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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmAs en commen^ant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'Impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la derniire page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaTtra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, S':^lon le cas: le symbols -♦► signifie "A SUIVRI: ", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmte A des taux de rMuction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichA, il est f ilm« A partir de I'angle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en ptenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 ii / MOI c. '^'-\. ^5^ ABRIDGMENT or MODERN GEOGRAPHY FOR THE USE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BT F. X. TOUSSAINT PBOFKSSOB AT THB LATAL NOBUAL SCHOOL Translated by the Vrsuline Ladies. yZr^ ? " r^^^'-v '<- \ o \>^" QUEBEC X ^. ... ^.. C. Darveau, Printer and Publisher " . :!:: Jt---^' NO 8, Mountain Hill / 1871 Entered, according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, by F. X. TotJSSAiNT, in the Office of the Minister of Agri- culture. • ADVERTISEMENT. A few months ago, we published in French an Abridg- meut of Modem Geography, for the use of Elementary Schools. This work has been favorably received by the public J for which we are truly grateful. The rapid sale of the first edition, consisting of 6000 copies, which was exhausted in a few months ; the flat- tering testimonials in favor of the Abridgment from several heads of colleges and other educational institu- tions ; the pressing solicitations of fellow teachers, were sufficient inducements to attempt to publish an English edition. This undertaking has been accomplished through the obliging aid of the Ursuline Ladies, who under- took the translation, as they make use of the Abridg- ment in their Model School department; we desire to offer them here our most grateful and sincere acknowl- edgments. Our object in this Elementary Qeogaphy for the use of beginners, has been, to present in a simple, analytical, and clear manner, the most useful and correct geographi- cal information. The plan that has been adopted ; the care that haa been taken to omit nothing of importance ; to admit nothing which should not be easily comprehended by children ; to classify matters methodically, that they may be impressed on the mind in proper order — lead us to anticipate for this Abridgment in English, the same favorable reception by the public, as awaited the French edition. In treating of Canada, the geographical details are more extended than for the other countries, as being for us of more importance. The Geography of the Old Continent may by some be considered too limited ; but wc would remark that in other countries where education is far advanced, their geographies for primary schools contain even fewer details than this Abridgment. Questions have been appended to each chapter, as a means of engraving the subject more deeply on the mind of the pupil. a. ABRIDGMENT Of MODERN GEOGRAPHY. PRELIMINARY NOTIONS. 1.— OF THE EARTH. 1. Geography. — Geography is a science which gives a description of the earth. 2. Form of the earth. — The earth is almost round ; the form being that of a ball, or globe, a little flattened at the poles. 3. Size of the earth.— The circumference of the earth is about 25,000 miles. The diameter, or thickness, nearly 8,000 miles. 4. Motions of the earth. — The earth turns round in the space of 24 hours, or one day ; this is called its diurnal rotation. It has also another motion round the sun, in the space of a year; this is called the annual revolution. 5. Axis. — The axis is an imaginary line round which the earth turns in its diurnal rotation. 6. Poles. — The Poles are the two extremities of the axis. The northern extremity is called the Arctic, or North Pole ; the southern extremity, the Antarctic, or South Pole. At the Poles, the earth is covered with enormous masses of ice, which render those regions un- inhabitable. 7. Maps. — A map is a plan, or representation of the earth's surface or 'iome part of it. There are three kinds of maps : 1st. the Map of the World, which represents the whole of the earth's surface ; 2d. General Maps which represent some one of the five grand divisions of the world: 3d. Particular Maps, which represent a country, a county, &c. 6 GEOQEArHT. 8. The cardinal points. — In order to determine more accurately the position of the diflFerent parts of the earth, four points have been imajjjined, which are called the Cardinal points, or points of the compass. These points are : the North, opposite which is the South ; the East, where the sun appears to rise ; and the West, where it appears to set. The North is the point which is before us, when the East is on our right and the West on our left. On ordinary maps, the right hand side is East, the left West ; the top of the map is North and the bottom South. 9. Collateral Points. — The spaces between the four cardinal points are Collateral Points : the North- West is between the North and West ; the North-East, between the North and East ; the South- West, between the South and West ; and the South-East, between the South and East. North, ^ °^. % ^ TTeif.- ^ {^ ¥" ..^ >' ^'' -IksL ^. •^^ ^< V$; **. South. QxjKSTiONS.— What is Geogra- phy ? What is the fonn of the earth ? What is the oircamferenoe of the earth? What is its diam- eter ? What are the motions of the earth ? What is the axis ? What are the Poles? What is found at the Poles ? What is a Map, and name the differents sorts of maps ? How many Cardinal Points are there ? Name the Cardinal Points ? Where are the Cardinal Points placed on a map ? How many Collateral Points are there 7 m PRELIMINARY NOTIONS, IMAGINARY CIRCLES ON THE GLOBE. 10. Great and small circles.— There are two kinds of circles on the globe, great and small circles. Great circles divide the earth into two equal parts ; such are : the equator and the meridians. Small circles divide the earth into two unequal parts ; the small circles are the parallels of latitude, the tropics and polar circles. 11. Equator.— The Equator is an imaginary line which encircles the earth at equal distances from the poles ; that is to say, 90° from each. It divides the globe into two equal parts, called hemispheres, or half globes. That part which is )n the side of the Arctic Pole is called the Northern Hemisphere; that on the Antartic side is called the Southern Hemisphere. The Equator is also called the Equinoctial hue (which signifies equal nights) because the days are equal to the ni° hts, when tlie sun seems to pass over it in his annual revolution. The Equinoxes happen about the 20th of March, and the 23d. of September. 12. Meridians. — Meridians are great circles, which, passing through the Poles, go round the earth, dividing it into two hemispheres : that on the right is call- ed the Eastern Hemisphere ; that on the left, the Wes- tern Hemisphere. Meridians may be drawn through every place on the earth. Among the meridians, there is one called the first Meridian, because it passes through a place agreed upon. English Geographers make the Meridian that passes through Greenwich, their first meridian; the French take the Meridian of Paris* ^ Meridians mark the longitude or the distance of any place from the first Meridian. On the map of the world, the longitude is marked on the equator. There are 180^ of east longitude, on the right of the meridian, and 180<=> west longitude on the left. ' On particular maps and on general maps, longitude is marked at the top, and at the bottom. 'I' I m a QEOaRAPIIT. 13. Parallels. — Parallels are small circles, lyinj^ ia the same direction as the equator. Parallels murk the latitude, that is to say, the distance of a place from the equator. On the Map of the World, latitude is marked on the meridian ; on the other maps, it id marked on the sides. There are 90° of latitude north, and 90« south, from the equator to each pole. 14. Tropics.— -The Tropios are two parallel lines, placed at the distance of 23"=* 27', one north and the other south of the equator. The Tropic north of the equator is called the Tropic of Cancer, and that south of it, the Tropic of Capricorn. The word Tropic signifies return ; for the sun, in his annual revolution, seems to stop there about the 23d of June, and the 22d of December, to return to the equator. One of these days is called the summer solstice, the other, the winter solstice ; the word solstice signifies the sun standing still. 15. Polar circles.— The Polar Circles are two les- ser circles parallel to the equator at the distance of 23<^ 27' from the poles; their latitude is 66° 33'. They are marked at this latitude, because at these points commence the month-climates. 16. Zones. — The two Tropics and the two Polar Circles divide the earth into five belts or zones: the space between the two tropics is called the Torrid Zone ; it is about 46^ 54' wide : between the Tropics and Polar Circles lie the Temperate Zones ; they are 43° 6 ' wide : north and south of the Polar Circles are the Frigid Zones, covering a breadth of 23^27'. QuBSTiONS.— What is a great circle ? Name the great circles ? What ia a lesser or email circle ? Name the lesser circles ? What is the equator ? Why is the equator also called the ecjuinoctial line? What are meridians ? What is the first meridian/ Of what use are meridians ? Where is longi- tude marked on the map of the world ? Where is it marked on other maps ? What are the par- allels of latitude ? What do they mark ? What are the Tropics ? What are the Polar circles ? "^'^ What are Zones? ,^ t «..« PAELIMINART NOTIONS. 9 GREAT NATCJEAL DIVISIONS OF THE EARTH. u [ NAMES OF THB LAND-DIVISIONS. 17. Continent. — A continent is a vast extent of land, not divided by water. 18. Island. — An island is a portion of land, smaller than a continent, and entirely surrounded by water. A collection of islands forms a group. A collection of several groups of islands forms an archipelago. 19. Peninsula. — A peninsula is a portion of lar'l, almost surrounded by water, being joined to the continent only on one side. 20. Isthmus. — An isthmus is a narrow neck of land between two bodies of water. Stl. Mountajln. — A mountain is a lofty elevation of land. A connected series of mountains, extending to a great distance, is called a chain. The name of peak is given to a single mountain which rises in the form of a cone. A volcano is a mountain which sends forth torrents of fire, smoke, and melted lava, through a large opening called a crater. Smaller elevations are called hills, hillocks, knolls, blufifs, mounds. 22. Cape. — A cape, or promontory is a point of land extending into the sea. 23. Defile.— A defile is a narrow passage between two mountains, or between a mountain and the sea. If the passage is ver^r narrow it is called a pass, 24. Desert. — A desert is an extent of land unin- habited, and generally barren. Hv- 10 QEOGRAPHY. 25. Oasis — An oasis is a fertile spot in the midst of a sandy desert. 26. Coast. — A coast is tlie margin of land washed by the sea. It is called a cliiF or steep, when it is abrupt ; a down, when it is formed of sand-hills; and a beach, if the shore is level and open. 27. Banks — A bank or shoal, is a part of the sea "where the water is not deep. 28. Reefs. — Keefs are rocks very near the surface of the water : if the waves are broken upon them, they take the name of breakers or shelves. 29. Valley. — A valley is the low space between two mountains. This name is also given to the whole extent of land, watered by a rive and its tributaries, SiS : the valley of the St. Lawrence. 30. Vale. — A vale is a little valley. 3i. Plateau or Table-lands.— Table -lands are extensive upland plains, enclosed on all sides by hills or mountains. 32. Basin. — A basin is the slope on one side of a chain of mountains, along which the streams descend ; the term includes the whole extent of country drained. 33. Railroad. — A railroad is made by two parallel jrails of iron or wood, on which vehicles, called waggons or cars, roll with little friction ; by this means the mov- ing power is economised. Each extremity of a railroad is called a terminus* The locomotive is the car or en- pine on wheels set in motion by steam, and which draws :fter it a certain number of carriages ; the locomotive and the cars it puts in motion, form a train or convoy. The dififeient places where the cars stop and from which they start, are called depots, stations, etc. The car which conveys the combustible is called the tender, QuBSTioN. — What is a conti- group? an archipelago? What is neni^f Uow matny continents are a peninsula? an isthmus? a chain there? What is an island ? a ofmountains 7 a volcano ? What I 1 PRELIMINARY NOTIONS. 1£P^ SJM.E- name is riven to smaller elevG- What are 8«nd-b^Vks^ reefllt)^^ tions ? What is a cape ? a defile ? valley ? vale ? table^la^rik? Whkr a desert? an oasis? a coast? isabwin? What ai^ riiJfQads ? irt «i^ ^■-Vb NAMES GIVEN TO THE WATERS ON THE EARTH. 34. Ocean. — The name of sea, or ocean, is given to that vast extent of salt water which covers nearly three fourths of the glche. The different parts of the ocean to which particular names are applied, are also called seas. 35. Interior seas. — Interior seas are those which are nearly surrounded by land. Strait. — A strait is a narrow passage connecting two larger bodies of water. 36. Gulf or Bay. — A gulf, bay, creek or road, is a part of the sea which projects inland. 37. Ports or Harbors. — Ports or harbors are smaller openings, which serve as a shelter for ships. 38. Lake. — A lake is a large body of water, sur- rounded on all sides by land. A sea, without an outlet, may be considered a lake. If the lake is small it is called a pond. 39. Rivers. — A river is a large stream of water which falls into a sea, or into another river. 40. Estiiary. — A larsre stream of water widening at its mouth inio an arm of the sea, is sometimes called a Frith or an Estuary. The confluence is the place where two streams of water meet, and the river which there loses its name, is called a tributary or affluent. The p'iHce where a river takes its rise is its source, and the plnce where it empties, is its mouth or outlet. A rivulet is a small stream of water ; if the stream is very small it is called a brook. A shore or bank, is the land on each side of a stream 12 GEOQRAPHr. of water. The bank is rinjht or left, according to ita position with respect to the person who descends the curremt. A cataract or cascade is a considerable fall of water formed by a rivulet, a river or any other course of water! Kapids are formed by a stream which flow? with a swift current over a considerable change of level, not sudden enough to form a cataract, but nevertheless suffi- cient to interrupt navigation or render it dangerous. 