. The Afghans are a brave, warljke and hardy people ^but the arts and sciences are in a backward state. Q. What are its chief cities? A. Cabul the capital, Peshawer, Candahar and Herat. f Q. What kind of country is Beloochistan 1 I A. Beloochistan, situated on the E. of Persia, and S. m of Afghanistan, is generally mountainous and barren, but m it is little known to Europeans. ^1 Q' What i the character of its inhabitants? '^l A. The Beloochees are a fierce and predatory people, ^ who subsist by robbery and plunder. Kelat is the capital or residence of the principal Khan or chief. The population of these two countries is about ten millions. CHAPTER XXXV. Of Independent Tartary. Q. What kind of country is Tartary or Turkestan t A. Tartary is of very great extent, situated N. of Persia and Afghanistan. Q. What is the character of the Tartars ? A. The generality of the Tartars are wanderers, like their ancestors 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 confines of Europe to the great B 1 III \ m 50. CATECHISM OF l\'icific Ocean. On meeting 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 search of another inviting spot. Q. What are the chief cities of Tartary 1 A. Bokhara, its capital, and Samarcand. The population of Tartary is about eight milliona. i>f i! f A Dut und 'h''} CHAPTER XXXVI. Of Arabia. Q. What kind of a country is Arabia ] A. Arabia is a large country, situated east of the Red Sea, and south of Turkey. It contains about ten millions of iuhabit.ints. Q. VVhat is the general character of the Arabians ? A. The Arabs generally live under tents ; the greater part are wandering tribes, like the Tartars, committing tiopredations and robberies wherever thoy go. Q' What are the chief productions of Arabia ? A. The most valuable productions are its horses, camels, uum and coftee. The horses are said to be the best in the world. Q. What are its chief towns t C^. Mecca, whero Mahomet, the founder of the Maho- niedan religion, was born, A.D. 570 ; Medina, where l>e was buried, and Mocha the principal seaport, which ia cele- brated for its excellent coffee. if ^: I CHAPTER XXXVH. 0/ Japan. Q. Wliat kind of country is Japan. jI. Japan is a very largo country, situated east of Asia, with tiio title of an empire, composed of a great number nd pleasant in the place set forward population )f the Red en milliona ibians ? he greater committing GEOGRAPHY. 51 f islands difficult of access, the principal of which is iphon. Q, For what is Japan peculiar ? A, This empire trades only with the Chinese and tlie Dutch, and prohibits all other foreign intercourse with them tinder the penalty of death. The Dutch are not allowcti send more than one ship annually. Q. What is the general character of its inhabitants ? ' A. They are naturally ingenious, a»id possess a good memory, but their manners are exactly opposite to ours. Our common drinks are cold, theirs are hot ; we uncover ^the head out of respocft, and they the feet ; we are fond of white teeth, and they >^f black ; we get on horse back on the left side, and they en the right ; and they have a lan- guage so peculiar, that it is not to be understood by and other nation. Q, What is the population of Japan 1 A. Twenty-five millions. Q, What are its chief cities ? A, Jeddo, the capital, Miaco and Nangasaki. OS, camels, best in the the Maho- M'here I>e oh is cele- of .Asia, number ">wf.^t> CHAPTER XXXVIIL Of Africa. Q. What is Africa? A. Africa, one of the grand divisions of the world, is bounded N. by the Mediterranean Sea; W. and S. by th« Ocean ; and E. by the Rod Sea and the Isthmus of Suex. Q. What are its climate and soil ? A. The greatest part of Africa, lying under the torrid Eone, the heat is almost insupportable in many places. 