ii..4^
'IVERSITY
LIBRARY,
OLD. >%iV>
THE PENNIMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY OF EDUCATION
OF BROWN UNIVERSITY
ESTABLISHED BY JAMES HOSMER PENNIMAN, YALE 181
IN MEMORY OF HIS PARENTS
MARIA DAVIS HOSMER
JAMES LANMAN PENNIMAN, YALE 1863
GRANDSON OF CHIRON PENNIMAN, BROWN 1791
GREAT-GRANDSON OF ELIAS PENNIMAN, BROWN 177-
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THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
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GEOGRAPHY MADE EASY
ABRIDGEMENT
American Universal Geography,
TO WHICH ARE PREFIXED
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES IN THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.
BY JEDIDIAH MORSE, D. D.
ADTUOB, OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSAL GEOGRAPHY AND THl
AMERICAN GAZETTEER.
There is not a son or daughter of Adam, but has some concern both
in Geography and Astronomy. '^ "'
Illustrated with a map oi
MAP OF KORTH-A
irteetttf) Di
AN'D FOURTH OF THIS NEW
, . BOSTON :
PUHLISHED BY THOMAS & AK6REWS. .
BOLD AT THKIR I!UK3T0RE, NO 4,5 NEWKLRY-STREFT ; BY EAST'
BURN, KIRK, AND CO. NEW-YORK, M CAREY, rHILADELPHIA ; AND
BT TUB PRINCIPAL BOOKSELLERS IN THE UNlTiO STATES.
J. r. BVt.KiyiiHAHL, tRimMK,
Oct. 181 S.
^^pHB^j^r
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, to wit :
BE IT REMEM BERED, that on the twentieth day ef April, m
the thirty-third year of the Independence of the United States of
America , Jedidiah Morse of the said District, has deposited in this
Office the Title of a Book, the right whereof he claims as Author,
in the words following, to -wit :
'< Geography made easy : being an Abridgement of the American
Universal Geography. To wliich are prcfijed Elements of Geogra-
phy. For the use of Schools and Academies in the United States of
America. Bv Jedidiah Morse, D. D. author of the American Univer-
sal Geography, and the American Gazetteer. ' There is not a son
or daughter of Adam, but has some concern both in Geography and
Astronomy.' Dr. Watts. Illustrated with a Map of the M'orld, and
a iMap of North- America."
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, en-
titled, " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the
copies of I^taps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of
r,ucii copies, during the times therein mentioned:" and also to an Act,
intlfled, " An Act suppkmentary to an Act, entitlwl. An Act for the
Eiic( uragement of Learning, liy securing the copies of Maps, Charts,
nuo Books, to the Authors and Proprietor- of such copies, during the
times therein mentioned ; and extencinp th.e benefits thereof to the
arts of Dtsi"ning, Engra7ingand Etching Historical and other Prints."
WILLIAM. S. SHAW,
Ckrk cf iht Diitricf of Liatsaclmttt:,
PREFACE.
NO national government holds out to its subjects jo many al-
luring motives to obtain an accurate knowledge of their own
country, and of its various interests, as that of United Ameri-
ca. By the freedom of our elections, public honors and public
offices are not confined to any one class of men, but are offered
to merit, in whatever rank it may be found. To discharge the
duties of public office with honor and applause, the history,
policy, commerce, productions, particular advantages and inter-
ests of the several states ought to be thoroughly understood.
It is obviously wise and prudent, then, to imtiate our youth into
the knowledge of these thing?, and thus to form their minds
upon correct principles, and prepare them for future usefulness
and honor. There is no science better adapted to the capacities
of youth, and more apt to captivate their attention than Geog-
raphy. An acquaintance with this science, more than with any
other, satisfies that pertinent curiosity, wliich is the predominat--
ing feature of the youthful mind. It is to be lamented that this
part of education has been so long neglected in America. Our
young ra^n, UiiiversaUy, have been much better acquainted v^rJi
the geog: loiiy of Europe and Asia, than with that of their own
state and country. The v/art of suitable books has been the
cause, we hoj-e the sole cause, of this shameful defect in our ed-
ucation. Until within a few years, we have seldom pretended
to write, and hardly to think for ourselves. We have humbly
rec d from Great-Britain our Ja'^s our Eianners, our books,
and our modes of thinking ; and our youth have been educated
rather as the subjects of the British king, than as the citizens of
a free and independent nation. But the scene is now changed.
The revolution has beeiT,favorable to science in general ; par-
ticularly to that of the geograpiiy of our own country.
In the following pages, the Author has endeavored to bring
this valuable branch of knov/ledge home to common schools, and
to the cottage fire-side, by comprising, in a small and cheap
volume; the most entertaining and interesting part of his Ameri-
Au3x94
iv PREFACE.
can Universal Geography. He has endeavored to accommodate
it to the use ofschocL', as a reading book, that our youth of both
sexes, at the same time thai; they are learning to read, might im-
bibe an acquaintance with their country, and an attachment to
its interests; and, in that forming period of their lives, begin to
qualify themselves to act their several parts in life, with reputa-
tion to themselves, and with usefulness to th^ir country.
That the labors of the Author may be a benefit to the youth
of that country which he loves, and which he has sedulously ex*
plored, is his moit ardent wish.
Nutv-Haveny 1789.
Postscript. In consequence of the numerous changes, which
have taken place in the world, since this AbiiJgement wa first
made, {oi \yh\ch.t\\\sisx.h(i fitirtiL'r]th edition) the Author has
thought it expedient, for the purpose of introducing the im-
provements in the last editions of his Universi! Geography and
Gazetteer to abridge them anew ; wnich has been done, uraer
his direction and inspection by another hand. The work is
DOW presented to the Public, in an improved and more inviting
form, and the changes which have taken place in the world, in
this eventful period, have been noticed down to the present year.
Char lis io'vjn, 'ipri/, 181 1,
CONTENT&.
Page.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY
9
Definitions
9
History of Geography and Astronomy
9
The Solar System
13
Comets
18
Fi-xed Stars
18
Eclipses -
19
Doctrine of the Sphere'
20
The Globes
23
Problems
25
Maps
29
Natural Divisions of the Earth's surface
30
Component parts of the Earth
31
Volcanoes
32
Earthquakes
33
Magnetism
34.
Gravitation
34
Tides
35
The Atmosphere
36
Winds
36
Vapors and Clouds
39
Electricity
39
Light
40
The Harvest Moon
41
Northern Light
41
Heat and Cold
42
Political Divisions of the Earth
43
Inhabitants
44}
Forms of Government
45
Religions
46
Of the Divisions of TIrae
48
Measures
50
Of the Log Line
51
AMERICA
5$
North-America
62
Aboriginal America
Greenland
68
69
Labrador and Hudson Fay
71
A ^
vi CONTENTS.
Page
Interior Countries 73
Northwest Coast 75
Northern Archipelago 76
British America 77
Upper Canada 77
Lower Canada 86
Island of Cape Breton 82
New-Brunswick 83
Nova-Scotia S-i
Island of St. John's 86
Newfoundland Island 86
The Bermudas or Sommers's Islands 87
The United States 88
District of Maine 115
New- Hampshire 118
Vermont 123
Massachusetts 126
Rhode-Island 136
Connecticut 140
New- York 146
New-Jersey 1 57
Delaware. 162
Pennsylvania 165
Ohio 172
Michigan Territory ' 176
Indiana Territory 178
Illinois Territory 179
Maryland 180
Columbia Territory 183
Virginia ~ ' 185
Kentucky 192
-Tennessee 195
North-Carolina 199-
South Carolina ,204
Georgia 209
Missisippi Territory 213
Louisiana 215^
Spanish America 217
Florida 218
Mexico 219
Fouth-Amfrica 223
CONTENTS,
"vH
Page
Peru
228
Chili-
230
Buenos Ayres
231
Guiana
232
Brazil
235
Amazonia
237
Patagonia
238
South-American Islands
23^
West-Indies
241
The Bahama Isles
24.2
The Antilles
24*
The Virgin Isles
246
The Caribbees
246
EUROPE
247
Lapland
250
Denmark
25 i
Sweden
255
Russia
258
Poland
26 S
Prussia
264
Germany
267
Principal States of Germaji/
268
Austria
27
Austrian Dominions
275
Great- Britain
277
England
278
Wales
281
Scotland
282
Ireland
28S
Smaller British Isles
285
France
285
Netherlands
288
Holland
291
Switzerland
294
Spain
295
Portugal
299
Italy
302
Mediterranean Islands .
307
Turkey
309
Islands belonging to the Turilih ^inpirc
SI 2
^m CONTENTS.
ASIA 3^
Turkey 3iy
Asiatic Russia , 322
Tartary ' 323
China 325
Thibet 32
Hindoostan 350
India beyond the Ganges 331
Assam 331
The Birman Empire 332
Siam 333
Malacca 333
Liaos 33^
Cambodia 33^
Cochin China 334,
Persia
334
Arabia 335
Japan 33Y
Oriental Islands 333.
AFRICA 340
Egypt 34^
Nubia, Dar-Foor 344
Abyssinia, and the Eastern Coast 345.
Southern and Western Coasts 345.
States of Barbary 34^
Morocco 34y
Algiers 34^
J""^V 350
Tnpoh 35,
iJarca 3^3
African Islands 353
Islands of the Pacific Ocean 357
Austral Asia 3^7
Polynesia 358
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY,
DEFINITIONS,
GEOGRAPHY is a Science, which describes the fig^
ure, uiotioti, ma.^nitiide, and coniponcnl parts of the earth ;
the siiua'.iuns, extent, and appearances of the various parts
of its surface ; its productions, animal and vegetable ; its
natural and political divisions ; and the history, manners,
customs, and religion of its inhabit mts.
The Science, winch treats of the heavenly bodies, and
exnlainS their motions, magnitudes, periods, and distances,
is c died astronomy:
1 rese two Sciences are so intimately connected, that
a con, pete nt knowledge of Gcograpliy is unatl'-dnablej
witliout some previous acquaintance with Astronomy.
We shall commence this work with the following brief
historical account of the origin, progress, and improve-
ment of Geography and Astronomy.