41. Canal. — A canal is an artificial stream which serves as a means of communication between two places. Canals render navigation possible in rivers where it is interrupted by cascades, rapid*j, and other obstacles. 42. Country.-— A state, or country, is a certain part of any of the grand divisions, subject to the same government; thus Canada, Nova-Scotia &c. are countries m North America. QuESTiOKs — What is the ocean or sea ? To what is the name sea also applied ? What are interior seas ? What is a strait? What is a gulf or bay, a creek or road ? What is a port, or harbour? What is a lake ? a river? an Estuary ? What is the confluence ? a trib- utary ? the source and the mjuth of a river ? What is a rivulet 7 A shore or bank ? A cataract, or cascade ? What are rapids ? Ca- nals ? What is a state, or country ? OF THE OCEAN. Divisions of the Ocean.— -The Ocean presents five principal divisions :— the Atlantic Ocean ; the Pacific Ocean ; the TnMan Ocean ; the Frozen Arctic, or Northern Ocean ; and the Antarctic, or Southern Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is west of Europe and Africa, and east of America. The Pacific, or Great Ocenn, surrounds nearly all Oceanica, and divides America from Asia. The Indian Ocean washes the south of Asia, and the cacli ui xxiiiuil. The Arctic Ocean encircles the Arctic Pole ; it is also called the Northern Ocean. ., PRELIMINARY NOTIONS. 13 ., The Antarctic Ocean encircles the South Pole, and is called the Southern Ocean. Seas. — These five oceans form all the other seas. The Arctic Ocean forms three small seas : the Polar Sea, north of America; the White Sea, north of Europe; the sea of Kara, north of Asia. The Atlantic Ocean forms ten other seas : four in North America : — Baffin's Bay, Hudson's Bay, the Qulf of Mexico and the Carribean Sea. Seven in Europe : — the Baltic Sea ; the North Sea ; the English Channel; the Irish Sea; the Bay of Biscay; then it penetrates in land and forms the Mediterranean, which is subdivided into several others ; the Black Sea ; and the Sea of Marmara. The Indian Ocean forms three inland seas or great gulfs : — the sea or gulf of Bengal ; the Arabian Sea, or gulf of Oman ; and the Red Sea, or gulf of Arabia. The Pacific Ocean forms six remarkable seas on the east of Asia, from north to south : the Sea of Kams- tchatka or Behring: the Sea of Okhotsk; the Sea of Japan ; the Yellow Sea ; the Blue or Eastern Sea, and the Chinese Sea. The Caspian Sea, situated between Europe and Asia, is a great lake. Questions. — Into how many by the Antarctic Ocean ? Whnt principal parts is the Ocean divid- seas are formed by the Arctic ed? What parts of the world are Ocean? by the Atlantic Ocean? watered by the Atlantic Ocean ? by the Indian Ocean ? by the by the Pacific Ocean ? by the In- Pacific Ocean? dian Ocean ? by the Arctic Ocean ? DIVISIONS OF THE EARTH. Divisions of the earth. — The earth presents five great divisions, which are ; America, Europe, Asia^ Africa and Oceanica. There are three continents : — Europe, Asia, and Africa form the Old Continent. 14 QEOGRAPHT. America, discovered in 1492 by Chripfopher Colum- bus, forms the New Continent, called also the New World. Australia or New Holland, comprised in Oceanica, forms the third continent, called Australasia. Population. — The population of the earth exceeds 1,225,000,000, half of which belongs to Asia. Kaces. — The inhabitants of the earth are composed of three principal races : the white in Europe, the north of Africa, and America; the yellow in central and east Asia, and in Oceanica; the aborigines of Arae- rica hehncr to this race ; the negro, or black race inhabit Africa and a part of Oceanica. Religion. — The inhabitants of the earth profess four principal religions : 1st. The Christian religion ; 2d. the Jewish religion ; 3d. Mahometanism or Islamism ; 4th. Paganism or polytheism. Questions.— How is the earth the population of the earth f divi led ? How many continents Which are the principal races 7 are there ? Whnt grand divisicas Name the principal religions pro- of the world form the old con- fessed by the inhabitants of the tinent ? W h at forms the new ? The world ? Australasian continent 7 What is AMERICA. (Population 87,000,000.) Physical description op America. Boundaries. — America is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean, and the different straits which connect this sea with the Atlantic ; on the east, by the Atlantic ; on the south, by the straits of Magellan ; on the west, by the Pacific Ocean, and on the northwest, by Behring's Straits. Extent. — Its greatest length is about 9,300 miles, and its average width 3,300 miles. Divisions of America. — America is divided into two parts : North America and South America, which are joined by the isthmus of Panama. AMERICA. 15 NORTH AMERICA. (Pop. 58,000,000). Boundaries. — North America is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean, and the different straits which connect this ocean with the Atlantic ; on the east, by the Atlantic ; on the south, by the isthmus of Panama ; on the west, by the Pacific Ocean, and north-west, by Behring's straits. Extent. — Length 4,500 miles ; average width 3,000. CoastSi, gulfs, and "bays. — The coast is very irre- gular ; several large openings appear, especially along the Atlantic. The principal gulfs and bays formed by the Arc- tic Ocean are : — the Polar Sea, discovered by Dr. Kane; the Gulf of Boothia ;— by the Atlantic; Hudson's Bay, the gulf of St. Lawrence, Chaleur Bay, the Bay of Fundy, the gulf of Mexico and the Carribean Sea ; — by the Pacific Ocean; Behring's Sea, and the gulf of California, Straits. — The Straits are : — Behring's, between America and Asia ; Lancaster and Barrow's straits, be- tween Baffin's Bay and the Arctic Sea; the Straits of Belle Isle, between Newfoundland and Labrador; the Strait of Canso, between the Island of Cap Breton and Nova Scotia ; and the Straits of Florida, between the United States and the Bahama Isles. Islands. — The islands of North America may be divided into six principal groups : 1st. the islands of the Arctic Ocean, the most remarkable of which are Greenland, Cumberland, and Melville; 2d. the islands of the gulf of St. Lawrence ; 3d. the Bermuda islands ; 4th. the Lucayas or Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, the Carribean Island'^. ar,d the Lesser Antilles ; these four groups form the im[.ortant Archipelago of the Antilles ; these are also called the Archipelago of the West Indies ; 5th. the Archipelago of the Prince of Wales 'm tiie Pacifio 16 GEOGRAPHY. Ocean ; 6th, the Aleutian Tsles; the p:reat island of Van- couver is also in the Pacific, and Iceland in the Atlantic. Peninsulas and capes. — There are 8 remarkable penfn&ulas : two in the Arctic Ocean — the peninsulas of Boothia and M'^lville ; four in the Atlantic : — the penin- sulas of Labrador, terminatino; in Cape Charles ; Nova Scotia terniinatinoj at the north in Cape Canso, and the south in Cape Sable ; Florida, ending by Cape Tan- cha ; Yucatan, by Cape Catoche ; two in the Pacific Ocean : — California, terminating in Cape St. Lucas, and the peninsula of Alaska. Mountains. — North America is traversed from north to south, by a chain of mountains bearing, in the greater part of its course, the name of Rocky Mountains. This chain separates America into two great natural divi- sions : the Atlantic and Arctic basin, and the Pacific ; the Alle^hanies, or Appalachian mountains, extend from the north-east to the south-west. These two ranores form the sjreat valley of the Mississipi, and decide the direction of the rivers. Rivers. — The water courses of North America be- lonsr to four basins : — the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic, the gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific. The Mackenzie takes its rise in the Rocky mountains, and empties into the Arctic Ocean ; the St. Lawrence empties into the Atlantic ; the Mississipi and Rio-Bravo- del-Norte fall into the Gulf of Mexico ; the Colorado and Columbia are the most remarkable that empty into the Pacific. Lakes.— The principal lakes are the Great Bear, Slave Lake, Winnipeg, Lake Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, Ontario, Champlain, and Salt Lake. Paces. — Nearly four-fifths of the inhabitants of America belong to the Caucasian or white race ; they are the descendants of Europeans who. in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, founded the states which we AMERICA. i7 see at present on the map of the New World. The natives belong to the Monsrolian or yellow race, and neu'roes are nearly as numerous. The greater part of the negroes are at present free. Europe and Eastern Asia continue to cast on the shores of America a great number of emigrants. COUNTRIES OF NORTH AMERICA. North America comprises 9 divisions or countries ; 2 ol' which are colonies, and 7, independent states. The colunies are: 1st. Canada; 2d. 2d. Balize or British Honduras. These colonies belong to England. The independent states are : 1st. the United States ; 2d. Mexico ; 3d. the republic of Guatimala ; 4th. the republic of Honduras ; 5th. the republic of San Salvador ; 6th. the republic of Nicaragua ; 7th. the republic of Costa Rica. Besides these states, there are also several colonies or states in the islands of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the At_ luntic, and especially in the West Indies. Religion. — The inhabitants of America are Catho- lics or Protestants. There are nevertheless pagans in North and South America. The Catholics are more numerous than the Protestants. The Catholic religion is that of the majority of the inhabitants of the Provinces of Quebec and Manitoba of English Columbia, and of the republics of Mexico, Guatimala, St. Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, New Granada, Venezuela, Equador, Peru, Bolivia, Chili. La Plata, Paraguay, Ijraguay, Brazil Empire, jwid French Guiana. Protestantism is the dominant re- ligion of the inhabitants of the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, the United States the colonies of Balize, of English and Dutch Guiana. The Patagonians are still pagans. Government. — Amongst the 24 states of America 18 OEOaRAPHY. 16 are republics, governed by a President, a Senate, and a Legislative Assembly. All the functionaries are elected by the people for a certain number of years ; these re- publics are : in North America ; the United States, Mexico, Guatimala, St Salvador, Honduras, Niciraojua, Costa Rica ; in South America, New Granada, Vene- zuela, Equador, Peru, Bolivia, Chili, the United Pro- vinces of La Plata, Pararzuay, and Urusjuay. There is but one monarchy on this continent, the em- pire of Brazil, which has a constitutional government. The six other states are colonies, of which four belong to England, viz : Canada, Englii^h Columbia, Balize and En- glish Guiana. The government of these colonies is consti- tutional ; French and Dutch Guiana have each an abso- lute government. Patagonia is still in a savage state, and has no regular form of government. Question. — What are the boun- Its straits ? islands ? peninsulas ? daries of America ? Its extent ? How is it dividt'd ? What are the boundaries of North America ? Its extent ? What are the gulfs and bays of North America ? capes ? rivers? lakes ? What are the races of America? Name the countries of North America ? What is the religion of the States of America? the governments? CANADA. ( Population 4,200,000. ) Boundaries. — Canada is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean, and the straits which connect it with the Atlantic ; on the east, by the Atlantic and Labrador; on the south, by the United States ; and on the west, by Pacific, and the territory of Alaska. Extent. — The greatest length of Canada is above 3,000 miles, and its greatest breadth is nearly 2,000 miles. It is one of the largest countries in the world. It ex- tends from the 45° and 49*^ parallel to the Arctic Ocean. Division and government. — The government of Canada is constitutional. It is a great confedera- tion, composed of six provinces and a vast territory, — the North-Westero. CANADA. 19 The united Provinces arc:— 1st. tho Province of Que- bec; 2nd. the Province of Ontnrio ; 3rd. the Province of New-Brunswick ; 4th. the Province of Nova Scotia ; 5th. the Province of Manitoba; 6th Enjilish Columbia. The government consists of three distinct branches : — Ist. the Governor, aided by a council of ministers, called the Privy Council ; 2d. the Senate ; 3d. the House of Commons, composed of 185 members ;— 65 representing the Province of Quebec ; 82, that of Ontario; 19, Nova- Scotia ; 15, New-Brunswick; and 4, Manitoba. * Capital.— The capital of Canada is the little city of Ottawa, in the Province of Ontario, situated on the right bank of the river of the same name. Question.— What are the bo«n- vidcd and what is the government? daries of the Province of Canada? Of what branches is its composed ? Its extent? How is Canada di- What is the capital of Canada? Table of the Dioceses of the Confederation of Canada, the Episcopal Sees, and the Bishops who occupy them. [" Quebec I Montreal, Q Three-Rivers, Q. . ^ St. Hyacinth, Q. . ■g .{ Rimouski, Q - . . Ottawa, . — Red River, M . . . St. Albert, N. W Anemour N. W. . C Toronto, -. J Kingston, 2 "] Hamilton, , 5 I Sandwich, • ^ TT 1 * ^ . o O 9 9 2 < a .a < { Halifax, N. S... Arichat, N. S. . . St. John, N.-B . . Chatham, N.-B. A.. E. Taschereau.. [gnatius Bourget.. L. F. Lafleche . . . Charles Larocque. John Langevin.. . . Jos. E. B. Guigues. Alexander Tach6 . Vital Grondin .... Henrv Faraud John Lynch Edward J. Horau. John Farrell.. ... John Walsh Tho. L. Connolly. . Colin F.McKinnon. John Sweeney. . .. Jaraes Rogers . -• Quebec. Montreal. Three Rivera. St. Hyacinth. St Germ, of Rim. Ottawa. St. Boniface. St. Albert. Providence. Toronto. Kingston. Hamilton. London. Halifax. Antigonish. St. John. Chatham. * The representation of English Columbia is not yet known. 