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 of which are almost without water and 52 CATECHISM O? whose sands are so loose, that, by means of a strong wind, they will sometimes bury 'vhole caravans at a time. Q. What are its productions? A. Its productions are gold, fruit, gum, &C., camels, ele* pLants, and uA sorts of wild beasts. Q, What are the principal rivers ? A. The Nile and the Niger, which annually overflow their banks and fertilize the adjacent countries ; the Gam- bia, the Zaire, the Senegal, the Orange, and the Zambezi. Q. How is Africa divided ? A, Africa is divided into the following general parts, via: Barbary, Egypt, Nubia, and Abyssinia, Central, Western, Southern, and Eastern Afifca. •tlu D( CHAPTER XXX^ 1. Of Barbary. Q. What is the situation of the Barbary States, and how are they divided ? A. The Barbary States are situated between the Medi*> terranean Sea on the north, and the Desert of Sahara on the south ; and are divided into five states, namely, Mo- rocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Barca. Q. What are the climate, soil, and productions ? A. The climate of Barbary is temperate and pleasant : the soil is fertile, but miserably cultivated, and the chief productions are oil, wine, fruit, sugar, cotton, and most kinds of grain. Q. What is. Biledulgerid ? A. Biledulgerid is that portion of the Barbary states situated between the Atlas Mountains and the Desert. It produce«» little except dates, but tl>03e grow in great abundance. Hence, its name, which signifies the land of dates, Q. What are the chief cities of the Barbary states t A. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Derne. GEOqilAFHY. •53 strong wind, time. camels, ele- ly overflow ; the Gam- he Zambezi. >neral parts, ia> Central, States, and the Medi- Sahara on moJy, Mo- is? pleasant : f tho chief and most iry states » Desert. in great eland of ttesl e. CHAPTER XL Of Egypt, Nubia, and Abyssinia. * Q. How is Egypt situated 1 A. Egypt is bounded N. by tlie Mediterranean ; E. by tho Red Sea; S. by Nubia; and W. by B area and the Desert. Q. How is Egypt divided ? A, Egypt is divided into two great parts, called the Upper and Lower. Upper Egypt is the southern part, and Lower Egypt the northern. Q. Which are the chief towns in Egypt "? A. Grand Cairo ond Alexandria ; the latter of which was built by Alexander the Great, 331 years B. C, and was for a long time the seat of learning, commerce and magnificence. Q. Describe the soil and climate of Egypt ? A. The climate of Egypt is hot and unwholesome ; but the soil is exceedingly fruitful, owing to the overflowing of the Nile, which leaves a fattening manure behind. Q. For what is Egypt remarkable ? A. For its pyramids, which are stupendous fabrics that have stood several thousand years. Q. To whom does Egypt belong ? A, Egypt is a part of the Turkish empire, and the Sul- tan is its nominal Sovereign, and receives tribute ; but by treaty, the family of the late Mehemet Ali are invested witli it as a Pachalic, with authority noarly amounting to inde- pendence. Q. How is Nubia situated, and what are its climate and soil? A. Nubia is situated to the south of Egypt, and consists of several small states. The climate is very warm but ge- nerally hoaltiiy. Tho soil on the banks of tlie Nile, is rich and fertile, but in othe/ parts it is sandy and rocky. Q. What is the character of its inliabitaJits ? A, Tho Nubians are a rude, lawless and ferocious people. 