HISTORY OF GEOGRAPHY AND ASTRONOJilY.
Geography, like every other science, at its beginning
was very imperfect, and arrived at its present improved^
though far from perfect state, by slow advances. The
early geographeis, being destitute of mathematical instru-
ments, and unable to make asiroiiomical observations, be-
gan first to determine the situation of places, according to
climates ; which they fixed from the form and color of
the people and animals, which were to be found in'those
different countries. The appearance of negroes, and of
the large animals, such as the rhinoceros, and the ele-
phant, suggested to them where to fix th,3 limits of the
torrid or burning zone. For reason, said they, points out
to usj that similar animals and plants appear in the sanje
10 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. \
temperature of the elements, and are produced according \
to the similar state of the air or climate vmder the same \
parallels, or a like situation equally distant from either I
pole. This was the first rude outline of GeograpJiy. 1
The Babylonians and Egyptians soon after adopted j
the method of determining thesituationsof places, or their |
distance from the equator, by observing the length of their '
longest and shortcut day, which they determined by means
of a kind oi sioi-dial, called & gnomon. All the places, for
instance, where the longest day was just fourteen hours,
or wliere the shortest day was ten hours, yrerc, of course,
at the same distance from the equator.
Astronomy, as a science, was first cultivated by the
Egyptians, Phenicians, and Chaldeans. From them the
Greeks derived their knowledge of this science.
The first of the Greeks, who laid the foundation of As-
tronomy, was Thalks, born at Miietus, 641 years before
Christ. He explained the cause of eclipses, and predict-
ed one. He taught that the earth was round, which be-
fore had been considered as an extensive plane, while the
sun and stars mtived round it. He divided the earth into
five zones, discovered the solstices and equinoxes, and
divided the year into 36.^ days. He travelled into Egypt,
in quest of knowledge, and measured the height of the
pyriimids.
Pythagoras, the scholar of Thales, taught publicly
the doctrir;e, common in his time, ihat the earth was the
centre cf the universe j but to Ms scholars, he communi-
, cated his real opinions, which weie similar to those since
adopted by Copernicus ; that the earth and all the planets
move round the sun as their centre ; which doctrine he ia
supposed to have derived from the astronomers of India.
Philoi.aus, the scliolar of Pytliagoras, and Archytas
of Taientum, according to a passage in the works of Cic-
ero, first taught publicly the diuriial or daily motion of
the earth, and its annual or yearly motion round the sun.
This passage is said to have suggested to Copernicus the
first idea of that system which he established.
Democritus was the first who taught that the milhj
way is occasioned by the confused light of an infinity of
stars, which ^ the doctri^!(' -.tiH maintained by the best of
philosophers. Plato, and Aristotle and Eudoxvs, the
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. n
scholars of Plato, contributed much to the improvement
of Astronomy.
But the greatest improvements in this science were
made in the famous astronomical school of Alexandria,
founded by Ptolemy Philadelphus, about 320 years before
Christ. The first in this school, who distinguished them-
selves, were Timocharis and Aristillus, who intro-
duced the manner of determining the positions of ihe stars,
according to their longitudes and Latitudes^ taken with re-
spect to the equator. This led Hipparchus, afterwardsj
by an easy transition of thought, to divide the cartii by
lines of latitude and longitude, in the same manner as 'I'i-
mocharis and Aristillus had the heavens, lienci., uth
great justice, he is universally allowed to have fixcci le
first solid foundation of Geography, by uniting it to As-
tronomy, and so rendering its principles solf-tvident and
invariable. This most illustrious astronomer flpuiisiicd
between i6vO and 125 years before Chi-ist.
The celebrated Eratosthenes, authou of the Armitla'
ry S/iherej who first deterinhied wiili exactness, the cir-
cumference of the earth, by nieabUiing a degree of the
meridian, and discovering tlie true distance of t!ic sun and
moon ftom the earth, flourished 100 years before Hippar-
chus. In a valuable map, wiiich he constructed, he first
introduced a regular ^mrallel of latitude.
Among the Romans, Julius Caesar, by his reforma-
tion of the Roman Calendar, and by his knowledge of the
principles of As.rouomy, contributed more than any oth-
er person of tluu nation, to the advancement of Astronomy.
The last illustrious Astronomer and Geographer uf the
Alexandrian school, was Ptolemy, born at Ptolemais, iit
]:lgypt. He flourished uiuler Adrian and the Antonines.
He supposed the cart!-, to be in tiie centre of the system,
Mid the heavenly bodies to move r(;und it.
In respect to Maps, those on record before the time of
Hi}\fiarchuH^ except the single map of /:ra/?).vMi?ncs, before
mentioned, wcic little mote than rude otitlines and topo-
grap'.iical sketches of difi'ercnl countiies.
The earliest maps were those of 6Vo,<t/m, an Egyptian
king, who, having traversal a great nait of the earth, re-
corded his marches in maps, and ga^'c copies of them, not
t ELEMENTS OV GEOGRAPHY.
' ft
only to the Egyptians, but to the Scythians, to their gf eit
astonishment.
The first Grecian map, was that of Anaximander, sup-
posed to have been a general map of the then known
world, and styled by Hipparchus, the ancient map.
Aristagoras, of Miletus, constructed a map of thfc
Mediterranean sea, and its coasts, and more particularly
of the lesser Asiay extending to the middle of Persia. It
contained one straight line called the Royal Highway^
taking in all the stations or places of encampment, 1 1 1 in
number, from Sardis to Susa, a distance of 1635 miles ; so
that it was little more than anjtinerary or a sort oi directo-
ry to armies and travellers. These itinerary maps were
indispensable in all armies ; and from those which Alex-
ander caused to be made, with great care, for the use of
his army in their various and extensive marches, the sci-
ence of Geography received most important advantages,
rikI from this period, assumed anew face and form.
War, in ancitni times, Was made subservient to the ad-
vancement of geogl^aphical knowledge. Every new war
produced a iieiv survey and itinerary of the countiies,
which were the scenes of action. The Romans, some
time before the Christian era, became the conguirors, and
consequently the surveyors, of a great part of the then in-
habited woild. Materials for G^ograpliy were accurriu-
lated by every addilional conquest. Julius Caesar order-
ed a general survey to be viade of all the Jioman ILmJiire^
by a decree of the senate ; the surveyors are said to have
been men of great wisdom, and instructed in every branch
of phih^sopiiy.
The Romar empire had been enlarged lo its greatest
extent, and all its piovinces well known and surveyed,
when Ptoiemy, in tin; days of Antoninus Puis, t.bout 150
years befoi e Christ, composed his system of Gt o i uj.liy ;
vl;i(h, thou,^li full of mistakes and errors, aiibii: .- necjs-
sarilj from tl;e inrancy of the science and the ignorance of
tlic age in which he lived, coutinued to be the only book
of note and aulhorify on ihio science, till the brgiiiniiig of
the 17th century. For v/hcn science began to revive in
Europe, after llie Rf-J-.nnati'juhy Lu'' mku ai.d CALViN,a!id
the inveiition of printing by Dr Paust, in 14 44, it was
some time before the asirenon^' ; s oi iliat age were able to
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 13
obtalit copies of Ptolemy's Geography ; and even then, it
was with difficulty they could read and clear his manu-
scripts of some of their grossest errors. It required a
still longer time before they could construct proper instru-
ments for determining, with accuracy, the latitudes and
longitudes of places.
It was not till Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, of Den-
mark, born in 1546, Kepler, of Germany, born in 1571,
Gallilho, of Italy, born in 1564, Descartes, of France,
born in 1596, Cassini of Nice, Flamstead, Halley, and
Sir Isaac Newton, of England, had enlightened the world
with their discoveries, that Astronomy and Geography-
were placed on their true foundation, and reduced to a
folerable degree of consistency and accuracy.
THE SOLAR SYSTEM.
The stpposition of a certain disposition of the heavenly-
bodies, and the planetary orbits, is called a Systetn of the
World. The true System, or disposition of the planets, is
called the Solar System. It is also called the Copernican
System, from Copernictis, a Prussian. Several other sys-
tems, as the Ptolemaic., and Tychonic^ have, at different times,
been promulgated to the world ; but are now universally-
exploded. The, true solar system was taught by Pythag-
oras, 500 years ^before Christ ; but the knowledge of it
was nearly lost, when Copernicus revived it, in 15.'^0.
This system supposes the sun to be in the centre, and
the well known planets to revolve round him in the follow-
ing order : Mercury, Venus, Earthy Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,
Herschel.
The two first of these are called inferior planets, because
they are nearer to the common centre of gravity of the svs-
lem, than the earth, or are below the earth, with respect't
that centre ; the other four are called superior, because,
with respect to said centre, they are above the earth. Also
the inferior planets are called interior, because their orbits
are within that of the eartJi ; and tl:e superior are called
exterior, because their orbits are without the same.
. These seven are called primary planets, to distinguish thesj
from a numbeV ef othtr bodies;, called secondary planets*
B
14 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
moonSi or satellites, which revolve about their respective pri-
maries, and also accompany them in their revolutions about
the sun.
The Orlit of a planet is that path vphich it describes in
moving round the sun. The planetary orbits are not per-
fectly circular, but elliptical or ovals so that all the planets
sometimes approach nearer to, and at other times recede
farther from the sun, than if they moved round him ki
perfect circles. This deviation from a circle is called the
eccentricity of the orlit.
The planets are retained in their orbits by the attraction
of the sun ; and at the same time, are kept from approach-
ing him, by a constant tendency to fly off from him in
straight lines. This attractive power is called the centripe-
tal force ; and that which impels them forward in straight
lines, the centrifugal force.
A body is said to be in conjunction with the sun when it
is seen in the same point of the heavens ; and in opposition,
when it is 1 80 degrees distant : or, in other words, when it
is in that part of the heavens directly opposite to the *un.
The SUN is the most glorious luminary ofthe heavens,
and the fountain of light and heat to the planets. It is sup-
posed to be an immense globe of fire, whose diameter is
883,246 miles, and whose body is more than 1,380,000
times larger than the 'earth. It has bee^j discovered that
the sun has a revolution on its axis once in 25 days, 14
hoursj 8 minutes.