20 GEOGRAPHY. PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. (Population about 1,300,000 inhabitants.) Boundaries. — The Province of Quebec is bounded on the north by a chain of heights which separate the waters flowing towards Hudson's Bay from those that flow towards the St. Lawrence ; on the east, by Labrador and the Meridian of the bay Blanc-Sablon, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; on the south, by the Bay of Chaleura, New Brunswick and the State of Maine ; on the south- west, by the State of New Hanipshire, Vermont, and New- York ; on the west, by the Province of Ontario j on the north'West, by the Ottawa River. iExtent. — Its length is nearly 600 miles, its width 300 miles, and its area 210,000 square miles. It is about the size of France. Division. — The Province of Quebec is divided into 60 counties. On the north shore of the St. Lawrence ^ and of the Ottawa from its mouth are : Saguenay, Chi- coutimi, Charlevoix, Montmorency, Quebec, Portneuf, Champlain, St. Maurice, Maskinongd, Berthier, Joliette, Assumption, Terrebonne, Two Mountains, Argenteuil, Ottawa, and Pontiao ; Soulange and Vaudreuil, at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa. On the south side ascending the River : JBona,venture, Gasp^, RimoTiski, Temiscouata, Kamouraska, L 'Islet, Montmagny, Bellechasse, L($vis, Lotbiniere, Nicolet, Ya- maska, Richelieu, Vercheres, Chambly, Laprairie, Cha- teauguay, Beauharnois, and Huntingdon. 071 the frontier of the United States, not extending to the St. Lawrence : Dorchester, Beauce, Compton, Stan- stead, Brome, Missisquoi, Iberville, St. John and Na- pierville. ,. The other counties situated in the interior are : Me- gantic, Arthabaska, Wolfe, Druramond, Richmond, Sheibrooke, Bagot, Sliefford, St. Hyacinthe, and Rou- yilie. t CANADA. 21 The island of Montreal forms the counties of Jacques Cartier and Hochelaga ; and the Island of Jesus, the county of Laval. For the administration of justice, the Province of Quebec is divided into 20 districts. For ecclesiastical jurisdiction, it is divided into six dioceses : Rimouski, Quebec, Three Rivers, St. Hya- cinthe, Montreal and Ottawa, a great part of which is in the Province of Ontario. The three bishops of Red River, of St. Albert, and of Anemour belong to the EccleBiastical Province of Quebec Moiintalns. — The Alleghany or Appalachian Moun- tains traverse the province of Quebec from the north- east to the south-west, from Cape Rose to the state af Vermont ; a long chain of heights separate the waters which flow towards Hudson's Bay from these flowing towards the St. Lawrence. These two chains divide the Province into three great basins or natural regions : 1st. the north basin of the St. Lawrence; 2d. the south basin of the same river ; 3d. the southern slope of the Alleghanies. The Laurentides follow the direction of the north shore of the St. Lawrence as far as Cape Tour- ment ; thence they run into the interior to the Ottawa ; the highest point of this chain is Cape Tourment which is 1,800 feet in height. The other mountains are : Bel- ceil 1,100 feet high ; on its summit is a small lake ; the mountains of Yamaakaj Ste, Therese, and the mouniaia of Montreal. Rivers — The River St. Lawrence traverses the Province of Quebec from the south-west, and empties into the Atlantic : the whole course of this river, one of the largest in the world, is about 2,200 miles. Almost all the other rivers in this country are its tributaries. Among the rivers which belong to the first region or 90uth-east basin are : the Ottawa, the St. Maurice, the JSatiacan, St, Ann-de-la-Perade, Jacgues-Carfier, St. Charles, and Montmorencu. celobruted for its fall. 240 J2 QEOGftAlMlY. foot in ]m's\\t \ Ui^'er »^^^ Annt'-o/Beniprl tho Goufre, Milh'iie, thd Sigiif'iiai/, one of tJie liirii;est liore enuriio- ratod ; tho Bit.siamu, Out'irdcs, ]\[oi8ie, Manitou, and Nihg'fminit. The priiicipnl rivers of tho fccond re^non, or north- western slope of the Alle<;h ny xMountiiina, are: the Ch'fteniigiun/, Chmnhly, Ys.-How is New Bruns- What are the soil and climate of wiok bounded ? Its extent ? How New Brunswick ? Its commerce ? is it divided? Name its bays? population and religion ? govern- rivers '/ Capital and chief Towns ? ment t PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA. (Pop. 400,000.) Boundaries. — The Province of Nova Sootia is a peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Atlantic, and the Bay of Fundy ; it is joined to New Brunswick on the north west; the island of Cape Breton forms a part of the Province ; the straits of Can so separate this island from the peninsula. Extent.— It is smaller than New Brunswick, occu- pying an area of only 19,550 square miles. Divisions. — It is divided into 18 counties. Under the ecclesiastical head, it is divided into two dioceses, which form, with the two dioceses of New- Brunswick, an ecclesiastical Province. The Archiepisco- pal see is in Halifax. Rivers and lakes — The rivers of Nova Scotia belong to three basins ; the Gulf St. Lawrence, the At- lantic, and the Bay of Fundy. Lake Bossignol and Bras d'Or, in the Island of Cape Breton, are the principal lakes. Capital and chief to'wns. — Halifax, a fine sea- port, on the Bay of Chebucto, is the capital. The chief towns are: Pictou, Arichat, on Madame Island, Liver- pool, Yarmouth, Lunenbourg, A^nnapolis, Truro,Windsor. Climate and soil. — The climate is similar to that of New Brunswick. The soil is fertile. Commerce. — Nova Scotia exports fish, oil, timber, seal-skin, niaster, coal, lime, &.c. ;km, plaster, ■'> CANAPA. Population and religion. — The population is not less than 400,000. Protestantism is the prevailing r«Hg;ion. Government. — The government is constitutional, QuKSTioNS. — What are the the Capital and what are the chief boundaries of Nova Sootia? Its towns? Its climate and soil? extent ? How is it divided ? Name Commerce? Population? Reli- the rivers and lakes. What is gion? liovornment ? PROVINCE OF liJANITOBA. (Population 11,953.) Boun4arie$ This province is bounded on the west, porth, and east by the North-West, and ou the south, by the United States. Extent. — Manitoba extents from 96® to 99®, east longitude, and from 49° to 50® 30' north latitude. Its extent is nearly the same as that of Nova Scotia. The Province of Quebec is 13 times as large, Divisions Manitoba is divided into 4 electoral districts. Under the ecclesiastical head, it forms one diocese ; the bishop resides at St. Boniface. Rivers. — The most remarkable are: Red River, Assiniboine and Winnipeg. Jiakes,— Winnipeg, Manitoba, &o. Capital. — The principal place is Fort Garry at the confluence of the Red River and the Assiniboine. The principal settlements are St. Boniface^ Fort Alexander, Assiniboine and Queen's. Government. — This Province comprises the old colony of the Red River and that of Portage. The local government is composed of a Lieyitenant-Governor, ad- vised by an executive Council, a Legislative Council of 7 members, and a House of Assembly of 24 raendjers. 30 GEOGRAPHY. In the Senate of Canada, Manitoba is represented by two Senators, and in the Commons by 4 members. Religion.— The Catholic is the prevailing religion of the inhabitants of Manitoba. QuRSTiONS.— What is the popu- the capital ? What is the pre- lation of Manitoba? What are vailing religion of the inhabitants the boundaries? the extent? How of Manitoba? What is the go- Ls Manitoba di/ided? What are vernment? the rivers ? the lakes ? What is BRITISH COLUMBIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND. (Population 80,000.) Boundaries The 60° of latitude limits British Columbia on the north ; it is bounded on the east, by the Territory of the North-West ; on the south, by the United States ; on the west, by the Pacific. Vancouver Island is situated to the west in the Pacific. Extent.— Columbia has an area of 344,000 square miles, and Vancouver Island, 13,250 square miles. Mountains. — The Rochy Mountains and two other parallel chains ; the Blue Mountains and the Cascades^ divide Columbia into three zones or natural regions. Rivers —The Fraser and Columbia River are the most remarkable. Capital. — By an act of the Imperial Parliament in 1858, Columbia was united to the Island of Vancouver. The capital is l^ew Westminster^ on the River Fraser, 15 miles from the mouth. Victoria is the capital of Vancouver Island. The Island of Vancouver is separated from Columbia by the Georgian Straits and Queen Charlotte's Sound, and from Washington Territory, by the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Questions. — How is British are the mountains ? rivers ? cap- Colurnbia bounded? How is the ital? How is the Island of Van- Island of Vancouver situated ? couver separated from the con- Whut is the extent of Columbia tineut ? and of Vancouver Island ? What BltlTlBH COLUMBIA. THE NORTH- WEST.--(80, 000 habitants.) m Boundaries. —This vast country is bounded on the nottli by the Arctic Ocoan ; on the east, by the Atlan- tic ; on tho south, by the Province of Quebec, Province of Ontario, Provinc<^ of Manitoba and the United States ; on the west, by British Columbia and the Territory of Alaska. Extent. — The North- West comprises an area of 1,750,000 square miles, about eight times the size of the Provinc ^ of Quebec. Divisions This large country is divided into four districts : 1st the Peninsula of Labrador ; 2d Prince Rupert Land, and East-Main ; 3d the valley of Saskat- chewan ; 4th the valley of the MacKenzie, and Arctic Sea, Mountains The Rocky Mountains extend along the west, from north to south; a long ridge on the south, separates the waters which flow towards the St. Lawrence and great lakes, from those which fall into Hudson's Bay. Rivers. — All the waters belong to the two great na- tural divisions : the basin of Hudson's Bay, and the Arctic basin. The River Churchill, Nelson, Severn, Albany, Moose, Abbitibbi, Rupert and East-Main, are the prin- cipal of the first region ; the Saskatchewan empties into lake Winnipeg. The MacKenzie is the most important river which empties into the Arctic Ocean. Lakes. — The lakes are numerous ; the largest are : Great Bear and Slave Lake, Arthabaska, Great and Little Winnipeg. Settlements.— The principal place is Fort York, The Hudson-Bay Company has erected in this vast ter- ritory nearly 200 forts, post-houses or factories which are the store-houses for their fur trade. niiiviaf o TViP c1'"^nie is orfinerallv cold : it is milder in the valley of Saskatchewan. GEOGRAPHY Population. -About 100,000 iifihabttants. It must be difficult to compute very accurately, the scattered popu- lation of so vast a territory. It is ^^"^^P"^^'^^^ J^^^''' and the abori-inal nations, among which the t^squimaux may be mentioned. Government.— This vast territory is under th^ administration of a Lieutenant-Governor named by com- mission under the great seal of Canada. (juPSTi(,x.-How is the North- tains ? /'j^-;? ?^J;?!^,!«,:S West bou 11(10(1? Whit is its ex- nicnts? the climate f popuiai tent? How is the North-Wo^t government/ divided? What are the moun- tJNITED STATES.— (Population 38,281,000.) Boundaries —The United States are bounded on the north by Canada; on the east by the Atlantio Ocean ; on the south, by the gulf of Mexico and Mexico, on the west, by the Pacific Ocean. , Extent.— ^he United States, the greatest contede- ration on the globe, cover an area -[.^^f 0^«0\squar. miles. It is a square, each side of which is 1,80d miie^. " Division.— The United States are divided into 61 States, 11 Territories, and the Federal District of Co^ lumbia, on the Potamac. ORIGINAL STATES. Name. Capitals. 1 New-Hampshire. I Concord 2 Massachusetts ■3 Connecticut '4 Rhode-Island.... 5 New-York v6 New- Jersey..,.. 7 Pensylvaiiia.... 8 Delaware 9 Maryland... .... 10 Virginia Si "KTnrtK Carolina. l2 South Carolina. is Georgia........ Boston, a sea-port New-Haven and Hartford . . Providence and Newport... Albany, ou the Hudson Ti-eiitoii, on the Delaware. . I [:uTipltiirg,on Susquehanna Dover •• Annapolis on theGhesapeake Richmond Raleigh i..* Columbia Milledgeville. i' • • • • • • Population. 317,976, 1,448,000 537,998 217,319; 4,370,346 780,000 3,300,000 125,000 780,000 1.209,607 1,072,000 (oo,uOv 1,185,0011 UNITED STATES. STATES ON THE ATLANTIC. Admitted into the Union. Capital, 14 Maine 1R20 15 Florida 1846 Au2"'='ta . . Tallahassee, 680,426 189,995 STATES ON THE GULF OF MEXICO. 16 Alabama ..1819 17 Mississippi. 181 7 18 Louisiana. .1812 19 Texas 1845 Montgomery Jackyon - — Baton-Rouge (oiR. capital) Austin 1,002,000 834,190 745,384 1,323,264 MIDDLE STATES, EAST OF THE MISSTSSIPL 20 W.Virginia.l862 21 Tennessee.. 1796 22 Kentucky.. 17 94 23 Illinois ....1818 24 Indiana 1816 25 Ohio 1802 26 Vermont... 1791 •27 Michigan.. 1837 28 Wisconsin.. 1848 Wheeling . . Nashville. . . Frankfort . . Springfield . Indianapolis. Columbus. . . Montpelier,. Lansing . .. Madison . . . 447,943 1,258,326 1,323,261 2,540,216 1,688,169 2,652,302 333,235 1,184,168 1,652,168 WEST OF THE MISSISSIPI. *-9 Arkansas... 1836 30 Missouri. ..1821 31 Iowa 1845 32 Minnesota.. 1857 33 Kansas ...1861 34 Nebraska.. 1867 Little-Roc, on the Arkansas. Jefferaon-City Iowa City Saint-Paul on the Mississippi Compton Omahu.... • •' 486,108 1,714,102 l,i32,938 460,039 353,132 116,838 STATES ON THE PACIFIC. 35 California.. 1850 «»/» f\ loeo i>o v/r-cguu. . . . i v^n 37 Nevada.... 1864 Sacramento City. CI-. Carson. 656,208 on *t*tR 41,00« 34 GEOaRAPUY. The territories are ; Name, Capitalt, 1 Alaska Sitka. 2 Washington Olyinpia 3 Haho Boise City. 4 Montana Helena. 6 Dackotah Yankton on the Missouri. 6 Wyoming Cheyenne. 7 Utah Salt-Lake City. 8 Colorado. Denvers. 9 Arizona .... Prescott. 10 New-Mexico Santa-Fe. 11 Indian Territory Tahlequah. Mountains. — Two great mountain-chains, the Kocky Mountains and the Alleganies, extend from north to south, and divide the country into four great natural regions : 1st the Atlantic basin ; 2nd the basin of the Gulf of Mexico; 3rd the basin of great Lakes ; 4th that of the Pacific. Rivers. — A great number of rivers traverse the Atlantic basin ; the most important are the Kennebec, Penobscot, Connecticut, Hudson, Delaware, Susque- hanna, Potamac, James, and Savannah. The Mississipi, which receives on the west the waters of the Missouri ; the Arkansas, and Red River ; on the east, the Illinois and Ohio, belong to the basin of the Gulf of Mexico; the Rio Grande empties into the same gulf. The Co- lumbia and the Colorado are the largest rivers that faU into the Pacific. . - Lakes. — Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair, Erie, Ontario, Champlain, Salt Lake, &c. Canals and. Railroads. — Canals and Railroads cross the United States in every direction, and connect the principal cities. The Atlantic communicates with the Pacific by a railroad, inaugurated in 1869. Capital and chief towns.