64 CATECHISM OF Q.. What are its chief cities ? A, They are Dongola and Senaar. Q. Where is Abyssinia, and what are its climate and soil? A. Abyssinia is situated to the south-east of Nubia. It has a fine climate and a fertile soil. Among its vegetable productions is the papyrus, so celebrated among the an- cients as the original material of paper. Goudar is its capital. Q. Describe its inhabitants ? A. The Abyssinians are a barbarous and brutal people. They delight in bloodshed and are fond of eating raw flesh eut from the living animals. CHAPTER XLI. Of Central Africa. Q. What are the divisions of Central Africa ? A. Central Africa is divided by the Mountains of the Moon into Soudan or Negroland on the north, and Ethio- pia on the douth. Soudan is sub-divided into a great num- ber of small ' is one of the largest islands in the world, and is considered very fruit- ful. It is supposed to contain many independent states, but the interior is very little known. Q. Describe the isles of Bourbon and Mauritius? il. These islands are in high cultivation, rich and fruit- ful, producing all the necessaries of life. Mauritius belongs to Uie English, and Bourbon to the French. CHAPTER XLV. AMERICA. erd Q. What is America ? A. America or the New World, as it is often called, is a great contenent comprising nearly all the land in th» Western Hemisphere. Q. How is it divided ? A. Into North and South America. Q. What are the principal divisions of North and South A.merica? A: North America comprehends Russia America, British AmerioSi the United States, Mexico, Central America, or 58 CATECHISM OF Guatinala, and the West Jndies. South America compre- hends Columbia, Guiana, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, La Plata or Buenos Ayres, Uruguay, Chili and Patagonia. Q. What are its chief mountains ? A. The Rocky and Alleghany in North, and the Andes or Cordilleras in South Ameiica. 0. \^hat are its chief )ake3. A. Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, Ontario, ^Jiamplain, Winnipeg, Alabasea, and Slave Lake. Q. What are its chief bays and gulfs ? A. Baffin's and Hudson's Bay,, the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gulf of California. Q. What f re its principal rivers 1 A. The Mississippi, the Missouri, the St. Lawrence, the Ohio, the Hudson, and the Columbia, in North America ; the Amazon, the La Plata, and the Orinoco in South America. Q. Who discovered America ? A. Columbus, a Genoese, in 1492. CHAPTER XLVI. Of the United States. Q. What are the boandaries of the United States ? A. The Urited States are bounded N by British America ; W. by the Pacific Ocean and MoitJco; ?• by the Gulf of Mexico ; and E. by the Atlantic Ocean. Q. What are these States ? A. The Nortliern States are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, MassachuiiL'tts, Rhode Island, ind Connecticut, The Middle States ui'e New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, The Sonthcrn States are Mary- land, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Loui&iana, and Texas. Tlio Western Statea are Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Miasouri, Kentucky, Tcnessee, OEOGRAPHT. 59 Arkansas, Michigan; Wisconsin, Iowa, and California. Besides these there is the District of Columbia, in which the city of Washington, the capital of the United States, is situated ; and the following territories, not yet erected into states, namely, Minesola, Indiana, Oregon, and Utica. Q. What are the productions of the United States 1 A. They produce abundance of cotton, grain, fruit, to- bacco, leather, skins, cattle, timber, hemp, flax, and all kinds of metals. Q. What is the general character of the inhabitants of the United States] A. Enterprise, industry, acuteness, and attachment lo liberty, are the leading parts of their character. Q. What is the capital of the United States t A. Washington, 3,658 miles from London. Q. What are the chief ports 1 A. New- York, Boston, Philadelphia, New Orlean*, Baltimore, and Charleston. Q. Wliat is the population of the United States ? A. Its inhabitants amouit to about twenty-two million*, of whom two and a half millions axa slaves. N( jhire, icut. ew ary- ama, tat6» ssee> CHAPTER XLVX. 0/ Mexico. Q. What woro the Spanish dominions in North America ? A. California and Mexico. Q. What political cltanges took place in tl:ese countries ? A. By the treaty of 1848. Upper California and Now Mexico were ceded to the Uuited States. Q. What are the chief ports of Mexico ? A. Acapulco, in the Pacific, Vera Cruz, Matamoria and Tampico, in the Gulf of Mexico. S. What are the soil and climate 1 . The climate in general h pure and salubrious, and the soil is extremely fertile. Mexico is its capital. 