MERCURY is the nearest planet to the san, and re-
volves round it in 87 days, 23 hours, at the mean distance
of 36,.'383,835 miles. Its diameter is 3224. miles. It
moves in its orbit at the rate of 111,000 miles in an hour.
Its magnitude is about one twenty-seventh part of that of
our earth. When visible to the naked eye, this planet
emits a very clear, white light ; but from its nearness to the
sun, it is seldom seen, and then only for a short time.
VENUS, the next planet in the system, is placed at the
mean distance of 68,368,000 miles from the sun's centre.
Its diameter is 7687 miles, and its magnitude about
nine tenths of that of the earth. Moving at the rate of
81,000 miles an hour, its annual circuit round the sun is
performed in 224 days/ 17 hours.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 15
When Venus appears west of the sun, it rises before it,
and is denominated the morning star ; when it appears east
from the sun, it is seen above the horizon after sunset, and
is then called the evening star*
The EARTH is the third planet in the solar system.
Its distance from the sun is about 94-,507,4'28 miles ; its
diameter TDiS, and its circumference 25,000 miles. The
Earth, as well as all the other planets, has two motions ;
one round its axis, in 24; hours, from west to east, which
causes an a//arc'n/ motion of the heavenly bodies from east
to west, and a continual succession of day and night. This
is called its diurnal motion ; and by this, the inhabitants on
the equator are carried 1043 miles every hour. The other
is its annual revolution round the sun, which is performed
in one year, fer 365 days, .0 hours, 4-8 minutes, 48 seconds.
In its annual course, the earth moves at the rate of 75,222
miles an hour ; which motion causes the difference in the
length of the days and nights, and the agreeable succession
of the seasons.
The Earth has one satellite, the Moon, which revolves
in an elliptical orbit round the earth, at the mean distance
of 239,029 miles from the earth's centre. The Moon
has also a rotation on its axis, the time of which is equal to
the time of its Evolution round the earth, that is, 27 days,
7 hours, 43 minutes. The time of its synodic revolution, or
that which elapses between two successive changes, is 30
days, 12 hours, 44 minutes. The diameter of the Moon is
2180 miles.
The Moon is an opaque body, like all the planets, and
shines only by reflecting the light of the sun. Hence the
incessant variation of its appearance ; for, when it is in
conjunction with the sun, its whole surface turned toward the
Earth being dark, it is invisible to us ; and this is called
the new moon. As it advances forward, we see its enlight-
ened side, like a radiant crescent, which increases morf and
more to our view, till it is in opposition to the sun. Its
whole enlightened side being then turned toward the earth,
it appears as a round illuminated orb, which is called the
full moon. From the full moon it appears to decrease
gradually, till its next conjunction v/ith the sun, whea \\
disappears, as before.
16 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
MARS, the next planet above the orbit of the earth, is
144,000,000 miles distant from the sun. It appears of a
fiery reddish hue, and is supposed to be encompassed with a
thick cloudy atmosphere. Its diameter is about 4, 1 89 miles,
and its magnitude, as 7 to 24 to that of the earth. It
moves round the sun with a velocity of 50,000 miles ap.
hour, apd completes its year in 687 days, of our time ;
vhich makes only 6'67| of its own days, its diurnal notation
being performed in 24 hours, 40 minutes. To a spectator
^n this planet, Mercury would be seldom, if ever, visible }
Venus would appear about the same distance from the sun,
as Mercury does to us ; our earth would appear about the
size of Venus ; and would be, as Venus is to us, alteroate-
ly a morning and an evening star.
JUPITER, the largest of all the planets, is the next in
order, and is 491,702,^01 miles from the sun. Its diame-
ter is about 89,170 miles ; and its magnitude nearly J400
limes greater than that of our earth. It completes its an-
nual revouuion in 4322 days of our time. Its rotation a-
bout its axis is j;erformed in 9 hours, 5.5 minutes, so that its
year consists of 1] years 315 days of our time; and the
inhabitants on its equator are carried 30,000 miles an hour,
besides their motion round the un.
Jupiter is surrounded by faint substances, called Belfs,
in which many variations appear, that they are general-
ly ascribed to clouds. This planet has also four Moons, or
SateU'tifs, revolving round it at various distances and peri-
ods These satellites must afford a pleasing spectacle to
the inhabitants of Jupiter ; they sometimes rise altogether,
and at other times are altogether on the meridian, ranged
under jDnc another. That which is most distant from the
planet will appear as large as our moon does to us ; and
from the various revolutions of the four, they produce four
different kinds of months.
SASTURN is still higher than Jupiter, and, until the
year 17BI, w-as supposed to be the most remote planet in
cur system. This planet is placed at the distance f
901,668,908 miles from the sun's centre; and travelling
ii2,100 miles an hour, finishes its annual circuit in 10,759
Uays of our time. Its diameter is 79,042 miles j and, con-
ELEMENTS Of GEOCJRAPHV. If
^fequently, this planet is near 1000 times as large as that
which we inhabit.
Saturn is surrounded by a thin broad Ring, calculated to
be 21,000 miles in breadth, and about that distance from
its body on one side. This ring appears like a luminous
arch in the heavens. Dr. Herschel lately discovered that
it has a rotation on its axis, the time of which is about 10
hours, 32 minutes;
Besides the light which Saturn receives from the sun, and
the reflection of the ring, it has the light of seven Satellites /-
which revolv^e round it, at diflFerent distances.
HERSCHEL. On the evening of the 30th of March,
1781, Dr. Herschel discovered in the vast regions of space,
and far beyond the orbit of Saturn, a planet, revolving a-
bout the sun, which had probably never before been seen
by mortal eyes. On account of its immense distance, it is
but just visible to the naked eye. It is computed to be
l,803,534-,392 miles from the sun ; and although it travels^
^at Che rate of 15,000 miles an hour, it takes up 83 years,
150 days, 18 hours, of our time, to complete its annual
revolution. Its diameter is 35,112- miles ; consequentlyj
it is about 90 times larger than our earth. It has a rota-
tion on its axis, the time of which is not known.
In England, this planet has been called Georgium
SiDtrs, in honor of the king in whose reign it was discov-
ered ; but in the rest of Europe, Uranius, and in Americaj
it is more jnstly denominated Herschel, in honor of its
learned discoverer.
Six satellites have been discovered, revolving about Her-
schel ; and it is not improbable that there are others, which
have not yet been observed.
Besides the seven tuell knoivn planets, above described,
since the commencement oi" the present century, ybwr others
have been discovered, denominated Asteroids ; two by M
Pioxzi and Dr. Gibers, named CERES and PALLAS j
one by Mr. Harding, near Bremen, which he called .lUNO ;
the other by Olbers, named VESTA. The orbits of the
two former are between those of Mars and Jupiter, and
their annual revolutions about the sun are performed in a.
bout 4 years, 7 months, and 10 days. Juno is represented
as similar to Ceres in height and apparent ma;jiitudei
B2- fe - i>
18 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
The periodical revolution of Vesta is 3 years, 2 months^
and 5 days, and its distance from the sun 206,596,000
miles. These late discoveries indicate that there are probably
other planets belonging to the Solar System, which have
yet escaped the most discerning eyes of Astronomers.
COJJI^TS.
Beside the planets, there are other bodies belonging to-
the solar system, v^^hich have more irregular motionsr
These are the Comets, which, descending from the far distant
parts of the system, with inconceivable velocity, appear te
us sometimes bright and round, like the planet Jupiter ;
sometimes with a transparent, fiery tail, projecting from
the part opposite to the sun ; 'and sometimes emitting,
beams on all sides like hair. They approach much nearer
to the sun than any of the planets ; and after a short stay,
fly off again with equal rapidity, and disappear. Their or-
bits are more elliptical than those of the planets, and their
bodies of much greater density than the earth ; for some
of them are heated to sucl> a degree as would vitrify or
dissipate any substance known to us. Sir Isaac Newton
computed the heat of the comet, which appeared in 1680,
when nearest the sun, to be 2000 times greater than that of
red hot iron.
The number, magnitudes, and motions of the comets, be-
longing to our system, are very imperfectly known. Con-
jecture has limited them to 450. The elements of 97 have
been imperfectly determined. The periods of only three
have been ascertained. They are found to return at inter-
vals of 75, 129, and 575 years.
THE FIXED STARS
Are those heavenly bodies, \ hich, at all times, preserve
the same situation with regard to each other. Though
they form no part of the solar system, yet they must be
considered here, as they are of great use in the practice of
geography. To facilitate their computations, astrono-
LEMEHTS OF GEOGRAI>HY. W
mefs consider these stars as all equally distant from our
sun, and forming the concave surface of a sphere inclosing^
our system. They are distinguished from the planets by
their twinkling.
A number of stars, which appear to lie in the neighbor-
hood of each other, are called a Constellation. These are 90
in number, and are called by the name of some animal, or
other object, whose figure the outline of the constellation
is supposed to represent. Some stars are not included in
any- of the constellations, and are denominated unformed
stars.
According to their diflferent apparent magnitudes, they
are called stars of ihejirjtf second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth
magnitudes.
Tiie Galaxy, or Milky Way, is a broad circle, encom*
passing the heavens, which appears to consist of innumera-
ble stars, forming one continued dense cluster, and by theif
blended rays, diffusing a whiteness over that part of the
firmament.
The number of stars is unknown ; La Land estimates
them at 75,000,000 ; but this is supposed to fall far short
cf their real number ; and we have reason to suppose, that
those which are visible bear no comparison in number ta
those that are invisible. They increase in our view, as the
telescope approximates to perfection.
With respect to the distances of the fixed stars, they are
so extremely remote, that nothing in the planetary system
can compare with them. Though the diameter of the
earth's orbit be not less than 190,000,000 f miles ; yet
this immense space makes not the smallest difference in
their appearance ; for they seem to be as large, when view-
ed from the farthest, as from the nearest point of the earth's
orbit. Their distance is too great for human beings to
conceive, and gives rise to the pleasing and sublime con-
jecture, that each of the fixed stars is a sun, illuminating
a complete system of planets, which i evolve about it as
their centre.