— The capital is Wash- iligtoD, on the Potomac, in the district of Columbia* REPUBLIC OV MEXICO. 86 i Othercltleaworthy of note are numerous; commencinjr at the north : Portland, Boston, New York, thelarcrest city in America; Philadelphia,BaUimore,Charleston, bavannah ; New-Orleans and St. Louis, on the Missiasipi ; Cincinnati, on the Ohio ; Chicapjo, on lake Michigan ; Detroit, on the river Detroit ; San Francisco, on the Pacific, Climate and soil. — The climate is temperate ; in the south of the United States it is very warm. The soil is in general very fertile. Exports. — The United States export quantities of grain, cotton, tobacco, sugar, and the products of its numerous manufactures. Its commerce is the most ex- tensive in the world, if we except that of England. Population and religion. —The population is 38,281,000 ; the majority profess the protestant religion. Government The United States form a Federal republic. The centrat government consists of a President, elective every 4 years, a Senate, and a House of Repre- sentatives. REPUBLIC OF MEXICO.— (Pop. 9,090,000.) Boundaries. — This country, which is five times as large as the province of Quebec, is situated between tlie Gulf of Mexico on the oast, and the Pacific on thti west. On the north, it borders upon the United States, and on the south-east, upon the Republic of Guatemala. Division. — Mexico is divided into 50 departments. Mountains. — A chain of mountains called the Sierra Madre, and Cordilleras of An ahuac, divide Mexico into two great basins. It encloses a vast plateau or table-land, which widens towards the south. Rivers and lakes. — Mexico contains few rivers. The most important drain the region of the Gulf of Mexico : the largest is Eio Grande ; the Colorado drains 36 OEOaRAPHY. the Puclfic b;isln. The lakes Tezcuco, Chapula iiud Tamiaguu, arc the largest in Mexico. Capital and chief towns.-— The city of Mexico, on lake Tezcaco, is the capital of Mexico. The most important towns are : Vera Cruz, La Puebla, St. Louis- de-Potosi, Valladolid, Acapulco, San-Blus. Climate and soil. — The climate is temperate on the plateau, on the sea-coast it is hot. The soil is in general very fertile. This country is noted for its mi- neral riches, particularly for its silver mines. Population and religion -Population, 9,090,000, almost wholly Catholic. Government. — The government is republican. CENTRAL AMERICA.— (Pop. 2,500,000.) Boundaries. — Central America is the name given to the narrowest part of the continent. It is bounded north by Mexico ; north-east and east, by the Carib- bean Sea ; on the south-east it meets New Granada ; on the west and south-west, it is washed by the Pacific Ocean. Mountains. — It is traversed by a chain of moun- tains, generally called Sierra Madre, which is a continu- ation of the great American ridge. There are more than 36 volcanos, several of which are in action. Rivers and lakes. — Numerous streams follow the declivities of the Sierra Madre, but their course is of no great length, especially on the Pacific side. The Mota- gua, Ulua, Bsoondido, and the San Juan, which issues from lake Nicai'agua, are the most important that fall into the Caribbean Sea. Climate. — The climate is variable ; the heat is op- pressive in the plains and deep valleys, while the moun- tain declivities and the table-lands enjoy the mildest temperature. CENTRAL AMERICA. 89 Soil. — The soil Is exlfemely fertile, but ii)uch exposed to violent earthrjuiikes, which have Bonietiines swullowod up cities and whole tribes. Religion. — The Catholic religion prevails throughout Central America. "Division and government — Central America forms five separate states; the government of each ia republican. Guatemala. — Guatemala, situated on the north- west, is tho hirTCH ISLANDS. St. Pierre, Miquelon.— These islands are situated south of Newfoundland. Guadeloupe. — France possesses under the name of Gover7immt of Guadeloupe, the islands of Guadeloupe Mary Galante, les Saintes, and the French part of St. loo^nnA ^^® **^*^^ population of this Government is liJ3,000. The capital is Basse-Terre {Low-Land). . ^^artinique— This rich and fertile island contains 137,000 inhabitants. Its capital is St. Pierre. ' SPANISH ISLANDS. Cfuba — Cuba may be called the queen of the West Indian Islands. Its populatiion is 1,500,000 souls. The capital is Ilavanna, one of the finest sea-ports in all these Islands. T P^^^^j^i^O-.—Porto Rico IS situated east of Hayti. It IS noted for its sugar. Population 510,000. San Juan of Porto Rico is its capital. 40 OEOGRAPHY. • DANISH ISLANDS. Greenland.-This vast ^nd gloomy eountry m^^^^ be called a continent. The Bane, have a J^^^^^^^^^^^ divided into twoIn8pectorates:--thcNorma^^^^^^ The chief settlements are : J"^^^"-^^'^^;^! Uppernavik, the post nearest to the North Pole ^ Other Islands.-The Danes possess also the islands St. Croix and Tortole, in the Caribbean Sea. DUTCH ISLANDS. The Dutch possess a part of ^^^l«^^^"tf;; ^^.J^ Saba, St. Eustache, and Curagoa, m he Lesser Antilles. The island St. Bartholomew belongs to Sweden. ^ Wavti — Havti is the only independent island in the ments • the eastern part is the HepuDiio oi^^ Tth a population of 210 000 soak ; *^ "^ J. opu- ■n,.m!n™ The west is the Eepuhlio of Hayti , us poiiu kS no 000 souls. Its capital is Port B«P«bUcan Island? the Bermudas? the Ba- Dutch? Uqw is nay ^ hanias ? Jamaica? What are the SOUTH AMERICA. (Population. (25,600,000.) Boundaries.-South America is bounded, nortjhjby Masellan ; and west, by the PaciBo. SOUTH AMERICA. M and the Atlantic. The Parime system or Eastern Andes, and the Brazilian system, are the northern ".ad southern limits of the valley of the Amazon. Those mountains contain a great number of volcanoes. Rivers — The chief rivers belong to the Atlantic, and Caribbean basin. The most important of these rivers are : the Magdalena, Orinoco, and the Amazon, the largest river in the world ; the Tocantinas, San Francisco, and Rio de la Plata. There are no large rivers on the narrow western slope of the Andes. Gulfs — The only large gulfs are those of Panama, Guayaquil and Guaiteca, on the western coast. Divisions.— South America comprises 10 inde- pendent states, 3 colonies, and one uncivilized country Patagonia. The independent states compri.'e one mo- narchy, the empire of Brazil ; the nine others are Be- publics : New Granada, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bo- livia, Chili, the Argentine republic or de la Plata,' Pa- raguay, and Uruguay. The 3 colonies are : British Guiana, Dutch Guiana and French Guiana. Climate. — The climate is hot in all the states of South America, except in Patagonia where it is cold. On the table-lands of the Republics that border the Pa- cific, the climate is more temperate and generally very mild. Soil and productions — The soil is exceedingly fertile in nearly all those states and the products are rich and varied ; there are great mineral riches, espe- cially in Peru and Bolivia. Government.— Nine of these fourteen states are governed as republics. Brazil is the only monarchy on the whole American continent, its government is consti- tutional. ^ Questions.— How is South Ame rica bounded ? What are the mountains ? rivers ? gults V How is it divided? What is the cll- niate ? the soil and productions ? the form of government ? 42 GEOGRAPHY. NEW GRANADA.— (Population 2,500,000.) Boundaries.— This Republic, which is more than twice the Province of Quebec, lies partly in North America ; its northern boundary being Costa-Rica. It is bounded east by Venezuela ; south, by Brazil and Ecua- dor ; it is washed on the north by the Caribbean Sea and on the west, by the Pacific. Divisions. — New Granada is a Federal Republic, composed of 9 states. It is also called the United States of Columbia. Mountains and rivers.— The Andes, in two ranges, divide this republic into three natural regions, and give rise to a great nnraber of rivers.^ The Magda- lena river is the largest which empties into the Carib- bean Sea. Capital and chief towns. — The capital is Santa- Fe-de- Bogota. This Republic, lying on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific basin, has. the sea-ports of Carthagena, Aspinwall, Porto-Bello and Chagres on the Caribbean Sea. Panama, joined to Aspinwall by a railroad, is on the Pacific. QoESTio\s.— What is the popu- are the mountains and rivers ? lation of New Granada? the boun- the capital and chief towns ? darids ? How is it divided ? What T VENEZUELA.— (Population 1,600,000.) Boundaries. — This Republic, which is twice the size of the Province of Quebec, lies entirely on the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. It is bounded north by the Caribbean Sea ; east, by the Atlantic and Guiana j south, by Brazil ; and west, by New Granada. Mountains and rivers. — The most westerly ridge of the Andes in New Granada extends into Vene- ZUCiU, Uliuur UiiiUiUUb uuuiud, auu acpaiavcc • • • - LliJV UCilLTUfU ries of the Caribbean Sea from those of the Atlantic. EQUADOR. 43 T The Orinoco is the largest river that falls into the Atr lantic. Lakes. — Lake Maracaybo is the largest on this part of the continent ; north of this lake is "the gulf of the same name. Divisions. — Venezuela is a Federal Republic, com- posed of 20 states. Capital and chief towns.— Caraccas is the capi- tal. Puerto-Cabollo, Maracaybo, Cumana, Barcelona and Valencia, are the most important towns. QuE3Tr()\3.— What is the popu- The mountains and rivers ? The lation of Venezuela f What are lakes ? The capital and chief the boundaries ? The divisions ? towns ? ECUADOR.— (Population 1,040,000.) Boundaries.— This Republic, which is one half larger than the Province of Quebec, lies on the two declivities of the Andes. It is bounded on the north by New-Granada ; on the east, by Brazil ; on the south, by Peru and on the west, by the Pacific. Mountains.— The Andes extend from north to south. Its largest rivers flow towards the Atlantic. The Amazon and its numerous tributaries drain this region. Capital and chief towns.— The capital, Quito, lies near the equator, at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet above the level of the sea. Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Loja, are the most important towns. Ecuador is noted for its gold mines, and Panama hats. Questions.— What is the popu- ries ? Mountains and rivers? Ca- lation of Ecuador ? Its bounda- pital and chief towns ? PERU.—CPopulation 2,500,000.) Boundaries. — This republic, which is twice and J larger than our nrovincft. ia situated r»n tho Pa^^ifi^ and the valley of the Amazon. It is bounded on the 44 GEOaRAPHY. north, by Ecuador ; on the east, by Brazil ; on the south, by Bolivia ; and on the west, by the Pacific. Mountains and rivers.— The Cordilleras of the Andes, run north and south dividing it into two great natural regions. The principal rivers flow towards the Atlantic ; they are tributaries to the Amazon. The rivers that flow from the wester- 'orb of the Andes, and empty into the Pacific, are ' and of little im- portance. Lake Titicaca is on the southern frontier. 'Capital and chief towns. — Lima, on the river Rimac, is the capital of this Republic. Callao, lea, Arequipa, Cuzco are the chief cities. Near the coast are the little islands, Lobos and Chincha, covered with quantities of guano, an excellent compost. Peru is noted for its gold mines. QoESTioxa. — What is the popu- Mountains and rivers ? Capital lation of Peru ? The boundaries ? and chief towns ? BOLIVIA.— (Population 2,200,000.) Boundaries. — This Republic which separated from Peru in 1798, and became independent in 1810, is once and f the size of our Province. It is bounded on the north-east by Peru ; east, by Brazil ; south, by the Argentine Republic and Chili; and west, by the Pacific. Mountains and rivers. — The Andes traverse Bolivia, from north to south ; another ran^e runs towards Brazil. These ranges divide the country into 3 regions : ; 1st the Pacific basin, drained by none but small streams ; 2d the basin of the Amazon, drained by some important tributaries ; 3d the basin of Rio de la Plata, watered by large rivers which flow towards the south. Capital and chief towns. — The capital is Chu-i quisaca. La Paz and Potosi, are the most importaat. cities. ^ I Bolivia is noted for its gold and silver mines. QuBSTiONS.— What is the popu- boundaries ? Its mountains and lation of Bolivia ? What are its rivers ? Capital and chiet cities ? OHILI. 45 CHILI.— (Population 1,600,000.) Boundaries.— Chili is a little more them } the size of the Province of Quebec, and is the only country in South America, lying entirely on the Pacific. It is bounded north by Bolivia ; east, by La Plata; south, by Patagonia ; west, by the Pacific. Mountains and rivers.— This country which ie picturesque, fertile, and salubrious, is nearly isolated from the rest of the continent by the chain of the Andes. The rivers of Chili are short : two only, the Biobio and the Maule are navigable. Capital and chief towns.— The Capital is San- tiago on the Mapochu ; Valparaiso, La Serena, Concep- tion, Valdivia and San Carlos, in the island of Chiloe, (which belongs to Chili) are the most important cities. QuEsnoNS. — What is the popu- boundaries? monntains and rir- lation of Chili T What are the ere ? Capital and chief towns ? THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC— (Population 1,720,000.) Boundaries. — This Republic, five times a& large as our Province, lies wholly on the Atlantic-basin. It is bounded on the north by Bolivia ; on the east, by Pa- raguay, Brazil, Uruguay and the Atlantic j on the south, by Patagonia ; on the west, by Chili. Mountains and rivers. — The Andes extend along the western border, while the eastern section is broken by the most southerly ridges of the Brazilian mountains. The rivers which water this country empty into the Atlantic. The most important is Panama which receives on the right the Paraguay, augmented by the waters of the Pitcoraayo, Vermejo ; the Salado is another tributary; lower down, on the left, it receives the Uruguay. At this junction, the Rio de la Plata is formed, which has more the appearance of a gulf than of a river. 46 GEOaRAPllY. 