60 CATECHISM or CHAPTER XLVIII. Of Central America. Q. What is Central America? A. Central America, formerly Guatimala, was a province of Mexico, till 1823, when it became an independent re- public. It is now divided into five states, namely, Gua- timala, San Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Q. What kind of Country is it ? A. The climate, on the high lands, is temperate and agreeable, but on the low plains it is exceedingly hot. The soil is very fertile. The principal exports are indigo, ban- ilia, cochineal, cocoa, and mahogany. The chief towns are St. Salvador and New Guatimala. CHAPTER XLIX. Of British America. Q. What is British America ? A, British America includes the Hudso^/s Bay Terri- tories, Canada,* New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, the Islandi of Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward, and the Bermudas, besides several smaller islands in the Gulf of hi, Lawrence. Q. Describe the climate and soil ? A. The climate is very severe tor a great part of the year, but it is, nevertheless, healthy. The soil, in many places, is equal to any in the world, and, under proper cul- tivation, yields large crops of all kinds of grain, hay, po- tatos, &c. The trade in wheat and flour, timber, furs, pot and pearl ashes, and the fisheries, makes these colonies very valuable. * The Re-union of Upper and Lowor Canada wa« proclaimed bj ibe Ootat- ■or ttu 0x9 lOlb February, 1841. GEOGRAPHY. 61 lof tho many \eT cul- [rs, pot j3 very OoT*r- Q. What is the population of British America ? A. It is about 2,2qU,0J0. <^. What are the principal rivers and lakes in British America 1 A. The principal rivers are the St. Lawrence, Ottawa, Saguenay, lliche.ieu, St. Francis, St. Maurice, St. John, Niagara, Coppermine, and Mackenzie. The principal lakes are Superior, Huron, Krie, Ontario, Athabasca, and Great Slave Lake. Q What is the length of British America 1 A. From Cape Charles to the North Pacific, it is, 3,500 miles long. Q, What is its breadth 1 A. From Barrow's Straits to the Missouri territory, it is 2,000 miles in breadth. Q. What are the names of the chief cities and towns in|Canada ? il. Quebec, having a population of 37,000, Montreal 48,000, Three Rivers, Sorol or William Henry, Dorches- ter or St. Johns, Shcrbrooke, and Stanstead, in Eastern Canada ; and Toronto, containing 25,000 inhabitants, Kingston 10,000, Hamilton, Brockville, Bytown, New Lon- don, Niagara, Cobourg, Sandwich, and St. Catherines, in Western Canada. Q. What is the capital of Canada ? A. Quebec is the present capital. The Seat of Govern- ment is alternately for four years at Toronto and Quebec. It was removed to Quebec in October, 1851, to continue there till 1855. Q. How is Eastern, formerly Lower Canada, divided ? A. Into six Districts, Viz : — Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers, St. Francis, Gasp^ and Kamouraska, all of which are sulDdivided into the 3G Counties* of — 1. Vaudreuil, 2. Ottawa, 3. Lake of Two Mountains, 4. Montreal, 5. Terre- bonne, 6. Leinster, 7. Bcrthier,8. St. Maurice, y.Champlain, • The Couinii's are diviiled into Seigniories and Townships. The Parishes sonielimes contain but one tseignioiyj sonielinies, on the cuntrary, a Parifiliii (ormcd of several Seigniories or Townships, either entire or divided. P ■ 62 CATECHISM OF JO, Port Neuf, 11. Quebec, 12. Montmorency, 13. Sag- uonay, 14. Gasp^, 15. Bonaventure, 16. Rimouski, 17. Kamouraska, 18. L'Islet, 19. Bellechasse, 20. Dorchester, 21. Megantic, 22. Lothbiniere, 23. Nicolet, 