An Eclipse is a total or partial privation of the
the sun or moon.
n ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAMV.
An eclipse of the moon is caused by its entering Into
the earth's shadow ; and consequently, it must happen at
the/ul/ moon, or when it is opposite to the sun.
An eclipse of the sun is caused by the interposition of
the m.oon between the earth and sun, and, of course, must
happen when the moon is in conjunction with the sun, or
at the ne'u/ moon.
The diameters of the sun and itioon are supposed to be
divided into 12 equal parts, called digits ;' and an eclipse is
said to be so many digits, according to the number of
those parts which are involved in the greatest darkness*
DOCTRINE OF THE SPHERE.
Principles.
The fundaiftental principles of Geography are, the spher=
''*'^i<ral figure of the earth ; its rotation on its axis ; the posi-
tion of its axis, with regard to- the celestial luminaries j and
its revolution round the sun.
That the figure of the earth is spherical, is evident. 3.
Because such a figure is best adapted to motion. 2. From
analogy i all the other planets are spherieal. 3. From
t4ie a ppearance of its shadow, in eclipses of the moonj
which is always circular. 4. From its having been several
times circumnavigated. It is not, however, a perfect
sphere, but an oblate spheroldy depressed or flattened at the
poles, and elevated at the equator. Its diameter from
east to west, is reckoned to be about 34 miles longer than
that from north to south;
DiriNlTlONS.
A 5/i/r^ literally signifies a ball or globe. The appar^
ffnt concave orb, which invests the earth, and in which all
the heavenly bodies appear to be situated, at equal distances
from the eye, is calledah^ C^eUstial Sp^re.
In Geography, the^rcles which the sun appears to
kscribe on the coccave surface of the celestial sphere, are
ELEMENTS Q^ GEOGRAPHY.
31
sapposed to be extended t^^the earth, and marked on its
surface. Each circle is divTded into S60 equal parts, call-
ed degreft ; each degree is decided into 60 minutes t and eack
minute into 60 secondi.
The circles, supposed by geographers to be described on
the sphere, are denominated great and small circles. GyecU
circles divide either the celestial or terrestrial, sphere, into
two equal parts. Small circles divide the sphere into two
unequal parts.
An imaginary line passing through the centre of the
earth, from north to south, and on which its diurnal rota-
tion is performed, is called the Axis of the earth. The ei
treme points of the axis are called rfie Poles.
A line or circle, passing round the middle of the earth,
irom west to east, is called the Equator, or Equinox'tal.
The equator divides the earth into Northern and Southern^
Hemispheres.
The Meridian is a circle, cutting the equator at right an-
gles and passing through thd poles of the earth. The me-
ridian divides the earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
The Ecliptic is a great circle, in the plane of which the eanh
performs her annual revolution round the sun ; or in which
^he sun appears to move round tlie earth, once in a year.
The Ecliptic is divided mto 12 equal parts, of 30degree$
each, called Signs. The-names of these signs, the charac-
ters which distinguish them, and the months in which
the sun enters into them, are as follows, vi/,.
Unun names of
the Signs.
1 Aries
2 ,Taurus
3 Gemini
4 Cancer
5 Leo
6 Virgo
7 Libra
8 Scorpio
9 Sagittarius
10 Capricornus
11 Aquarius
12 Pieces'
English names.
The Ram
The Bull
The Twins
The Crab
The Lion
The Virgin
The Scales
The Scorpion
The Archer
The Goat
The VVate; Bearer
The Fiihea
Charac-
Months in which the
ters.
sun enters them.
nr
March
April
n
May
a
June
25
July
^
August
^
September
^h
October
t
November
Vf
December
rer :^
January
K
Februarv
22 ELEMENTS 01^E0GRAPHY.
The ecliptic makes an ang||f 23'^ 28' with the equator,
and intersects it in the two pqpts <v and ^, called the JSqui-
noxia/ points, because, when |he sun is in either of these
points, he shines equally to bmh poles, and the day is then
equal to the night in all parts of the world. The times
when the sun passes these points, are the 20th of March
and 20th of September ^ the former is called the Vernal,
and the latter the AuiumnaU equinox.
The points ss and Vf, where the ecliptic is at the great-
est distance from the equator, are called the SoUtUial points.
The sun passes the first of these, called the Summer Solstice^
on the 21st of June, which is the longest day ; the other,
called the Winter Solstice, on the 21st of December, which is
the shortest day.
The Horizon is a circle which separates the visible from
the invisible part of the heavens. The circle, which limits
our prospect, where the sky and land, or water, seem to
meet, is called the Sensible Horizon. The Rational or Real
Horizon is a circle parallel thereto, whose plane passes
through the centre of the earth, and divides it into Upper
and Loiver Hemispheres.
The Horizon is divided into 32 equal parts of 11* 15'
each, called tlie Points of the Oempass.
The four quartering points. East, West, North, and
South, are called the Cardinal Points.
The point of the heavens directly over our head, is call-
ed the Zenith ; and the opposite point, or that directly un-
der our feet is called the Nadir.
The two meridians, that pass through the four cardinal
points and cut each other at right angles, in the poles, ar
called Colures. Tliat, which passes thfough the first de-
grees of fy and ^ is called the Equtnoxial Colure ; and tkat,
which passes through the first degrees of 25 and y, \i call-
ed the Solstitial Colure. %
Circles drawn parallel to the equator, at the distance of
8 on each side of it, include the space called the Zodiac,
which comprehends within it the orbits of all the planets.
The Tropics are two circles drawn parallel to the equator,
at the distance of 23'' 28' on each side of it. That on the
north side touches the ecliptic in the sign 25, and is called
the Tropic of Cancer ; that on the south side touches the e-
pliptic ia the sign ^ and is called the Tropic of Capricarru
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. ^3
Circles at the distance of 23 28' from the poles, are call-
ed the Polar Circles. The northern is denominated the Arctic
Circle, and the southern, the Aniarctic Circle.
The Tropics and Polar Circles divide the earth into Zones^
That part of the earth's surface, lying between the Tropics,
is called the Torrid or Burning Zone; the parts between the
Tropics and Polar Circles, are called the Temperate Zones-;
and those parts, which lie beyond the Polar Circles, are
denominated the Frigid or Frozen Zones.
A Climate is a tract of the earth's surface, included be-
tween the equator and a parallel of |^atitude, or between two
parallels of such a breadth, as that the length of the day in
one shall be half an hour longer than in the other. Within
the polar circles, however, the breadth of a climate is such,
that the length of a day, or the time of the sun's continuance
above the horizon, is a month longer in one parallel, than
in another. The breadth of the climates continually de-
crease, as they approach the poles ; the first climate, reck-
oning from the equator, being about 8 degrees broad, while
that which is nearest the poles, is scarcely four miles.
The w^ord ClimHte is also used to denote the diiFerence in
the temperature of the air, in different places.
The Latitude of a place is its distance from the equator,
reckoned in degrees, north or south. If a place be situated
between the Equator and the North Pole, it is said tQibe in
mrlh latitude j if it lie between the Equator and the South
Pole, it is in south latitude.
The Longitude of a place is Its distance, east or west^
from some fixed meridian, measured on the equator.
Oa the equator, a degree of longitude is equal to 60
geographical miles ; and consequently, a minute on the
equator is equal to a mile. But as all meridians cut the
equator at right angles, and approach nearer and nearer to
eaoi other, till they cross at the poles ; it is obvious, that
the degrees of longitude will continually decrease, as they
proceed from the equator to either pole ; so that in the
60th degree of latitude, a degree of longitude is but 30
miles, or half as long as a degree on the equator.
THE GLOBES.
The Globes are two spherical bodies, whose convex sur-
faees arejfl||^sed to give a true representation of tli?
H ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHT.
earth and heavens, as visible by observation. One of these
is called the Terrestrial^ the other the Celesttal globe. Oft the
convex surface of the Terrestrial globe, all the parts of the
earth and sea are delineated in their relative form, size,
and situation.
On the surface of the Celestial Globe, the images of the
several constellations, and the unformed stars are delineat-
ed ; and the relative magnitude and position, which the
stars are observed to have in the heavens, carefully pre>.
served.
In order to render these globular bodies more useful, they
are fitted up with certain appurtenances, whereby a great
variety of useful problems are solved in a very easy and
expeditious manner.
The Brazen Meridian is that ring or hoop in which the
globe hangs on its axis, which is repiesented by two wires
passwg through the poles. This circle is divided into four
quarters, of 90 degrees each ; in one semicircle, the divis-
ions begin at each pole, and end at 90 degrees where they
meet. In the other semicircle, the divisions begin at the
middle, and proceed thence towards each pole, where there
are 90 degrees. The graduated side of this brazen circle
serves as a meridian for any point on the surface of the
earth, the globe being turned about till that point comes
unde^r the circle.
The Hour Circle is a small circle ef brass, divided into
twenty-four hours, the quarters and half quarters. It is
fixed to the brazen meridian, with its centre over the north
pole ; to the axis is fixed an index, that points out the di-
visions of the hour circle, as the globe is turned round on
its axis.
The Horizon is represented by tlie Upper surface of the
wooden circular frame, encompassing the globe about, its
middle. On this wooden frame is a kind of perpetual cal-
endar, contained in several concentric circles ; the inner
one is divided into four quarters of 90 degrees each ; the
next circle is divided into the twelve months, with the days
in each, according to the new style ; the next contains the
twelve equal signs of the ecliptic, each being divided into
thirty degrees f the next, the twelve months and days, ac-
cording to the old style ; and there is another, circle, con-
tRining the t^irtj-two points of the tompss> witli tneir
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. .^5
halves and quarters. Although these circles are on all ho-
rizons yet they were not always placed in the same order.
.The Quadrant cf Altitude is a thin slip of brass, one edge of
which is graduated into 90 degrees and their quarters, e-
qual to those in the meridian. To one end of this is fixed
a brass nut and screw, by which it is put on and fastened to
the meridian ; if it be fixed in the zenith or pole of the ho-
rizon, then the graduated edge represents a \ertical circle,
passing through any point.