14 stntca. It is known under the name of the ArGi;cntlne Con f'e Juration. Capital and chief to"wns.— Buenos Ayrcs is the capital ; Parana, 8anta-Fe, Corriontes, Mendoza, Salta, Tucuiuan and Catamarca are the chief towns. This country is noted for its rich pasture lands, and its numerous herds of cattle which graze in those im- mense natural prairies called pampas. QuKSTiONS.— What is the popu- boundaries ? Mountaina and riv- lation of the Argentine Republic ? era 'I Oapital and chief towns 'i How is it divided ? What are the PARAGUAY.— (Population 1,340,000.) Boundaries. — This republic which is about J the size the Province of Quebec, is situated between Brazil on the east ; the Argentine Republic on the south and west ; and Bolivia Oii the north-west. Rivers. — Its rivers flow into the Atlantic ; Parana in the eaet, Paraguay in the v^est are the largest. Capital and chief towns. — Assumption, on the Paraguay, is the capital j Villa Rica is the second in importance. Questions. — What is the popu- daries? Name the rivers? Ca- .latlon of Paraguay 7 Its boun- pital? URUGUAY.— (Population 242,000.) Boundaries. — Uruguay is about one sixth the ex- tent of our Province. This Republic is bounded on the north by Brazil ; on the east, by the Atlantic ; on the south, by the Rio de la Plata ; and on the west, by the Argentine Republic. Rivers. — The rivers of Uruguay all empty into the Atlantic. The principal are, Rio de la Plata on the S0U — Oiwfcvicejr vii iiu\ uuu iLrvx'uvi, uLivc aix\j TT \javt BRAZIL. 4/1 !)apital. — Monte-Video, on the Rio de la Plata, ia the capital. QuRSTioNa.— What is tho popu- dariea? Rivers? Capital? of Uruguay ? What aro the boun- BRAZIL.— (Population 11,000,000.) Boundaries. — Brazil is bounded north, by New Granada, Venezuela and Guiana ; north-east, east, and south-east, by the Atlantic; south-west and west, by Uruguay, the Argentine Republic, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. iExtent. — Brazil is the largest country in South America. It contains 3,850,000 square miles, being 18 times larger than the Province of Quebec. Mountains. — The Parime Mountains south or Guiana, the Brazilian which border the valley of the Amazon on the south, and the Sierra-do-Mar, parallel to the coast, are the principal chains in which the rivers have their source. Rivers. — The principal rivers are : the Amazon and its numerous tributaries ; the Tocantinas, San-Francisco, Uruguay, Parana and Paraguay. Capital and chief tow"ns. — Rio-Janeiro is the capital, it is situated on a magnificent bay. Among the chief towns are : Espirito-Santo, San-Salvador, Pernam- buco and Para. Government. — Brazil is the only monarchical gov- ernment in all America. The government is constitutional. This country is noted for its rich mines, numerous herds of cattle, and dye-woods. QtTRSTioNS. — What 18 the popu- pital and chief towns ? Govern* lation of Brassil ? Its boundaries ? inent 7 ^oted products ? Extent ? Mountains ? Kivers ? Ca- GUIANA.— (Population 330,000.) Boundaries. — Guiana is bounded on the north by the Atlantic ; on the east and south, by Brazil ; on the west, by Venezuela. 48 GBOaOAPHY, Divisions and capitals.— Guiana forms three co- lonies : French Guiana, capital Cayenne, is the most easterly ; Dutch Guiana, capital Paramaribo, is in the centre ; British Guiana, capital Georgetown, is the most westerly. PATAGONIA.— (Population 400,000.) Boundaries. — Patagonia is a desolate and savage country, lying south of Chili and the Argentine Republic ; it is washed on the east by the Atlantic, and on the west by the Pacific. The long and winding strait of Magellan, separates it from Terra del Fuogo ; and to the south- cast, the strait of LeMaire separates this island from Staten Island. Further to the east are the Malouines or Falkland Islands. Finally, towards the south, there are several islands, almost always buried in snow and ice. QOBSTioNS— What is the popu- lation of Quiana? Ist boundaries.' Divisions f How is Patagonia sit- uated ? What ia said of Um isianda around it f EUROPE. (Population, 278,000,000.) BoundarieS.^Europe is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean; on the east, by the Ural Mountains, Ural river, and the Caspian Sea ; on the south, by the Caucasian mountains, the Black Sea, Strait of Constan- tinople, the Sea of Marmora, the Strait of Dardanelles, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Strait of Gibraltar; on the west, by the Atlantic. Ijxtent. — Europe is the smallest in extent of flie five grand divisions of the earth ; being about 3,800 miles in length and 2,700 in breadth ; but it is the most important as regards power, commerce, and civilization. Seas. — There are three great seas bordering on Europe : the Arctic Ocean on the north ; the Atlantic on the west ; and the Mediterranean on the south. These three principal seas form twelve smaller ones. J ^ EUROPE. 49 ! The Arctic Ocean forms two : the Kara, and White Sea, north of Russia. The Atlantic forms five : the Baltic, between Sweden, Ruj'sia, and Prussia ; the North Sea, between Denmark, Germany, Ilollnnd, Great Britain, and Norway ; the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland ; the English Channel, between France and England; the Buy of Biscay, between France and Spain. The Mediterranean forms five: the Adriatic or Gulf of Venice, east of Italy ; the Archipelago or^Egean Sea, east of Greece ; the Sea of Marmora, between Turkey ia Europe and Turkey in Asi& ; the Black Sea, betweea Europe and Asia ; the Sea of Azov in Russia. The Caspian Sea, which communicates with no other body of water, might properly be styled a great lake. Straits. — The Seas of Europe are connected by 15 principal straits, viz : the Waygatz, to the north of Rus- sia; five connect the north Sea with the Baltic; the Skager-Rack and Cattegat, the Sound, the Great Belt, and small Belt ; the straits of Dover, between France and Eng- land ; St. George's Channel and the North Channel, be- tween Ireland and Great Britain ; one strait connects the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, that of Gibraltar, be- tween Spain and Africa ; the strait of Bonifacio, between ^ Corsica and Sardinia ; the strait of Messina, betweea Sicily and Italy; the Dardanelles and the strait of Cons- ; tantinople, bc3tween Europe and Asia; the strait of Yenikaleh which connects the Black Sea with the sea of Azov. Gulfs. —There are twelve principal gulfs in Europe ; the Gulf of Bothnia, Finland, and Riga, formed by the Baltic Sea ; the Gulf of Murray, Forth, and Zuider Zee, formed by the North Sea ; Bristol Channel, west of En- , gland; the Gulf of Lyons, Genoa, Taranto, Lepanto, and Salonica, formed by the Mediterranean Sea. ; Islands. — The seas of Europe contain a great num- ; ber of islands, which may however be reduced to eight si 50 GEOaaAPHY. princ'pal Islands or pronps, viz ; in the Arctic Ocean, Spitzborp^en and Nova Zouibla, which belong to Russia; in the Atlantic, Iceland, which bolonj^s to Denmark ; Great Britain and Ireland, which are the largest of tho British Lsles ; in the Mediterranean, Corsica, which now forms a department of Franco ; Sardinia and Sicily, which form a part of the Kingdom of Italy. Peninsulas and Isthmuses.— Tho coast of Eu- rope is deeply indented, forming six principal peninsulas : Sweden and Norway, Denmark, Spain and Portugal, Italy, the Morea, and Crimea. The two principal isthmuses are Corinth and Perekop. Mountains and Volcanoes.— Europe is traversed from north-east to south-west by a long mountain ridge, which, under diflferent names, extends from Asia to the strait of Gibraltar, and separates it into two great regions: one sloping towards the Arctic and the Atlantic Ocean ; the other towards the interior seas. The Ural and Caucasian Mountains separate Europe from Asia. The Dofrefield or Scandinavian Alps, are between Sweden and Norway ; the Pyrennes, between France and Spain ; the Alps, between France, Italy, and Switzerland ; the Ap- penines, which traverse Italy; the Carpathian mountains in Austria; the Balkan in Turkey. The principal vol- canoes are : Mount Hecla in Iceland, Vesuvius in Italy, and Mont Etna in Sicily. Rivers The principal rivers which drain the northern slope, are : the Petchora and Dwina, which fall into the Arctic Ocean ; the Dwina, Niemen, Vistula, and Oder, which empty into the Baltic Sea ; the Elbe, Weser, Rhine, Mouse and Scheld empty into the North Sea ; the Seine, into the English Channel ; the Loire, Garonne, Minho, Douro, Tagus, Gaudiana, Gaudal- quiver, fall into the Atlantic. The principal rivers flowing south, are : the Ebro, Rhone, Arno and Tiber, which empty into the Medi- terranean Sea ; the Fo and the Adlge, into the Adriatic ; t BUROPB, M tho Danube, Dncistcr, and Dneiper, fall into the Black Sen. ; the Don, into tho Sea of Azov j the Volga and Ural, into th(j Cawpian Sea. Divisions. —Europe is divided into 18 states, which are cl ssed, as follows : 1st five great Powers;^ France; tho United Kint^dom of Great Britain and Ireland; the Russian Euipire; the Gorman Confederation, or Germany ; and the Austrian P]mpire ; 2d, three second rate Powers ; — the kinj^dom of Spain ; the kingdom of Italy ; and Turkey, or the Ottoman Empire j 3d, ton lesser Powers, of which four are in the north : — Sweden and Norway, or the Scandinavian Monarchy; Denmark ; Holland; and Belgium: one in the middle ; — Switzerland or the Helvetian Confederation : five in the south ; — Por- tugal ; the Pontifical States; Greece; and the Republics of San Marino and Andorra. Climate. — With the exception of the northern part, the climate of Europe is temperate. Italy, and the countries along the Mediterranean, generally enjoy ono of the most delij^htful climates in the world. Soil and Productions — The soil is fertile and Wftll cultivated, ihe production are various ; wheat and other kinds of grain and potatoes are cultivated even in the north of Russia. In the temperate regions, corn, rice, the olive, and wine, form the riches of the inha- bitants ; finnlly, cotton, sugar-oane, and other vegetables which require more heat, are cultivated in some of the southern countries. Coal, tin, copper, lead, and espe- cially iron mines abound, as well as quarries of marble. Population.— The population of Europe is about 278,000,000, all belonging to the Caucasian race, except the Laplanders and Samoeides, and some other unim- portant settlements to the north and east, that belong to the Mongolian race. Religion. — There are 170,000,000 professing catholicity, which is the religion dominant in Irl&l- and, France, Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Baden, 62 GEOaRAPHY. Bavaria, AuBtria, Portugal, Spain and Italy. There are about 60,000,000 eohismatio Greeks ; this is the religion of the majority of the inhabitants of Russia and the principalities of the Danube. The Protestants number above 50,000,000 ; they form the majority in Eng- land, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Norwa /. Germany and Switzerland. In the Ottoman Empire there are more than 3,000,000 Mahometans. There are nearly 3,000,000 Jews, and 150,000 Idolaters who inhabit the north of Europe. Governments. — The greater number of the states of Europe are constitutional monarchies ; the only ex- ceptions are Russia, Turkey, and the Pontifical states, * which are absolute monarchies. There are six republics : France, San Marino, Andorra, Bremen, Hamburg and Lubeck ; these last three form a part of the German Confederation. Questions,— What is the extent divided? What is the climate? of Europe ? How is it bounded ? The soil and prodnctions ? Popu- ISarne the principal Seas f Straits ? lation ? Religion ? What is the Gulfs ? Islands ? Peninsulas and government of the different coun- Isthmuses ? Its mountains ? Vol- tries of Europe ? canoes ? gKivers ? How is Europe BRITISH ISLES.— (Population 29,000,000.) Situation. — The British Isles, to the north of Eu- rope, form a kind of archipelago composed of two large islands, four groups, and seven little islands. The two principal islands are, Great Britain and Ireland. The four groups are, Shetland, the Orkneys, Hebrides and Scilly. The seven small islands are, the Isle of Man and Anglesea, in the Irish Sea ; the Isle of Wight, Al- derney, Guernsey and Jersey in the English Channel : Heligoland in the North Sea. * We devote a short chapter to the Pontifical States, although these States are now under the rule of the king of Italy, for we trust that iho o(jV roign Pontiff will souu bo restored to a tufOuc Oi WuiCu u6 uSS been deprived by the greatest of injustice. BRITISH ISLES. 53 i Extent.— The British Isles contain about 119^24 square miles ; it is a little more than half the extent of the Province of Quebec. Political Divisions.— Great Britain comprises En- gland, which is divided into 40 counties ; the Principal- ity of Wales, divided into 12 counties; and Scotland, 33 counties. Ireland is divided into 4 provinces and 32 counties. Mountains and Rivers.— A chain of mountains extend from south to north, from the strait of Dover to Cape Duncansby, dividing Great Britain into three basins; the eastern, western, and southern. The rivers that follow the declivity of the eastern basin are : the Thames, Humber, Tweed, and Forth. In the west are : the Clyde, Mersey, and Severn. The Shannon is the principal river of Ireland. Capital and Chief Towns— These Isles as a state are termed, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.— The capital is London, on the Thames, containing 3,000,000 inhabitants ; the Thames is navi- gable for the largest vessels. The chief towns are : in En>4and, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth, Canterbury, Oxford, Cambridge, etc. ; in Scotland, Ea.iiburgh, the capital on the Forth ; Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Greenock, etc. ; in Ireland, Dublin is the capital on the Liffey ; chief towns, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Belfast, Londonderry, Sligo, and Galway. Commerce. — By means of its merchant shipping, which consists of nearly 30,000 vessels, England carries on an extensive trade by the exportation and importation of the products of the whole world. This country, un- rivalled for industry and commerce, is intersected by numerous canals and railroads. Colonies.— The Islands which form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, are only a small portion of the British Empire, whose possessions are found in all parts of the world. 