24. Yaniaska, 20. Drun)mond, 26. Sherbrooke, 27- Stanstead, 28. Mis- siskoui, 29. Sheftbrd, 30. St. Hyacinthe, 31. Rouville, 32. Richelieu, 33. Verclieres, 34. Chambly, 35. Huntingdon, .36. Beauharnois. Q. What Share has Eastern Canada of the Representa- tion in the united Provincial Parliament ? A. Each County returns one Member, who added to f o each from the cities of Quebec and Montreal, and one each from the Towns of Three Rivers and Sherbrooke, make the share of Lower or Eastern Canada in the repres- entation of the Provincial Legislature to amount to 42. Q- How is Western, formerly Upper Canada, divided ? A. Into the following Counties Viz ; — COUNTIKS. 1. (Jarleloii. '2. Essex and Lambton. '.i. Fronteiiac. Lennox and Addinglon, 4. Haldimand, 5. Hastings, d ? Denmark ? Prussia ? Turkey ? Holland? Greece? Helgium? Frnncc? Gorrnriny? Switzerland? Austria 7 Italy? QiieHions on, Asia. Portugal ? Spain ? En^'land ? Scotland? Ireland? What are the boundaries, &c. of Asiatic Turkey? Asiatic Russia ? China? lUndostan? Birman Empire ? Persia? Sinn ? Afsrhani^tan. Miilucca ? iJcbochistnn 1 Anum ( Indent. Tarlary I Arabia? Jaj)an ? Questions on Africa* What are the boundaries &c. of the Barbarv States? Egypt? Niil.iu? Ciiitrnl Africa? Abyssinia ? Western Africa ? South Africa? Eastern Atriea? What are the boundaries, &c. of British A:nerica7 Canada ? The Unitud Stales? Mexico? Guatitnaia? Peru? Colombia? Chili? Ouinna? Paraguay? brazil? LaPalu? Uruguay? Patagonia ? &c. FINIS. f ERRATA. n Inry 1 This little work liaving gone liastily throug'n the p«'Oss, tho following typographical errors have crept in. " mniiners " for " names." *' W. by Prussia, and S. by Ausiria." "five "lor "fifteen." " descended " for " decended." " Breslau" for " Breslun." '* Batavia " for " Batlavia." *' Leydeii " for "Layden." " Inn " for " Jun" and " Molda ''">< ' :>lt 'd»ii.' "Salonica" for "Sabonica. " «' Save" for "Sava." " »-imndernagore" for ''Chaii' ' :..a!r re." " CagFiari " for " Caglian.'' " the volcanoes of Vesuvius UiK> Etna. ' " Guadalquivir" for "Guadalquiver." " Sheerness " for '* Shernes«." " Macdliui" for " Madehui." ♦'its "for "it." " Ghauts " for " Ghants." " Mongolia" for " Mangolia." *' E. by the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea. ' " Monomolapa'' for " Moiiometapc." " Kussian " for " Russia." " Guatimala" for " Guatinala." "Athabasca " for •' Alabasea.' " South Carolina, Georgia, &c." "Tennessee " for "Teuessec,."' " Minesota, Indian, Missouri and Utah" ibi^' Miuc- Bola, Indiana, Utica." " Matamoras " for " Matainoiis " " barilla >' for " banilla.'" " Richelieu " for " Richlieu.' •' Waterloo " for " Watierloo. ' ''almost as large as" for " larger than, " "23i"for "28i." •' imrallels " for '• parrallel?." ' Guiana" for ' Guano." On page 2, ine 10, rtai ti 12 it 18 " 11 12 11 38 " i( U 11 23 " (t 15 it 4 " (1 15 (1 21 " <( 16 It 29 " t( 21 11 22 '• iC 22 11 30 " (t 22 11 40 " 11 21 i( 36 " t< 27 . i; .1!. II :.| ti>niMwsi»iHM«Mwp«a>MaM«aMMi[|aitMiM«iaii /^ SCHOOL ROOKS, I rnLfsina) mv ii ^'f m: ^ '9^36 ??»j ^ ^Vj '*u '€^t> e^ fe *'^: 1^ No. 10, St. Francois Xavier Street, THE NATIONAL SCHOOL BOOKS, no-printocl unfler tlio spccia] sntictloii of the Commissioners of Niitioual Ediicat'Oii in Irrland, r.rul nTitlioritv of the Council of [\iblic Instruetion f )i* U]H7cr Cfinada, Viz : — Fiffh FiOiiV of Lessons, — First T)0 ik of Arithmetic, Second [look of Arithmetic, An English Gi-amniar, Elements of Jiook-Keeping, First B'^ok of Lessons, Second Book of Lessons, Sequel to the Socovul j.'ook, Third Hook of Lessons, Four til Book of Lessons, &e. &c. MISCELLANEOUS SCHOOL BOOKS. Pinnoek's Catechism of Geogra})hy, F21ementarv Primer, Mansou"'s F rimer, Mavor's Spelling Rook, Carpenter's Spellinu; Book, Lennie*s Grammar, EnQ:lish Reader, Pinnoek's CatecJiism of Biolo and Gospi.'l, Catechism of the Church of Englan