Besides these, there are several circles described on the
surface of botli globes. Such as the equinoxial, or eclip-
tic, circles of longitude and right ascension, the tropics, po-
lar circles, parallels of latitude and declination, on the ce-
lestial globe ; and on the terrestrial, the equator, the eclip-
tic, tropics, polar circles, parallels of latitude, hour circles,
or meridians, to every fifteen degrees ; and on some globes,
the spiral rhumbs, flowing from the several centres, called
flies.
In using the globes, keep the east side of the horizon to-
wards you, unless the problem require the turning it, which
side you may know by the word East, on the horizon ; for
then you have the graduated meridian towards you, the
quadrant of altitude before you, and the globe divided ex-
actly into two equal parts, by the graduated side of the
meridian.
The following problems, as being most useful and en-
tertaining, aie selected from a grpat variety of others, which
are easily solved with a globe, fitted up with the afore-
mentioned appurtenances.
I. The latitude cf a place being givetty to rectify the globe for
thai place.
Let it be required to rectify the globe for the latitude
of Boston, 42 degrees 23 minutes north.
Elevate the north pole, till the horizon cuts the brazen
meridian in 42 23', and the pole is then rectified for the
latitude of Boston. Bring Boston to the meridian, and
you will find it in the zenith, or directly on the top of the
globe. And so for any other, place.
C .
26 E1.EMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
II. To Jind the latitude and longitude of any place on the ter-
' restrial globe.
Bring the given place under that side of the graduated
brazen meridian where the degrees begin at the equator,
then the degree of the meridian over it shows the latitude,
and the degree of the equator, under the meridian, diows
the longitude.
Thus Boston will e found to lie in^^42 2-3' north lati-
tude, and 70 .58' west longitude from London, or 3 !(/
east longitude from Philadelphia.
III. To Jind any place on the glole, whose latitude and longitude
are given.
Bring the given longitude, found on the equator, to the
meridian, and under the given latitude, found on the me-
lidian, is tiie place sought.
IV. To Jind the distance and bearing oj any ttvo given places, en
the glole.
Lay the graduated edge of the quadrant of altitude o-
ver both places, the beginning, or degrees, being on one
of tliem, and the degrees between them show their distance ;
these degrees, multiplied by 60, give the distance in En-
glish miles nearly.
V. To find the sun's place in the ecliptic.
Look at the day of the month in the outer calendar upon
the horizon, (if the globe was made before the alteration
of the style) and opposite to it you will find the sign and
degree the sun Is in that Jay, Thus on the 25th of March,
the sun's place is 44 degrees in Aries. Then look for that
sign and degree in the ecliptic line, marked on the globe,
and you will find the sun's place ; there fix on a small
black patch, so it is prepared for the solution of the follow-
ing problems.
VI. To find the sun's declination, that is, his distance Jrcn the
equinoxial line, either northward or southtvard.
Bring his place to the meridian, observe what degree
<jf the meridiap lies over it, and that is his declination. If
the sun lies on the north side of the line, he is said to have
north declination^ but if on the south side, he has south decline-
ften.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. i>Y
Note. The greatest declination can never be more than
23 28' either north or south ; that bemg tlie distance of
tke tropics from the equinoxial, beyond which the iun
never goes.
VII. To /i.'iJ tvhere thz sun h vertical on any day ; that is, fo
find over whose heads the sun ilhU pass that day.
Bring the sun's place to the meridian, observe his decli-
nation, or hold a pen or wire over it, then turn llie globe
. round, and aii those countries which pass under the wire,
will have the sun over their heads that day at noon.
Note. This appearance can only happen to those who
live in the torrid zoncy because the sun never gees fartlier
from the equinoxial, northward or southward, tlian the
two tropics, from whence he turns again.
VIII. To find over 'whose heads the sun is, at any hour, or at
. ivhat place the sun Is vertical.
Bring the place where you are, (suppose at Boston,) to
the meridian ; set the index to the given hour by your
watch ; then turn the globe till the index points to the
upper 12, or noon ; look under the degree of declination for
that day, and you will find the place to which the sun is
vertical, or over whose heads it is at that time.
IX. To findf at any hour of the day, ivhai o'clock it is at any
place in the world.
Bring the place where you are to the brass meridian ;
set the index to the hour by the watch, turn tire globe till
llie place you are looking for come under the meridian,
aid the index will point out the time required.
X. To find at what hour the sun rises and sets any day in the
year ; and also upon 'what point of the compass.
Rectify the globe for the latitude of the placevou are in ;
bring the sun's place to the meridian, and setmie index to
12 ; then turn the sun's place to the eastern edge of the
horizon, and the index will point out the hour of rising ;
:f you bring it to the western edge of the horizon, the in^
dex will show the hour of setting.
28 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
XI. Tajind the length of the day and night at any time 0/ f/je
year.
Double the time of the sun's rising that dav, and it gives
the length of the night ; double the time of its setting, and
it gives the length of the day.
XII. To f.nd the length of the longest or shortest day^ at any
. place upon the earth.
Rectify the globe for that place ; if its latitude be north,
bring the beginning of Cancer to the meridian ; set the in-
dex to twelve, then bring tiie same degree of Cancer to the
east part of the horizon, and the index will show the time
of the sun's rising.
If the same degree be brought to the western side, the
index will show the time of his setting, which doubled (as
in the ]ast problem) will give the length of the longest day
and shortest night.
If v.-e bring the beginning of Capricorn to the meridian,
and proceed in all respects as before, we shall have, the
length of the longest night and shortest day.
Thus, in the Great MoguFs dominions, the longest day is
14- hours and the shortest night 10 hours. The shortest
day is 10 hours, and the longest night 14 hours.
At Petersburghs tlie capital of the Russian empire, the
longest day is about lyg- hours, and the shortest night ^\
hours. The, shortest day 4^ hours, and the longest night
lOj hours,
Note. In all places near the equator, the sun rises and
cets at six o'clock all the year. From thence to the
polar circles^ the days increase as the i.ttitude increases ; so
that at those circles themselves, tlie longest day is 24 hours
and the longest night just the same. From ihe polar circles
to the poles, the days continue to lengthen into weeks and
months ; so that at the very poles, the sun shines for six
months t(|iBther in sumtner, and is absent from it six months
in iv'inSer Note, also, that when it is summer with the north-
itn inhabitants, it is tvljiter with the southern, and the con-
trary ; and every part of the world partakes of nearly an
equal share of light and darkness.
ELEMENTS OF GfeO'GRAPHy. S9
XIII. To find all those Inhabitants to ivhom the sun is this mo-
ment rising or setting;, in their meridians, or midnignt.
Find the sun's place in the ecliptic, and raise the pole a
much above the horizon as the sun, that day declines from
the equator ; then bring the place where the sun is verli-
cal at that hqpr, to the brass meridian ; so will it then be
in the zenith, or centre of the horizon. Now see what
countries lie on the western edgQ of the horizon, for to
them the sun is rising ; to those on the eastern side he is set-
ting ; to those under the upper part of tlie meridian, it is noon-
day ; and to those under the lower part of it, it is midnight.
Thus, on the 10th of April at four o\lock in the morn-
ing, at Charlestown, (Mass.)
It is son-rise at Brazil, South-America,
("New Guinea, the Japan
Sun-setting at | j^j^^ ^^^ Kamtschatka,
Mid-day, or noon, at Persia andNova-Zembla.
r The Bay of Good Hope,
Midnight at < in the vicinity of King
(. George's Sound.
MAPS.
A Map Is a representation of the earth's surface, or some
part of it, delineated on a plane, accordiag to the laws of
perspective, and contains such circles, br parts of circles,
as the size and situation of the phsce delineated will admit.
The top of a map represents the north, the bottom, the
south ! the right hand side, the east, and the left hand,
the west. F?m the top to the bottom, are drawn merid-
ians or lines of longitude : and from side to side, paral-
lels of latitude. The outermost of the meridians and par-
allels are marked with degrees, by means of which, and a
scale of miles usually placed in the corner of a map, the
situations and distances of places may be found, as on the
artificial globe
Rivers are d<?5cribed in maps by black lines, and are
wider tovv-ard the mouth, than toward the head or spring.
Mountains are represented as on a picture, by a scrl of
cloud ; forests and woods, by a kind of ihrub ; bogs and
morasses, by shades ; sands and shallows^ by small dots ;
C 2
30 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
roads, usually by double lines ; and towns, by an or a
small house. Near harbors, the depth of water is some-
limes expressed by figures, representing fathoms.
NATURAL DIVISIONS OF. THE EARTH'S
SilRFACE.
The first grand division of the earth is into Land and
Water.
Dlvtsctis of Land. A great extent of land, not entirely
separated by watef, is called a Continent,
There are commonly reckoned tzvo ContinentSj called the
Eastern, comprehending Asia, Europe and Africa ; and the
Western^ including North and South America. New-Hol-
land has sometimes been dignified with the name of con-
tinen' ; but is usually classed by gj^i^graphers among the
islands of the Pacific ocean. . v^'
A tract of land, entirely surrounded by water, Is an Isl-
and. Tracts of land, almost encircled by water, as Bos-
ton, are Peninsulas. Necks of land, which join peninsu-
las'to a main land, are Isthmuses?.
Land projecting far into the sea is a Promontorv.
The end or point of a promontory is a Cape.
When land rises to a very great height above the level'
country, it is a Mountain. When this high land extends
unevenly to a great length, it is called a chain or range cf
Mountains. When a mountain emits flam.es and sulphur,
&c. it is a Volcano. The side of a steep mountain is a
Precipice.
When land rises to a small height it is called a Hill.
The spaces between hills are called Dales ; and very of-
ten, and perhaps commonly in America, Vales, or Val-
leys.
Divisions uf Water. The waters, that cover so great a
portion of the surface of the globe, are collectively called
the Ocean, and sometimes the Sea.
Different and extensive portions of these great waters
have obtained the name of Ocean Sf These are the ^t-
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 3i
Itfntic, the Indian, the Pacific, the Southern and the Arctic or
Frc%en Ocean, The two tormer are each 3000 miles across ;
the Pacific 10,000. The extent of the others is not known.'