64 GEOGRAPHY. The principal British pos^scssions are the following : 1st. In Europe, Gilbraltar and Malta. 2d. In Asia, the greater part of Hindostan, the west coast of Farther-India, Ceylon, and Singapore. 3d. In Africa, Cape Colony, the Isle of France, St. Helena, and sev^eral settlements in Senegambia. 4th. In America, Canada, Newfoundland, Prince Edward's Island, Balize, British Guiana, and more than half of the West India Islands. 5th. In Oceanica, the settlements of New Holland. Population.— The population of the British Isles is estimated at about 29,000,000. The total population of the Empire is about 200,000,000, ornearly one sixth of the whole human race. QUKSTIONS. — What do the Brit- i&h Isles comprise ? What is their eitent? How is Great-Britain divided ? Name the mountains ? What rivers drain the eastern slope? What the western? What is the capital ? What are the prin- cipal towns of England? Scotland? Ireland ? What is said of its com- merce ? Name the principal Brit- ish colonies ? What is the popula- tion of the whole Empire ? FRANCE.— (Population 36,500,000.) ^ Boundaries.— France is bounded on the north by the English Channel, the Strait of Dover, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany; on the east, by Germany, Switzerland and Italy; on the south, by the Mediterra- nean Sea and Spain ; on the west, by the Bay of Biscay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Extent.— France is of the same extent as the Pro- Tince of Quebec. Divisions.— France is divided into 87 departments, which are subdivided into districts ; these districts are further divided into cantons, and these into smaller por- tions called communes. Mountains.— France is divided into two regions by the European ridge ; one sloping towards the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Atlantic ^^- —^ *"' the second to- GERMANY. 55 wards the Mediterranean. The Alps separate France from Italy ; the Jura, from Switzerland ; and the Py- renees, from Spain. Rivers and Lakes.— The rivers which drain the northern slope, are: the Moselle, and the Meuse tributa- ries of the Khine, which flow towards the North Sea ; the Seine, towards the English Channel ; the Loire and the Garonne towards the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay. The Rhone, swelled by the waters of the Soane, is the principal river which empties into the Mediterranean. Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful m Europe. Railroads and Canals.— An extensive network of railroads connect Paris with all the important cities in France, and these with each other. There are 75 canals, which to facilitate commerce, establish communi- cation between certain rivers and seas. Capital and Chief Towns.— Paris, the capital, is on the Seine; this city contains 1,700,000 inhabitants; it ranks first among the cities of Europe, for literature, science, and the arts, and the number and variety ot its monuments. The principal cities of France, m theorder ot their population, are : Lyons, Marseilles, Bordeaux, Rouen, Nantes, Toulouse, Lille, etc. The principal sea- ports are: Toulon, Marseilles, Bayonne, Bordeaux, La Rochefort, Rochelle, Nantes, Brest, St. Malo, Havre, Boulogne,' Calais, and Dankerque. Islands.— .The islands belonging to France are: Corsica, capital Ajaccio ; Camargue Hyeres, in the Mediterranean ; Ushant, Belle-Isle, Noirmoutier, Isle- Dieu, Ile-de-R^, and Oleron, in the Atlantic. QuESTiONS.-What is the popu- tains ? Rivers ? Railroads ? Its lation of France? What are its principal cities ? Principal ports ? boundaries ? Extent ? How is Name the islands belonging t« France divided V Kauie the inoun- France ? /^XprJAl" A XJV /■T>(.^,^]af\nr\ ^« nnn.nnn.^ Boundaries The German Confederation is bounded m GEOGRAPHY. on the north by the North Sea, Jutland, and the Baltic ; on the east, by liussia ; on the south, by Austria, and Switzerland ; on the west, by France, Belgium and Holland. Divisions. — The German Confederation is com- posed of 25 states, viz : 1st four kingdoms, the new kingdom of Prussia, the kingdom of Saxony, Bavaria and Wurtemberg; 2d, six Grand Duchies: Mecklenburg- Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Oldenburg, SaxeWeimer, Baden and Hesse; 3d, five Duchies: Brunswick, Anhalt, Saxe-Meinengen, Saxe-Coburg, andSaxe-Altenburg; 4th, seven principalities : Lippe-Detmold, Reuss, the Elder and the Younger; Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Schwartzburg- Sondershausen, Waldeck, and Schaumburg-Lippe ; 5th, three republics or free cities: Lubeck, Hamburg, and Bremen. IVIountains. — On the southern frontier of Prussia proper are the Sadetio and Giant mountai ; the Hartz mountains are in the west ; mont Eifel is in the south part of Rhenish Prussia. Rivers. — The greater part of Germany lies on the northern slope of Europe : the rivers which empty into the Baltic Sea are : the Niemen,the Pregel, the Vistula, and the Oder ; the Elbe, Weser, Ems, and Rhine are the principal tributaries of the North Sea. The Danube flows towards Austria. Capitals. — The capital of Germany is Berlin, on the Spree. The capitals of the Confederated States bear the same names as the States, except Saxony, capital Dres- den ; the Duchy of Anhalt, capital Dessau ; the princi- pality of Reuss Younger, capital Gera ; Reuss-Elder, capital Greitz ; the principality of Schaumburg-Lippe, capital Biickburg; Bavaria, capital Munich ; Wurtemberg, capital Stuttgardt; Baden, capital Carlsruhe^ Towns — The principal towns of the Confederation are: Treves, Mayeuc-, Coblentz, Cologne, Cleves, Aix- RUSSIA. 6t la-Chapelle, Munster, Hanover, Leipsic, Dantzick, Frank- fort, Stratzbourg, Metz, etc. Railroads. -— The commercial industry of this country has covered it with railroads. The principal centres are Frankfort and Berlin, Questions. — What is the popu- Name the capitals of the German lation of Germany ? What are its Confederation ? The towns ? What boundaries ? How is it divided ? is said of the railroads ? Mame the mountains? Elvers? RUSSIA.— (Population 68,000,000.) Extent. — Russia is more than 2,000,000 square miles in extent ; that is, nearly one half of all Europe, or ten times the Province of Quebec. Boundaries. — Russia is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean ; on the east, by Asia ; on the south, by Caucasia and the Black sea ; on the southwest, and west, by Turkey, Austria, Prussia, the Baltic Sea, Sweden and Norway. Divisions —Russia comprises : 1st, 50 Governments; 2d, the military republic of the Cossacks of the Don ; 3d, the Duchy of Finland ; 4th, the Caucasian territories. Mountains. — From the Valdai mountains, which form a part of the great European ridge, the country is divided into two great basins : the first sloping towards the Arctic Ocean and the Baltic Sea, the second towards the interior seas of the south. The Ural and Caucasian mountains bound it on the east and south. Rivers. — Russia is divided into four maritime basins ; that of the Arctic Ocean, the Baltic, Black Sea,and Caspian Sea. The Kara, Petchora, and North-Dwina, fall into the Arctic Ocean ; the Tornea, Neva, Soutn-Dwina, Niemen, and Vistula, into the Baltic Sea ; the Dc^uube, Dniester, Dnieper, empty into the Black Sea ; the Don into the sea of Azov; the Volga and Ural flow towards the Caspian Sea. f ^ G8 GEOaRAPHT. XjakcS. — Lake Ladoga and Onega are the largest in Europe. Capital and Chief Towns.—St. Petersbourg on the Neva, is the capital. The chief towns are : Moscow, Kazan, Astrakhan, Odessa, Archangel, Riga, Kronstadt. Kussia is remarkable for its rich mineral productions, its furs, timber, and wheat. Questions.— What is the popu- What is the capital ? Chief towns ? lation of Russiii? Its extent ? lioun- For what productions is it remark- daries ? How is it divided? Name able ? the mountains ? Rivers ? Lakes ? AUSTRIA.— (Population 34, 500,000.) Boundaries. — The Austrian Empire is bounded on the north by Germany and Russia; on the east, by Ruf^sia and Turkey ; on the south, by Turkey, the Adriatic sea, and Italy; on the west, by Switzerland and Bavaria. Extent. — The extent of the Empire of Austria is about the same as that of the Province of Quebec. Divisions. — The Austrian Empire is not peopled by one great nation, it is made up of various people, differing in manners, institutions, and language. It may be divided into two regions: Austrian Germany and the Slavonic and Hungarian States. The first comprises the kingdom of Bohemia, capital Prague ; the Margraviate of Moravia, capital Brunn; the Arch-duchy of Austria, the Duchies of Salzburg and Styria ; Tyrol, the Duchies of Corinthia and Carniola, and Illyria. The second comprises : the kingdom of Galicia, the Duchy of Buckowina ; the kingdom of Hungary, capital Buda or Ofen; Transylvania ; the millitary Frontier on the borders o^ Turkey comprising Croatia, Sclavonia, Serbia, and Banat. IMCountains. — The Carpathian mountains extend from east to west. The Alps border this country on the south. SPAIN. 50 Rivers — The rivers of thi-? country flow into tho Baltic, the North Sea, the Adriatic, and the Black Sea : the most remarkable is the Danube, which empties into the Black Sea after passing through Turkey. Capital and Chief To-wns.— Vienna, the capital is on the Danube ; Trieste, Perth and Lemberg are tlie chief towns. QUEaTios.— "Whatisthe popula* Germany? Of the Slavcmic and latiim of Austria? Its boundaries? Hungarian States? Name the Its extent? How is it divided? mountains? Rivers? Caipital aaad What are the divisions of Avrstrian chief towns t SPAItT.-— (Population 16,000,000.) Boundaries. — Spain is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees ; on the east, by &ie Mediterranean ; on the soutoh, by the Mediterranean and the Strait of GibraHar ; on the west, by Portugal and the Atlantic. Extent.— Spain in extent of territory, is a little smaller than the Province of Quebec. Mountains.— The Iberian mountains, a countinua- tion of the great European chain, divide Spain into two basins, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic; the Pyrenees are on' the northern frontier; the Asturias, the mountains of Castile, of Toledo, and the Sierra Morena, extend from east to west, with valleys between, which are drained by the principal rivers that fall into the Atlantic. Rivers. — The Minho, Douro, Tagus, Gaudiana, and Guadalquiver, belong to the Atlantic basin. The Ebro is the largest river falling into the Mediterranean. Capital and Chief Towns. — Madrid, near the centre, is the capital. The chief towns are: Barcelona, Valencia, Cordova, Seville, Granada, Cadiz, Valladolid. The Balearic islands, in the Mediterranean, bebng to Spain : the principal are: Majorca, Minorca, and ivica. Spain is D0t«d for its wines, wool, and fruits. 60 GEoaaAPiiY. QuESTroNS.— What is the popa- chief towns ? To whom Jo tho fial- lation of Spoin? Itg extent? What eoric islands belong? For what are its boun laries i Name the prin- produotlona ia Spain noted ? oipal mountains ? Rivers ? Capital ITALY.— (Population 25, 000,000.) Boundaries.— Italy is bounded on the northwest, north, and northeast, by the Alps, which separate it from France, Switzerland, and Austria ; on the east, south, and west, this peninsula is washed by the waters of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Extent. — The kingdom of Italy is a little more than half the size of the Province of Quebec. Divisions. — Italy comprises two States : the king- dom of Italy, and the republic of San Marino. The Kingdom of Italy is composed of the following States, which Victor Emanuel, King of Italy, has wrested from their lawful sovereigns : the kingdom of Sardinia, the principality of Monaco, the kingdom of Venetian Lom- bardy, the duchies of Parma, Modena, and Tuscany, the kingdom of Naples, and finally the Pontifical States. Mountains — The Alps and Apenines are the prin- cipal mountains of Italy ; they form, together, one great chain, which extends from the northern frontier to the Strait of Messina, separating the peninsula into two declivities or basins : the east sloping towards the Adriatic, the west, towards the Mediterranean. Mont ^tna, in the island of Sicily, (which, with the island of Sadarnia, be'ongsto this kingdom,) and MountVesuvius, nearNaple, are the only volcanoes in Europe. Rivers. — The Po is the principal river, falling into the Adriatic. The Arno and Tiber are the largest oa the opposite declivity. Capital and Chief Towns. — Florence, the capital, is on the Arno; Rome on the Tiber; Genoa, Turin, Milan, Mantua, Cremona, Brescia, Verona, Venice, Bolog;- I 1 1 r i ' TURKEY. 61 1 1 r i na, Ancona, Gaeta, Naples, Messina, Syracase, and Pal- enna, are the chief towns. Italy is noted for its rich minerals, its beautiful mar- ble, alabaster, porphyry, its sulphur, etc. Questions. — "What is tho popu- the kingdom of Italy ? Name the lation of tho kingdom of Italy ? Its mountains. Rivers. Capital. Chief boundaries ? Its extent ? How is towns. What are the products ? it divided? What states compose TURKEY.— (Population 15,500,000.) Boundaries. — Turkey is bounded on the north by Austria and Russia ; on the east, by the Black Sea ; on the south-east, by the strait of Constantinople, the sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles; on the south, by the Archipelago and Greece; on the west, by the Adriatic, and Austria. Extent. — Turkey is nearly as large as the Province of Quebec. Divisions. — Turkey in Europe is divided into two principal parts : Turkey Proper, and the principalities of the Danube. There are two Principalities tributary to Turkey; they are known under the names of Molda- Wallachia and Servia. Mountains. — In the west are the eastern Alps, which separate the Black-Sea-basin from that of the Adriactio. The Balkan mountains separate the tributa- ries of the Black Sea from those of the Archipelago and the sea of Marmara. Rivers. — The Danube empties into the Black Sea. The Maritza and the Verdar fall into the Archipelago. Capital and Chief To"wns. — Constantinople, the capital of Turkey, is situated on a strait of the same name. Adrianople, Salonica, Bukarest, capital of Wal- lachia, and Belgrade, capital of Servia, are the chief towns. Turkey is noted for its tobacco, fruits, and carpets. 62 GEOGRAPHY. QuKSTioNa.— What is the popu- Name the mountftins. Kivers. Cap. Ifltion of Turkey V Its boundaries? ital. Chief towus. Its extent? ilow is it divided? SCANDINAVIAN MONARCHY.— (Pop. 5,500,000.) Boundaries. — This kingdom, equal in oxtent to once and a half the Province of Quebec, is a large penin- aula washed by the waters of the Baltic, the Atlantic, and the straits which connect these two seas. It is joined, on the north-east, to Russia by the isthmus ot Lapland. Mountains and Rivers.— The Dofrefield or Scan- dinavian mountains traverse it from north to south, separating, near the middle, into two branches. Ihis chain diVides the country into three nataral regions: the basin of the Baltic, that of the straits, and that ot the Atlantic. The principal streams that empty into the Baltic are: the Tornea, Lulea, Pitea, Motala, etc. ihe Gotha and the Glommen belong to the basin of the Straits. Capital and Chief Towns. — Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. The principal towns are : Gottenborg, Malnio, Carlskrona, and Upsala. Christiama is the capital of Norway ; the principal towns are: Drotheim, Bergen, Hongsburg, and Christiansand. Sweden i& noted for its timber and iron. DENMARK.— (Population 1,600,000.) Boundaries. — Denmark is a small peninsula, wash- ed by the waters of the Bciltic and the North sea. It is bounded on the south by Germany. Divisions This small kingdom comprises Jutland, and several islands situated at the mouth of the Baltic ; the most remarkable are: Zealand, Funen, and Laland. Iceland and the Faroe islands, in the Atlantic, belong to Denmark. Copenhagen, on the Sound, is the capital ; BELGIUM. G3 it has one of the finest ports in Europe. The chief towns are : Elsinore, Roskildo, Odense, Wiborg and Aarhuus. BELGIUM.— (Population 4,800,000.) Boundaries. — This small kingdom, about ein^h teen times less in size than the Province of Quebec, is bound- ed on the north by Holland ; on the east, by Holland and Prussia ; on the south, by France ; and on the west, by the North Sea. Capital and Chief Towns.— Brussels is the cap- ital. The chief towns are : Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, Liege, Bruges, Tournay, Louvain, Mecklin. Belgium'is noted for its carpets, its liquors, its cotton and linen stuffs. HOLLAND.— (Population 3,500,000.) Boundaries. — Holland, which is not quite as large as Belgium, is bounded on the north and west, by the North Sea ; on the east, by Germany ; and on the south, by Belgium. Capital and Chief Towns.— -The capital is The Hague. The chief towns are : Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Leyden, and Utrecht. Holland is noted for its linens, gin, and cheese. Holland possesses in the south of Belgium, the Du- chy of Luxemburg. QtESTiQNS' — What are tho boun- daries of Norway and Sweden? Name the mountains. Rivers. Capital. Chief towns. For what productions ia Sweden noted ? What are the boundaries ol Den- mark ? How is it divided ? What is the oanital ? Ghief towns ? How is Belgium bounded? What is the capital? Chief towns? For what productions is it noted? How is Holland bounded ? What is the capital ? Chief towns ? What are the productions of Holland ? To what power does Luxerabur<5 b«- lona? 04 OEoaRApiiy. SWITZERLAND.— (Population 2,531,000.) Boundaries. — Switzerland is bounded on the nortli by (lerinany ; on the east, by Austria; on the south, by Italy ; on the west, by France. Division. — The Helvetian Confederation is compo- Bed of 22 cantons. Capital and Chief Towns.— Berne on the Aar is the Capital of the Helvetian Confederation. Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Zurich are the chief towns. PORTUGAL.—(Population 8,800,000.) Boundaries.— Portugal is one third larger than New Brunswick. It is bounded on the north and east by Spain ; on the south and west, by the Atlantic. Mountains and Rivers.— Portugal is a moun- tainous country. It lies wholly on the Atlantic-basin. The principal rivers are : the Minho, Douro, Mondego, the Tagus, and Gaudiana. Capital and Chief Towns —Lisbon, on the Tagus, is the capital. The principal towns are : Oporto, Coiinbra, Lagos, Evora and Braganza. PONTIFICAL STATES.— (Population 728,000.) Boundaries —This little state is 30 times less in size than the Province of Quebec. It is bounded on the north, east, and south, by the Kingdom of Italy; and on the west, by the Mediterranean. Capital and Chief Towns.— Rome, situated on the Tiber, is the capital. The principal towns are: Ostia, Civita-Vecchia, Viterbo, Tivoli, Velletri, and Albano. ASIA. 65 GREECE.— (Population 1,500,000.) Boundaries This small kingdom is one fifth less in extent than Nova Scotia. It is a peninsula, washed by the waters of the Archipelago and the Mediterranean. It is bounded on the north by Turkey. The Ionian isles, lying to the west, form a part of this State. Capital and Chief Towns. — Athens is the capital. Principal towns: Lepanto, Livadia, Thebes, Tripolitza, Argos, Corinth, Navarino, Napoli-de-Romania. Republic of San Marino. — It is situated at the foot of the Apennines. Extent, 13 miles in circuit. Cap- ital. San Marino. Republic of Andorra. — It is situated in the midst of the Pyrenees. QoFSTiONS.— What are the boun- Rivers. Bouudarieg of Greece* daries of Portugal ? Capital ? Capital. Chief towns. Where is Towns? Boundaries of the Pontifi- the Republic of San Marino? Of oal States ? Capital ? Chief towns ? Andorra ? Name the mountains of Portugal. ASIA. (Population 750,000,000.) Extent. — Asia, the richest and most extensive of the five grand divisions of the globe, is 5,600 miles in length and 5,000 in breadth ; it is about one sixth larger than America. Boundaries. — It is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean ; on the east,by the Pacific ; on the south, by the Indian Ocean ; on the west, by the Red Sea, the isthmus of Suez, the Mediterranean, the Archipelago, the strait of Dardanelles, the sea of Marmara, the Strait of Constantinople, the Black Sea, the Caucasian mountains, the Caspian Sea, the Ural river and mountains. Seas. — Asia la watered by four great Seas : the Arctic 66 GEOGRAPHT. Ocean on the uorth ; the Pacific on the east ; the Indian Ocean on the south, and the Mediterranean on the west. These four seas form twelve smaller ones. The Arctic Ocean forms the Sea of Kara. The Pacific forms six: the seas of Kamtchatka, Okhotsk, Japan,Corean orYellow, Eastern Sea, and China Sea. The Indian Ocean forms two : theGulf of Oman or Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea. The Mediterranean forms three : the Archipelago, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The Caspian and Aral Seas are two great salt lakes. Straits There are seven principal straits in Asia : those of Constantinople and Dardanelles, between Europe and Asia; the strait of Babel-Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea with the gulf of Aden ; the strait ot Ormus, between Arabia and Persia; the strait ot Malacca, between the peninsula of Malacca and the Island of Sumatra; the channel of Formosa, which connects the Eastern and Chinese Seas; Bhering's strait, between Asia and America. Gulfs.— The coast line is very irregular, forming eight principal gulfs : the gulf of Obi, of Anadir, ot Petchili, of Touquin, Siam, Bengal, Cambay, and the Persian gulf. Islands The principal islands of Asia lie in the Pacific, and form the empire of Japan. There are, also, the island of Ceylon, which belongs to the English ; the island of Hainau, in the Chinese Sea; the island of 1^ or- mosa; the Kurile and Aleutian Islands. Peninsulas.— There are eight peninsulas : Anatolia, or Asia Minor, Arabia, Hindostan, or the peninsula on this side the Ganges, Guzzerat, Farther-India or the peninsula beyond the Ganges, the peninsula of Malacca, Corea, and Kamtchatka. Mountains.— In the central part of Asia, is an extensive table-land surrounded by lofty mountains. The Altai mountains on the north, the Boior on the west, Kara-Korum on the south, the Kentey on the east. Four ASIA. 67 chains diverge from this plateau, and divide Asia into four great basins : that of the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific- basin, that of the Indian Ocean, and the basin sloping towards the interior Seas. The Ural and the Caucasian mountains separate Asia from Europe; the Himalaya, north of the Indies, the highest mountain-chain on the globe. Mount Taurus and Lebanon are in Turkey. Rivers. — There are fourteen principal rivers in Asia : the Obi, Yenisei and the Lena, empty into the Arctic Ocean ; the Amour or Saghalien, the Yellow River, the Blue River, the Maykiang or Cambodia, and the Meinam or Siam, into the Pacific ; the Irrawaddy, the Brahma- pootra, the Ganges, the Indus, and the Chat-el-Arab, formed by the junction of the E ^^hrates and the Tigris, fall into the Indian Ocean j the Ural River empties into the Caspian Sea. Lakes. — The three most remerkable lakes of Asia are : Lake Baikal, in Siberia ; Lake Aral, in Independant Tartary; Lake Asphaldtes or Dead Sea, in Turkey. Climate and Productions. — In the north of Asia, on the borders of the the Arctic Ocean, extend vast plains, rendered desolate and almost uninhabitable by the cold, whilst in the south are the richest and most fertile coun- tries on the globe, yielding the most valuable vegetable products and excellent fruits. This magnificent vegetation covers a soil, which in many places is rich in mines of precious metals, gems, and diamonds. Pearl fisheries are carried on along the coasts of those fertile countries. Animals. — The animals of Asia are wild and ferocious, such as the elephant, the rhinoceros, the tiger, lion, etc. Population. — Asia has a population of about 750, 000,000 souls. Races. — The people of Asia belong to the Caucasian or White race, and the Yellow, or Mongolian race. The Caucasian inhabit the west and north of Asia, and the • i m trn f ^fprn ' ti t t-f 68 GEOGRAPHY. Mongolian the east and south. To the latter race belong the Mongols, the Mantchos, the Chinese, the Coreans, the Thibetians, the Japanese, the Samoieds. In Farther- India, there are Malayans, and in the Islands of the Bay of Bengal, there are negroes. All the other nations are of the Caucasian race, except the Tartars, who are a mixture of Turks and Mongols. Religion.— The Mahometan religion privails in the southern part of Asia, where it took birth. It is fol- lowed by the majority of the inhabitants of Arabia, Tur- key, Persia, Independent- Tartary, Afghanistan, and Beloochistan. Paganism is spread through the eastern and central parts, in Hindostan, Farther-India, China, Japan and Siberia. Christians are numerous in Turkey, Trans-Caucasia, Siberia, and Hindostan. Government. — The governments of Asia are ab- solute monarchies. Nearly all the sovereigns are despotic. Divisions. — Asia is divided into 12 principal countries : Siberia or Russia in Asia, in the north ; the empires of China and Japan, in the east ; Farther-India, Hindostan, Beloochistan, Persia and Arabia, m the the south ; Turkey in Asia, Trans-Caucasia, Independent Tartary and Afghanistan, in the west, and central part. More than half of the A? i; tic States belong to European nations. Siberia, the northern part of Independent Tartary,Trans-Caucasia and apartof Mantchooria belong to Russia, Turkey in Asia and the north of Arabia, form part of the Ottoman Empire. The greatest part of Hindostan, the western and southern coasts of Farther-India, the town of Aden in the south of Arabia, and several islands, are under British rule. Several territories in Hindostan and the south of Cochin-China belong to France. m. - T> i. ^^ ^}crv "kntra r>n,aoPC«innS OTl thc WCStCm J. ilU X UiVUiiCDU aiaxj iitiT\j ^}-j,j-y - coast of Hindostan. China, Japan, Afghanistan, Persia the south of Arabia, and of Independent Tartary, and 6DIERIA. 69 several small states In Hindostan and Farther-India are independent ; Baloochistan is tributary to England. Civilization —Asia gave birth to all the nations that have peopled or conquered the ancient Continent, and probably the entire globe. Asia was the birth place of Christianity ; the cradle of the arts and sciences, which have spread throughout Europe and given rise to a high degree of civilization. But Asia itself has remained stationary, or rather retrograded, for the Western Asiatic nations whence Europe derived the light of science are at the present day reckoned among the least polished. The Oriental nations continue to flourish: they have invented many curious arts, which contribute to the ac- tivity of trade and commerce; but civilization makes no progress ; it remains as it was several centuries ago. Questions.— What is the extent of Asia? What are the bounda- ries ? the so.is ? straits ? gulfs ? islands? peninsulas ? mountains ? rivers ? lakes ? What is the cli- mate, and what are the produc- tions of Asia ? the animals ? What is the population of Asia ? To what races do the inhabitants belong ? What is their religion ? What are the governments ? How is Asia divided? What countries belong to Russia ? to the Ottoman Em- pire ? To England ? To France ? To Portugal ? Whieh are the in- dependent states ? AVhat ia said of Asia ? SIBERIA.~-(Population 5,000,000.) Extent.— Siberia is larger than the whole of Eu- rope. It is twenty-four times as large as the Province of Quebec. Boundaries. — Siberia is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean ; on the east, by Bhering's Strait and the Pacific ; on the south, by the Empire of China and Independent Tartary ; on the west, by Russia. Capital and Chief Towns.— The capital of Sibe- ria is Tobolsk, on the Irtish, a branch of the Obi. The principal towns are : Berezov, Omsk, Tomsk, Irkoutsk. This country, the coldest on the globe, is celebrated for its rich mines, and its furs. 70 GEOGRAPHY. QuESTio-a. - What are the what products is it noted . What boundaries o? Siberia? its capital ? is its extent ? the population ? Chief towns ? For CHINESE EMPIRE.— (Population 450,000,000.) Extent The Empire of China is about the same extent as Siberia. Boundaries.— This country is isolated, as it were, from the rest of world by lofty mountains and by the Ocean, which forme its natural boundaries. 1 ho Chinese call it the Central Empire. It is bounded on the north by Siberia ; on the east, by the Pacific ; on the south, by Farther India and Hindostan ; on the west, by Independent Tartary. Divisions.— It comprises China proper and Mant- chooria, both subject to the same administration; the Kino-dora of Corea, Mongolia, Chinese-Turkestan, ihi- bet,°Boutan and the insular Kingdom of Loo-choo, which are tributaries of China proper. Capital and Cities.