Large collections of water that are nearly enclosed by-
land are called Seas ; and smaller collections of this kind
are called Sounds, Bays, or Gulfs ; as tlie Mediterranean
Sea, Long Island Sound, Chesapeak Bay, the Guif of Mexico.
A narrow communication between a sea or bay, and the
ocean, or between two seas or lakes, is a Strait, Mouth,
Entrancej or Inlet.
,A great body of fresh water, surrounded by land, or
communicating- with tlie ocean only by a long liver, is
called a Lake^ Smaller collections of fresh water are call-
ed Ponds.
The fountains of water at the heads of rivers, brooks, or
rivulets, and from which wells are supplied, are called
Springs. WTien the fountains are warmer than usual,
or are impregnated with fixed air, salts, sulphur, metals,
and other mineral substances, they are called Medicinal,
or Mineral Springs.
Streams or bodies of running water, according to their
magnitude are called Rivers, Brooks, or Rivulets.
Creeks are narrow branches of the ocean, indenting and
sometimes insulating the sea coast. Some branches of
rivers are sometimes called Creeks. When a large bo-
dy of water tumbles over a precipice, it is called a Cata-
ract or Falls, as the Falls of Niagara, if the quantity
of water be small, it is a Cascahe.
Standing water, in which earth, with grass or shrubs
upon it, appears in different parts ; and low, sunken
grounds, full of trees and mire, are called Morasses,
Bogs, Fens, but more commonly, among us. Swamps.
COMPONENT PARTS OF THE EARTH.
The Earth is composed of land and water, and is there-
fore called terraqueous, it is ascertained, from recent dis-
coveries, that the waters contained in the concavities of'
the globe, cover at least two thirds of its surface.
32 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
The earth below its surface is composed of various sub-
stances, collectively called Fossils.^
All substances dug out of mines of whatever kind such
as metals, coal, sulphur, ochre, &c. are called Minerals.
Such of the minej-als as can be malleated or beaten out
with a hammer, are called Metals. These are common-
ly reckoned seven in number which are reckoned according
to their weight in the following order : 1. Plailna, a white
metal, newly discovered in the gold mines of South-Amer-
ica, in many of its properties resembling gold. 2. Gold.
S. Lead. 4. Silver. 5. Copper. 6. Iron. 7- Tin. To
these should be added Quicksilver. Three of these, Plati-
na. Gold, and Silver, (of which Platina is much the heavi-
est) are called perfect melals, because they remain longest
imchanged by fire. The other four are called imperfect met-
als, because they may be destroyed, or changed into earth
by fire. By a chymical operation on Iron, Steel is produc-
ed. A mixture of Tin and Lead, in certain portions,,
forms the compound called Pewter.
The best chymists divide bodies, or the objects of chym-
istry, into saltSy earths, inflammable substances^ metals and iva-
ters. The effects of heat and mixture on these bodies con-
stitute what is called The Science of Chymistry.
VOLCANOES.
Volcanoes are burning mountains, which include in
xh&\\ bowels sulphur, bitumen, and other combustible mat-
ters, the effect of which, when kindled into a flame, is more
violent than that of gunpov/der, or any thing yet known
in nature. As the explosive force of gunpowder arises
from the conversion of water into air, that which takes
place in volcanoes is undoubtedly from the same cause.
Volcanoes may be compared to huge cannon. From their
mouths, some of which are a mile and a half wide, are
vomited forth dreadful volumes of smoke and flame; tor-
rents of bitumen, sulphur, and melted metals ; clouds of
cinders and stones ; and sometimes rocks of enormous bulk
are thrown to a great distance. In the great eruption ot
Mount Vesuvius, in 1779, a stream of Lava* of an im-
Lava is the melted matter, which issues from Volcanoes.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 33
mense magnitude, is said to have been thrown to the height
of at least 10,000 feet above the top of the mountain.
The quantity of iava thrown out sometimes is so great as
to enter cities, forests, and the ocean, in large rivers. Fields
have been covered with it, 100 and even 200 feet in thick-
ness. The force of the explosion has been so great as to
shake the earth, agitate the sea, and even mountains, and
overthrow the most solid edifices.
There are three noted volcanoes, viz. Mount Hecla, in
Iceland ; Mount Etna, in Sicily ; Mount Vesuvius, in
Naples. Tliere are many others of less note in Asia, Af-
rica, and America.
EARTHQUAKES.
There are two kinds of Earthquakes ; one is caused
bjr the action of subterraneous fires, and the explosion of
volcanoes, which are felt only at small distances, and at
the time when volcanoes act, or just before they open.
The other is supposed to be produced by immense quan-
tities of inflammable air, contained and compressed in the
caverns and crevices of the earth, which being greatly
rariSed by internal fires, and finding no outlet, forces a
passage through all obrtructions.
Earthquakes are usually preceded by a general stillness
in the air ; the sea swells ;ind makes a great noise ; the
fountains are troubled and send foitl) muddy water ; the
birds seem frightened, as if sensible of the approaching ca-
lamity.
Tb.e shock comes on witli a rumbling noise, like that of
carriages ou frozen ground, or thunder ; the ground heaves
and rolls or rocks from side to side. I'iie shocks are of-
ten repeated, and succeed each other, at short uitervals,
for a considerable length of time. Awiul chasms are
sometimes made during the shocks, from which issue wa-
ter, and in seme instances flames. Whole cities have been
swailov/ed up in these chasms, and thousands of people in'
them,
Hi'.tory affnrds innumerable instances of the dreadful
and various effects of earthquakes.
^* ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY:
MAGNETISM.
The earth contains a mineral substance, which attracts
iron, steel, and all ferruginous substances ^ which is called
Natural Magnet or Load-stone. The same substance has the
power of communicating its properties to all ferruginous
bodies : those bodies, after having acquired the magnetic
properties, are called Artificial Magnets.
It is well icnown, by long experience, that a piece of
wire, or a needle, rendered magnetic, and accurately bal-
anced on a pivot, or centre, will setde in a certain direc-
tion, either duly, or nearly, north and south. This direc-
tive power of the magnet, is its most v.'onderful and use-
ful property. J3y it, mariners are enabled to conduct their
vessels through vast oceans, in any given direction ; mi-
ners are guided in their works below the surface of the
earth ; and travellers conducted through deserts, other-
wise impassable. i^
The usual method is to have an artificial magnet sus-
pended, so as to move freely, which will always place it-
self in or near the plane of the meridian, north and south ;
then, by looking on the direction of the magnet, the course
is to be directed, so as to make any required angle vvith
it. An artificial steel magnet, fitted for this purpose in a
proper box, is CAWed. the Mariner r ^Compasst or simply ^^^
C3mpa:s<, and is so well known, as to S0!^^ rio particular
description.
There is sometimes a variation in the direction of the
magnetic needle, which differs in degree at different pla-
ces aad times.
. GRAVITATION.
The attraction of Gravity or Gravitation, called also the
centripetal force, is that pioperty and power, by which distant
bodies tend towards one another. This is the universal
principle of nature, from which all motion arises. By this
principle, stones fall, and all bodies, on whatever side of
the earth, are kepr, on its surface : by this, the moon pre-
serves her proper distance, and statedly performs her rer-
oluti.on round the earth, the other satellites attend thcrr
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. S5
Tespeciive planets, aii the planets, and comets are retained
in their orbits. Hence it appears, that doivn'ward is a term
which has respect efiti rely to the cenire of the system, or
body to which it is apph'ed ; or in other words, to move
downwards is to approach toward the centre of a body, or
system ; and to move upward is to recede from the said
centre. Thus, the centre of the sun is the lowest point in
the solar system, toward which every object in the system
is attracted. With respect to the earth, the lowest point
is its centre, and every object belonging to that planet, on
whatever side, tends toward it. It is consequently erro-
neous and improper to suppose that people on the side of
the earth opposite to us, walk with their heads downward,
or are in danger of falling from its surface.
TIDES.
The regular ebbings and flowlngs of the sea, twice ev-
ery day, are called Tic/es. They are caused by the attrac-
tion of the sun and moon, but principally that of the lat-
ter ; the power of the moon, in this case, being to that of
the sun as 5 to 1 .
The earth, by its daily rotation about its axis, presents
each f>art of its surface to the direct action of the moon
twice each day, and thus produces two floods and two
ebbs. BiTt because the moon is, in the mean time, passing
from west to ea'jjtjn its orbit, it arrives at the meridian of
any place, later flyigHi^ did the preceding day ; whence
the tv/o floods and ebbs require nearly 2.5 hours to com-
plete them. The tide is highest about three hours after
the moon has passed the meridian ; for though the force
be greater at that time, yet the greatest eifect cannot ap-
pear on the water till sometime afterward.
When the moon is in conjunction or opposition with the
sun, they both tend to raise the water in the same place.
The tides are then highest, and are called sj)nt?^ tides.
When the sun and moon are OC^ from each other, the
sun depresses those parts which the irocn raises. They
are then lower than ordinary, and are called neap ticks.
Hence the highest lides happen at the time of rew and
full moon, and the lowest when the mooa is at her first
and third quarters.
i6 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
The motion and height of the tl(^, as they pass over
shoals, and run through straits and inlets, become more
various. The Mediterranean and BdJfeic seas have very
small tides, because the inlets by which they communi-
cate with the ocean are so narrow, that they cannot in so
short time, receive or discharge so much, as sensibly to
raise or depress their surfaces. In the bay of Fundy, be-
tween Nova- Scotia and the United States, the tides rise to
the height of 60 feet, and flow so rapidly as to overtake
animals feeding on the shore. There are no tides in Jakes,
they being in general so small, that the moon attracts ev-
ery part of them equally, and therefore no part of the wa^
ter is raised above the other.
THE ATMOSPHERE.
The Atmosphere^ or Alt; is a fine, invisible, and elastic,
fluid, surrounding the eartli- and extending some miles
from its surface. Without this element, no animal or veg-
etable could exist ; there could be neither rain nor dews,
to moisten the earth ; and though the heavenly bodies
might be visible, as bright specks, yet we should have nei-
ther day-light nor twilight, but utter darkness. Air is al-
y, so the vehicle of sound ; without it we should not be able
^ to converse with each other, nor even to breathe.
By its gravity, air is capable of supporting ail lighter
bodies ; as smoke, vapors, odors, &c.
- - il*f
WINDS. '
When the air is heated, it becomes rarer, and therefore
ascends, and the surrounding cold air, rushing in to supply
its place, forrris a current in some one direction. A cur-
rent of air^ thus put in motion, is called Wind-
Constant, or General Winds, are such as blow always in
the same direction. These prevail in the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans, between the latitudes of about 28 north
and south, and blow constantly from northeast and south-
east toward the equator. These are also called Tropical
or Genera! Trade Winds.
Periodical Winds are those, which blow in certain direc-
tions, during certain periods of time. In some parts the
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. S7
Indian ocean, the wind blows six months in one direction,
and then six months in the opposite direction. The chang-
es happen about the time of the equinoxes and are at-
tended with dreadful storms of thunder and lightning.
These are called Monsoons, or Shifting Trade Winds. In the
West-Indies, the winds blow from the land in the night,
and from the sea during the day, changingtheir direction
every twelve hours. These are called Zan/ ^ViiZea Bree'z.es.
Variable Winds are those, which are subject to no regu-
larity of duration or change.
The constant and periodical w'inds blow only at sea ; on
land the wind is always 'variable.
Many parts of the world, and the West-Indies in par-
ticular, are frequently visited by Hurricanes. They are
sudden and violent storms of wind, rain, thunder and
lightning, attended with great swelling of the sea, and
sometin:es with earthquakes. There are signs by which
the inhabitants are warned of their approach. Some tim
before they come on, the sky is troubled ; the sun more
red than usual ; there is a dead calm below ; zrtd the tops
of the mountains are free from the mists which usually
hover about them. In the caverns of the earth, and in
wells, a hollow rumbling noise is heard, like the rushing
of a great wind. At night, the stars seem much larger
than common ; the northwest sky has a black and me-
nacing appearance ; the sea emits a strong smell, and
r:es into va-t waves, often without any wind. These
terrible storms happen principally in the month of Au-
gust ; destroying all the produce of the ground ; tearing
up trees ; ovei turning buildings ; and inundatbg large
tracts of land.
The deserts of Africa and Arabia give a burning heat
and blasting quality to the air pat,!ng over them. Al
Goree, on the river Senegal, there is an easterly wind
from tl;e inland parts, with which thnie, v.ho are suddenly
met by it in tlie face, are scorched, as by a blast from a
{"urnace.
At the F.)lLlcind I.slanc? an cxtraordir.nry blasting wind
i.-; tcit, bi:t iis duration is scldc^m rr:ore than twcnty-four
lionrs. it cuts down the hoiLago, as if fires Iiad been
made under them ; tl:e leaves are parched ^p snd crun-
b!e into dust ; fowl;;;:;; scizvr! \.:ui cran-p-, r.nd n -vfj
D
3S ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
recover ; men are oppressed with a stopped perspiration*
heaviness at the breast, and sore throat, but recover with
proper care.
T^e most dreadful winds, peihaps, are those in the
deserts near Bagdad, called Samoul, or Mortifying Winds.
The camels perceive their approach, and are said to make
an unusual noise, and cover their noses in the sand. To
escape their effects, travellers throw themselves as close'
on the ground as possible, and wait till the winds have
passed over, which is commonly in a few minutes. Thus
some escape ; but those who die, have their limbs mor-
tified.
In Italy, a wind blows, for several days, called Siroceo,
which is fatal to vegetation, and destructive to the inhab-
itants ; depressing their spirits, and suspending the pow
ors of digestion, so that those who venture to eat a heavy
supper, while this wind prevails, are frequently found
dead the next morning. It is felt with peculiar violence
at Palermo. '
In the deserts of Africa, there are prodigious pillars of
sand, which move with great velocity. Mr, Bruce saw
several of these at once, some of which appeared to hi ten
feet in diameter. They began immediately after the ris-
ing of the Gun, and his rays shining through them, gave
them the appearance of pillars of iire.
There is a phenomenon, called the IVaier-Spout, hanging
under a deep cloud, in the form of a cone, with the vertex
downward ; and under it the sea boils up, and rises in a
conical form These cones sometimes meet, and they gen-
erally begin to appear together : they sometimes move
for a considerable space before they break. When they
appear at sea, and approach a ship, it is said the sailors
lire at them and bre;ik them, as it might be dangerous if
they should meet with a ship and break over it. The
water-spout is supposed to be an electrical phenomenon.
A IVhtrlwlnd is a wind, wliich rises suddenly ; it is ex-
tiemely rapid and impetuous, taking up all light sub*
stances from the earth, which it meets with, and carrying
them up in a spiral motion. Dr. Franklin supposes that
the whirUind and water-spcut proceed from the same
Cause. They have each a progrrssive and circular mo-
tioR ; they usually rise after calms and great heats,, an<i
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHt. S9
most frequently happen in -ft-arm latitudes ; the wind
blows, from every way, towards both ; and a water-spout
has been known to move from the sea to the land, and to
produce all the effects of a whirlwind. They are both>
probably, the effects of the electrical fluid.
VAPORS AND CLOUDS.
Vapors are raised from the surface of the moist eartk
and waters, the principal cause of which is, probably, the
heat of the sun ; the evaporation being alwa>s ([Greatest
when the heat is greatest. The vapors, thus raised, by
heat, ascend into the cold regions of the aL-TiiOsphere, and
form Cloudsy which aie of the same nature as dews and
fogs upon the earih.
When the water in the air ceases to bo suspended, it
falls down, and the particles, uniting in falling, forrn
drops, or Rain. If it be very cold in those regio'is where
the rain begins to be formed, it then descends in Snoiv.
When the drops of rain are formed, and are descending,
if in their descent they pass through a region of the air
cold enough to freeze them, they descend in Hail,
ELECTRICITY.
The earth and all bodies, with wlilch we are acquaint-
ed, are supposed to contain a certain quantity of an ex-
ceedingly elastic fluid, called the Electric Jluid
Li^hining is the electric liuid in the atmosphere ; dis-
charging itself, sometimes from one cloud to another, and
sometimes from the clouds to the earth. This discharge
occasions the awful roll, or sound, called Thunder.
A machine, fitted up v/ith certain appurteiiances, for
the purpose of exciting electric fluid, and making it per-
ceptible to the senses, is called an Electrical machim. The
sudden discharge of the fluid contained in the machine,
gives a painful sensation to any animal placed within the
circuit of its communication, called the Electrical Shock.
That lightning and the electric fluid are one and the
same substance, has been proved by Dr. Franklin and
others. Lightning stiikes the highest and most polny^d
objects ; reads bodies to pieces and sets th9in on fixe j dn-
40 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
solves metals ; and destroys animal life ; in all which,
it agrees with the phenomena produced by an electrical
apparatus.
Some fishes have the power of giving shocks, similar to
those of artificial electricity. The torpedo, found in the
rivers of South- America, v/hen touched by the naked hand,
or any conductor, produces a strong, electric shock. The
gymnotus electricus, and some others, possess the same power.
Electricity has been administered for various diseases
of the human body } some of which have been relieved,
and others perfectly cured.
LIGHT.
' JjIGHt is that, which, proceeding from a certain body
to ihe eye, prviduces the perception oi seeing. An exceeding,
ly siTiall portion of light, is called a Ray, A larger body
of light consisting of many parallel rays, is called a Beam.
The rays of light fly with amazing swiftness, at the
ratCj it is computed, of 11,875,000 miles in a minute* or
more than a million times swifter than a cannon ball,
v/nich' is computed to move 8 miles in a minute. Light
i'l found to proceed from both animal and vegetable sub-
stances in a putrid state.
The T-zuiligfjl is that faint light, which appears in the
east in tlva morning before tlie sun rises, and gradually
Tanishes in the west after hf sets.
The sun is the original source o( light to our system ;
.md thbucji it rise and set all over the earth, yet the cir-
cumstances attending' its rising and setting aie very differ-
ent in diiierent countries.
In the equatorial regions, darkness comes on very soon
after sunset ; because the convexity of the earth conies
quickly between the sun and the eye of the observer. Pro-
ceeding from the equator, the tv.'ilight continues a longer
time after sunset ; and, in 4S^ N. latitude, it continues
through the night in the rr;onth of June. As we approach
the poles, the twilight becomes brighter and brighter, till
at last the sun does not appear to touch the horizon, but
is seen above it many days successively. On the other
h.ind, in Vvinter, the sun sinks lower and lower, till it does
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 4.1
aot appear at all, and there is only a dim twilight, for an
hour or two, in the middle of the day.
Nothwithsianding the seeming inequality in the distribu-
tion of light and darkness, it is certain that, throughout
the whole world, there is nearly an equal proportion of
light diffused on every part, abstracted from what is ab-
sorbed by clouds, vapors, and the atmosphere itself. The
equatorial regions have indeed the most intense light dur-
ing the day, but the nights are long and dark ; while, on
the other hand, in the northerly and southerly parts, though
the sun shines less powerfully, yet the length of time that
he appears above the horizon, with the greater duration ot
twilight, make up for the seeming deficiency.
THE HARVEST MOON,
It is a remarkable and Iiighly beneficial circumstance,
that in those countries which aie at considerable distsncee
from the equator and the poles, the autumnal full moons,
rise nearly at sunset, from the first to the third quarter ;
a dispensation singularly calculated to faciiilaie the reap-
ing and gathering in the fruits of the earth. This phe-
nomenon is called the Harvest Mocn. It is farther observ-
able, that this appearance in the autumnal months is pe-
culiar to the full moon ; for though, in every month, the
moon for several successive days will vary the time of her
rising very little j yet in the vernal months, ihis happer.y
at the time of the new mocn ; in the winter months, abour.
tlie time of the first quarter ; and in summer, at sJie time
of the last quarter. In the latitude of 50 north, tlie lime
o( the moon's rising is observed to vary only two hours in
six days.
NORTHERN LIGHT.