— The capital of China is Pekin on the river Peiho. The principal cities are : Nankin, Canton, Tien-tsin. Wampoa, Shanghai Ning-po, Macao and Hong-Kong; (Macao belongs to the Portu- guese; Hong-Kon-, to the English;) Moukd^n, Lassa, capital of Thibet, Han-yang, capital of Corea. Population. — The population of China is 450, 000,000. No other coutry on the globe has so many in- habitants. Government.— The authority of the Emperor of China is absolute, but not so despotic as it was formerly thought to be. The Emperor is styled the Sacred bon of Heaven, The name of Mandarin is given to the chief dignitaries. . , China is renewed for tea, cotton, sugar, porcelain, and its silk. JAPAN. 71 and JAPAN— (Population 36,000,000.) Extent. — The extent of Japan is about the same as that of the Province of Quebec. Boundaries.— To the east of China and alone; the eastern coast of the Old World, lies the insular Empire of Japan. It is washed on the east by the Pacific; on the south, by Eastern Sea and the strait of Corea; on the west, by the sea of Japan. Divisions. — All those islands have their C(jasts in- dented by innumerable bays and arms of the sea. The most remarkable islands are : Jesso, Nippon, Sikoke, Kiu- Siu. Capital and Chief Cities.— The capital is Jeddo, on the Island of Niphon. The cities are: Miako, Osaka, Nara, Nangasaki, Yokohama. Japan is noted for its tea and its varnish. Questions. — What is the popu- are the boundaries? Divisions? lation of Japan f Its extent ? What Capital and cities f chief products / FARTHER INDIA.— (Population 30 to 40,000,000.) Boundaries. — This peninsula is bounded on the north by China ; on the east, by the Chinese Sea ; it terminates on the south by the long peninsula of Malacca, which is separated from the island of Sumatra by the strait of Malacca; it is bounded on the west by the Hay of Bengal, and on the north-west, by Hindostan. Divisions. — This peninsula comprises seven states : the empires of Birmah and Anam, lower French Cochin- Ohina,the kingdoms of Cambodia and Siam, Independent Malacca and British Farther-India. 1. The Birman Empire.— Birmah is a beautiful country, situated between Hindostan and British-Farther India on the west ; the empire of Anam on the east ; China on the north, and the kingdom of Siam on the south. The capital is Mandelaya; Ava, Sangai, Ama- rapoura, are the most remarkable cities. ^•^ 72 GEOGRAPHY. 2. The Empire of Anam. — Anam, com- prising^ Tonquin, Cochin-China, and Laos Annamite, is situated east of Birmah, south of China ; it is bounded on the east by the Chinese Sea, and on the south, by the Gulf of Siam. The capital is Hue. The principal cities are : Bakkingj and Touran. . 3. Lower French - Cochin - China. — This country is bordered by the Annamite possessions, and watered on the south by the Chinese Sea. The prin- cipal town is Saigon. 4. Kingdom of Cambodia. — This little king- dom is situated between the kingdom of Siam, the em- pire of Anam and Lower Fienoh-Cochin-China. The capital is Oudong. 5. Kingdoin of Siam. — Tt is situated between British Farther-India, and the empires of Birmah and Anam. It is bounded on the south by the Gulf of Siam. The capital is Bankok. at the mouth of the river Meinam. 6. Independent Malacca or Malaya — There are four small independent states in the south of the peninsula of Malacca, the most important of which are: Fahang, Salengore, and Djabar. 7. British Farther-India. — It occupies the northern borders of Farther India proper ; also, several small, but important territories towards the southern extremity of the peninsula. These possessions may be grouped in two divisions: 1st the northern provinces, under the presidency of Bengal ; 2nd the government of the Straits, of which Malacca is the chief town. QUKSTIONS.— What is the popu- er Cochin China? the kingdom of lation of Farther India? What are the boundaries ? How divided ? How is the Binnan empire situ- ated ? the empire of Aman ? Low- Cambadia ? the kingdom of Siam ? Independant Malacca ? British Farthor India? How is British Farther India div^idcd ? HINDOSi'AN.---(Population 185,000,000.) Extent-^ This neninsula is seven ^iKiiCS as large as the Province of Quebec. BELOOOHISfAN. 73 Boundaries Hitidostan extends south ward into the Indian Ocgjmi, between the Bay of Bengal on the east, and the Sea of Oman on the west ; it is_ bounded on the noi'th-west by Belooohistan and Afghanistan ; on the north, by China, and north-east, by Farther-India. Divisions. — This country is divided between va- rious European nations, and the natives princes. British Hindostan or India. — The English possess the greater part of this country. Their possessions are divided into three great presidencies : Bengal, Madras, and Bombay. The capital is Calcutta, a large city on the river Hougly. The principal towns are : Patna, Be- nares, Caunpore, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, Lahore, Madras, Bombay. Another part is under the protection of tlie English, paying them a tribute. French Hindostan. — The capital is Pondicherry. Cities : Karikal, Mahe, Chandernagor. Portuguese Hindostan. — Coa is t^e capital. Cities : Daman, Diu and New Goa. Independent Hindostan There are also in Hin- dostan several small independent states, the people being governed with despotic sway by their native princes. Hindostan and Farther-India are noted for silk, cotton, rice, beautiful shawls, &c. QuESTioNB.— What is the popu- French ? of the Portugeese posses- lation of Hindostan ? Its extent ? sions ? For what products are the boundaries ? divisions ? English two Indias remarkable, posse^^ious ? the capital of the x.ii]LOOCHiSTAN.— (Population 2,000,000.) Boundaries. — Beloochistan, which is nearly three fourths the size of the Province of Quebec, is bounded on the north by Afghanistan ; on the east, by Hindostan ; south, by the sea of Oman; on the west, by Pecsia. Capital. — The Capital is Kelat on a table-land or plateau. u GEOGRAIHT. AFGHANISi'AN.—(Bepulation 6,000,000.) Boundaries. — This country, which is about a quar- ter larger than the Province of Quebec, is bounded, on the north, by Turkestan ; on the east, by Hindostan ; on the south, by Beloochistan ; on the west, by Persia. Capital andChief Towns. — The capital is Cabool, on the river Cabool. The chief cities are ; Kandahar, Herat. pulation of Afghanistan? bounda- QuK?TioNs, — What is the popu- lation of Beloochistan? the boun- daries V capital ? What is the po- ries? capital? chief towns ? PERSIA.— (Population 4,400,000.) Boundaries. — Persia, which is twice and a half as larire the Province of Quebec, is bounded on the north- west and north by Trans-Caucasia, the Caspian Sea, and Turkestan ; on the east, by Cabool and Beloochistan ; on the south, by the straits of Ormus and the Persian GuJfj and on the west, by Turkey in Asia. Capital and Chief To"wns. — The capital is Tehe- ran. Chief towns Demaveud, Ispahan, Kashan, Hama- dan, Tauris, Kerman. Persia is noted for silk-stufFs, carpets, sLawls, and horses, QUK3TIONS.— What is the popu- chief Cities? What are the pro- lation ? boundaries ? capital and duct ? ARABIA.— (Population 12,000,000.) Boundaries. — Arabia, which is a little more than five times the size of the Province of Quebec, is a penin- sula, bounded on the north by Asiatic Turkey ; on the east, by the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Ormus ; on ihe i^outh, by the Indian Ocean ; on the west, by the Straits of Babel-Mandeb, and the Red Sea ; it is joined, on the north-west, to A&ica by the Isthmns of Suez. , * ASIATIC TURKEr. 7ft Dlvisions.—Arabia is divided into three parts: Stony Arabia, in the north-west; Desert Arabia, oa the north-east: Happy Aarbia, in the south-west. The inhabitants divide this country into six states : Hedjaz, Yemen, Hadramout, Oman, Lahsa and Nedjed. Chief To"wns.— The principal towns are : Mecca, Medina, Mokha, Aden, Muskat. Arabia is noted for cofifee, spices, and its horses which are the finest in the worJd. Questions.— What is the popu- visiona ? How do the inhabitants lation of Arabia ? boundaries ? di- divide it ? What are the produota ? ASIATIC TURKEY.— (Population 16,000,000.) Boundaries. — This country which is three times the size of the Province of Quebec, is bounded on the north by the straits of Dardanelles and Constantinople, the sea of Marmara, and the Black Sea ; on the north-east, by Trans-Caucasia ; on the east, by Persia ; on the south, by Arabia ; on the west, by the Isthmus of Suez, the Mediterranean, and the Archipelago. Divisions. — It comprises six great historical divi- sions: Asia Minor, Armenia, Kourdistan, Mesopotamia, Irak-Arabid, and Syria, induing Palestine. Cities. — Smyrna, Sinope, Brusa, Angora, Biarbekir, Bagdad, Bassora, Tripoli, St. John of Acre, Joppa, Aleppo Damascus, and Jerusalem; the latter is the most re- markable on account of the religious and historical sou- venirs connected with it. QuKSTiONS,— What is the popu- aries ? divisions T chief towns T of Asiatic TurJsey? the bound- TRANS-CAUCASIA.--(Population 2,200,000.) Boundaries. — Trans-Caucasia occupies the southern dftcUvit^ of the Oaucasian Mountains, between the Cas- pian and Black Sea. 78 GEOQRAPHT. Towards the south it borders on Asiatic Turkey and Persiti. Divisions.— This country is divided into four gov- ernments, and is . i ;ii -: Hussia. Chief Tow a;:>.-iiflis,Elizabethpol, Koutais, Eri- van, Baku. QuBSTioNS.-What is the popu- sions ? boundaries 7 Where IB It lation of Trans-OauoMia ? dm- situated? ohief-towngT TURKESTAN.— (Population 2,000,000.) Boundaries.— Turkestan, which is twice and a half as large as the Province of Quebec, is bounded on the north by Siberia ; on the east, by the Chinese Empire ; on the south, by Af^anistan and Persia ; on the west, by Siberia, Cities.— Bokhara, Samarcand, Balkh, and Khiva. Turkestan is noted for furs, and for precious stones. QuBSTiONS.— What is the popu- prinolpal cities? For what it re- lation of XurkeBtan? boundaries? markable? AFRICA. (Papulation 100,000,000.) Extent.— Africa is the third in size of the five grand ^visions of the globe. Its greatest length is 4,800 miles and its breadth 4,500. It is about three times as largo 88 Europe. Boundaries.— Africa forms an immense peninsula, joined to Asia by the Bthmus of Suez. It is boiij^ded on the north by the strait of Gibraltar and the Mediter- ranean ; on the east, by the Isthmus of Suez, the l^d Sea, and the Indian Ocean; oa the west, by the At- ktntic. Gulfe.— 'The coast line of Africa is unbroken; the .~i. £.««« Vv«i^^^Y^} 86 SACRED GEOGRAPHY. Judea.— Judea comprised the south-west of Turkey in Asia; it is at present that part of the Ottoman Empire which is called Syria. Boundaries.— Judea was hounded north by Phoeni- cia : east, by Arabia Deserta ; south, by Arabia Petrea ; west, by the country of the Philistines and the Mediter- ranean Sea. Rivers and Iialces.— The only river which runs through this small country is the Jordan, which rises m Mount Hermon, runs south, passing through J^^ke b^e- nezareth, also called the Sea of G.U^lee or Tiberias and empties into lake Asphaltites, called also the bait, or Dead Sea. Mountains,— Two ridges run from north to south : Lebanon and A^iti-Lebanon. Mount Olivet, Mount Car- mel, Mount Thabor, &c. Before the settlement of the Hebrews.— Judea was called the Land of Canaan, because it was peopled by the descendants of Canaan, fourth and last L of Cham, When the Hebrews took VO^,^^^^^^ the Land, it was inhabited by seven tribes of tanaanites forming thirty-six small kingdoms. Fir^t Division of Judea— After having van- quished the Canaanites, Josliua divided it between the twelve tribes of Israel. , « j .-l i „if tr;i^P nf East of the Jordan was to be found the half-tribe of Manasseh, and those of Gad and Reuben. The ribes of Asher Nnphtali, Zebulon, Issachnr, the half-tribe of Ma. nasseh, E^hrairn, Ban, Benjamin, and Judah, were be- tween the Jordan and the Mediterranean bea. Divisions after the death of Solomon—After the death of Solomon, the twelve tribes were ^arate^ into two kingdoms, that of Judah and that of Israel that of Judah containad only the tribes of Juddh and Benjamin. I SACRED OEOGRAPHT. 87 The kingdom of Israel comprised the ten other tribes. The kingdom of Samaria had for its capital Samaria, and that of Judah, Jerusalem. Divisions at the time of Jesus-Christ.-- At this great epoch, the Jewish countries were divided into four great provinces ; Galilee, to the north ; Samaria in the middle ; Judea proper, in the south j Perea, on the other side of the Jordan. Galilee.—Galilee was divided into Upper and Lower. The former was also called Galilee of the Gentiles ; it contained the territory of the tribes of Asher and Naphtali, the latter contained the tribes of Zebulon and Issachar. Cities The principal cities were Akka or Ptolemais (St. John of Acre), Tiberias, Nazareth, Jezreel, Capher- naum, Bethsaida, Nain, Cana and Sunam. Samaria. — Samaria contained the half-tribe of Ma- nasseh and the tribe of Ephraim. Cities.— The cities were Shechem, Samaria and Cao- sarea. Judea proper. — Judea-proper embraced the tribe of Judah, Benjamin, Simeon, and Dan. Cities.— 'Jerusalem, the capital ; Jericho, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Joppa, or Jafl'a. Perea Perea contained the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Perea proper was on the south, and Batanea on the north. Cities ^Machaerus and Ramoth-Gilead, in Perea proper ; Gadara, the capital of Perea, in Batanea. It is m Batanea that the greater number of the towns of Oie Decapolifl were situated : it was a district contammg ten cities, whose inhabitants were strangers to the Jews. 88 GEOGRAPHY. CO t}< 00 b- ^n -J^ iM -^ »« CSl:— r- o o as 00 Tf« o CO CX) -H to CO O O OS Oi •rt OC — lO o ?o O O O »— t- 00 lO cc c^ rj o »o O to ^ O ^ -^f >0 p-i o3 I— < OCL, CtioS CO a ^ o • • • 1 < I • • ' 1 H F eB * c> H 03 t4 > 00 •s a 1 • i e? 1 ft J aspe onav H m w c Ocq (<< • ■ • CO OQ • 1 ' ' hief-towk District g tt 1 ' > Q> • CO 1 '0 g 1 1 pd H S OS a> *5^ 90 GEOaRAFHY. t-OOO »O00CO O'O'O O O ^O to >0 04 1^ «<}< o cc-^-^ cct-— • ooo ««^»sr\ •"i.^^V ^s»*»N C^QO^ t-'^'-H Oi ^ '^i CO — ♦ o 'o r» CO CO CO O X) -^ o IN cj ro «o •a to C!3 o 03 (-3 o o t>2 o •-9 .2 § C/3CQ s aj o 3 o CO en '5 a f- P-^ [ju -^ jr. M . d d o o • I— t O a 03 s o cc 00 d *3 d ^ <1H 0) d d H d §a s d <1 0) .s o d «5 CO ^-J 'o t-3 p:5 03 £ 03 d Oc/2 d o o ri4 CO d o S ■^ O Dh 0} d d o • p— 4 (a 03 CQ en 'o o 03 d d o o ,1) • d n £ d i cc ■ d o3 d O Mr*« TABLE 40. 91 «5 GO ^ CO 33 8 Eh OPCLATION (1861). 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