The Aurora Eorcails, or Norihern Light, in many parts
of the northern hemisphere, enables the inhabitants to pur-
sue their occupations duiing the absence of the sun. No
satisfactory conjectuie has yet been ioiined, as to the cause
of this phenom.enon. Some liave supposed it to be elec-
trical matter, imbibed by the canh U0>T1 the ran, ;n vh-e
U. ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
warm latitudes, and passing off through the upper regioQa
of the atmosphere, to the place whence it came.
These lights commonly appear at twilight, near the
liorizon, of a dun color, approaching to yellow, and some-
times continue in that state for several hours, without any
apparent motion. In the Shetland Isles, and other north-
ern regions, they are the constant attendants of clear even-
ings, and prove a great relief amid the gloom of long win-
ter nights ; and are there called Merry Dancers. They
sometimes break out into streams of strong light, spread-
ing into columns, and altering slowly into thousands of
different shapes varying their colours, from all th tints of
yellow, to the most obscure russet. They often cover the
whole hemisphere, affording a most brilliant prospect*
At other times, they assume the color of blood, and make
a very dreadful appearance. They have generally a quick
tremulous motion, which continues till the whole vanishes*
HEAT AND COLD.
The presence of the sun is one of the principal sources
sf heat, and its absence the cause of cold. But, were these
the only sonrces of heat and cold, there would be, in the
iame p.irallels of latitude, the same degree of heat and
cold, at the same season ; which is not the fact ; for very
liot days are frequently felt in the coldest climates, and
very cold weather, and even perpetual snow, is found in
eountries under the equator.
One 'source is from the earth ; probably arising from a
mass of heat diffused through it, which, imparted from the
earth to the atmosphere, tends greatly to moderate the se-
verity of the winter's cold. It is probably fiom this in-
ternal heat, that snow generally begins to melt first at the
bottom. Another source of heat is the condensation ot
vapor, which warms the surrounding atmosphere. This
condensation is frequently formed by the attraction of an
electrical cloud : and hence the great sultriness often ex-
perienced before a storm.
As the earth is a source of heat, so distance from it is a
source of cold ; and it is found in ascending the atmos-
fhere, Uiat tiie cel^i iji?re^es^ Xhf tops f the highest
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHV. 4
mountains, even under the equator, are continually cover-
ed with snow.
The same cause, which makes condensation a source of
heat, makes evaporation a source of cold ; as it absorbs
the fire in tiie latter instance, which it gives out in the
former.
The instrument made use of in measuring the different
degrees of heat and cold in tl>^ atmosphere, is called a
Thermometer
The action of freezing is always instantaneons. Ice is
lighter than the same buik of water, and this is the reason
of its floating upon the surface. Boiled water is more
easily frozen, than that which has not been boiled ; ansl
that which is a little agitated, than that which is entirely
at rest.
POLITICAL DIVISONS OF THE EARTH.
The habitable parts of the globe are divided into wha
are commonly, though very inaccurately, called four.
QUARTERS, which, according to their magnitude, may be
ranked as follows ; America, Asia, Africa, Europe.
Of these divisions, Europe is tlie smallest, but the most
improved and civvlizcd ; Africa the most barbarous, and
the least known ; Asm the wealthiest, and the most an-
ciently inhabited ; America the largest, the grandest, as to
its mountains and rivers, the least populous and wealthy,
the last explored and inhabited.
Suhdivi:,ions. Tliese grand divisions of the globe, for the
purposes of government, &c. are subdivided into innume-
lab'e districts, or portions, of various extent, and under va-
rious names ; as Empires, Kingdoms, RepuUus, States, Depart-
ments, PriMcipalUksf Dukedoms, Dutchies, Counties, Cities, I'o-wn-
ilAps, Parishes, &c. Different nations have different names
fur tliese divisions, but they mean much the same tiling.
Several coimtrics, or principaliiies, with diffcient gov-
crnments, confederated under one sovereign oi Lead, is
called an Empire ; as the German En;pire, which is com-
posed of about .'WO principalities j and the Russian Em-
pire, which includes many extensive countries, that are
divided into 42 different govtrnments, combined under "Urt-
Emperor, who i the head of the Empire,
U ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
The territories, subject to one monarch or king, fortrt
a Kingdom. Such are Great-Britain, Spain, Portugal,
Sweden, Denmark, &c.
A number of separate states having governors, consti-
tutions, and laws of their own, confederated under one
general government with an elective head, are called a
Republic. A Republic, according to others, is a govern-
ment in which the executive power does not lie in the
hands of a single person. Such is the government of the
United States of America.
States and Departments are component parts of republics.
Principalities, Dukedoms, and Dutchies are branches of em-
pires and kingdoms. Counties, Cities, Toavmhips, Parishes^
&c. are less divisions, common to republics, empires, king-
doms, and states. In some parts of the southern states of
America, a parish answers to a county. In the northern
states, a parish is a district incorporated for the purpose of
supporting public worship.
Towns are districts of various extent, commonly about
Mi miles square, incorporated for the purpose of choosing
representatives, and managing their own internal affairs.
All such districts, without regard to the number of houses
r inhabitants, are called Towns, and sometimes Toiunships,
in the New- England states. In the southern states, this
name is given on!y to places containing a number of houses,
less or more, compactly built.
INHABITANTS.
The human inhabitants of the earth are composed of
an astonishing number of different nations, of various
colors, features, languages, religions, customs, and occu-
pations ; and subject to the various forms of civil and ec-
clesiastical government.
There seem to be about six varieties in tJie liuman spe-
cies, each strongly marked, and indicating little mixture-
The Jirst around the polar regions. The Laplanders,
the Esquimaux Indians, t}]e Samoeid Tartars, the inhabi-
tants of Nova Zembia, the Borandians, the Greenhmder?,
and Kami.chadait;s, may be consideied as one race, re-
sembling each ether in stature, complexion; and customs.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 45
The second great variety in the human species is the
Tartar race ; whose country comprehends a great part of
Asia ; and consequently Includes a number of nations, of
arious forms and complexions : but, however different
from each other, they agree in being unlike any other peo-
ple. To this race is referred the Chinese and the Japanese.
A third variety in the human species, is the southern A-
siatics. The nations of the Peninsular India, seem to be
the stock whence the islands scattered in the Indian Ocean
have been peopled.
The fourth variety in tlie human species, is the negroes
which inhabit the southern parts of Africa, from 18 N.
to the Cape of Good Hope.
The Aboriginal Americans, or Indians, constitute the
f.fth race of mankind.
The sixth variety of the human species, is the Europe-
ans, and their descendants in America : also the nations
bordering on Europe, including the Georgians, Circas-
sians, and Mingrelians, the inhabitants of Asia Minor, and
the north of Africa, with part of the countries northwcs-t
of the Caspian sea.
FORMS OF GOVERNMENT.
For their common security and welfare, tl)e inhabitants
of the earth have formed themselves into communities, and
instituted government, varying in its forms. The govern-
ment of no two nations, perhaps, is exactly similar. There
are but thrcf. kinds of simple forms of government. Monar-
chy, Aristocracy, and Democracy.* All other govern-
ments must, of course, be a mixture of these.
The earliest form of government was a species of Mon-
archy, called Patriarchal government, in which the chief
magistrate, so far as related to government, sustained the
authority of a father over his people This form of gov-
ernment is said to have existed in China, for a long suc-
cession of years.
When the sovereign power is exercised by one man, that
government is called a Mr-narchy. The chief magistrate
in a monarchical government is styled variously King^
Monarch, Emperor, Sovereign. Monarchies are of diilerent
kinds, despotic, absolute or arbitrary, limited or mixedj
Jou^N Ap;vM3, IJ^^, late presid^Qt of the Uttited Stat,^
46 ' ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
according to the degree of power vested in the sovereign.
The Turkish government is an example of the former :
that of Great- Britain of the latter.
An Aristocracy is a government of nobles. Of this kind
was the goremment of Venice, till its revolution in 1797.
Governments formed by a free people, -or by their prop-
er representatives, and administered by officers of their
own choice, and where the executive power is not vested
in an individual, are called Democracies or Republics.
The fundamental laws of a state or country, which se-
cure the rights of its inhabitants, and regulate the conduct
fits rulers, are called its CoNsriTUTiON.
RELIGIONS.
Mankind, in respect to religion, may be divided into
Christians^ Jews, Mahometans, Deists, and Pagans or Hea'
thens.
Christiaxs. All who profess to be the disciples and
followers of Jesus Christ, are called Christians. The
greater part of the inhabitants of Europe, and of the A-
merican United States, together with those in the Spanish
parts of South-America, the West-India islands, and some
feA' parts of Asia and Africa, are of this denomination.
Christians are divided into \. Roman Catbolics, who have
a Pope at their head, and are thence often called Papists.
Tliese are a numerous sect of Christians, inhabiting the
southern and intejior parts cf Europe. The Spanish,
French, and Portuguese settlements in different parts of
the world are mostly of this sect.
2. Protestants, a name given in J 529 to all who renounc-
ed the Roman Catholic religion, and emiiraced the princi-
ples of the reformation.
Protestants are divided into Lutherans and Calvinists, as
they embrace the doctrines peculiar to Luther or Calvin,
two of the first and most conspicuous Reformers.
Lutherans and Calvinists are subdivided into Episcopali-
ans, PresbyteriansK Congregaiionalisls, Independents, Anabaptists,
commonly called Baptists, and Methodists ; and these are
again divided into Moravians, or United Brethren, Caj--
Tfinists, Arminians, Arians and Socinians, or UnitariaflSj
tjaiversalists, Mpaijguists, Tunkecs, &c.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 4?
Under the head of Prostestnnts, may be ranked also the
FkrENDS, commonly called Quakers^ a respectable, peace-
ful and industrious body of people.
3. The Greek Church, which is the religion of the Euro-
pean part of the Russian empire, and of part of Turkey in
Europe, resembling, in many particulars, the Roman
Catholic religion. Its professors like the Catholics, keep
I^ent and many other days of fasting ; they have numer-
ous ceremonies in their worship have holy tvater, &c.
The great saticitfication of the w-j/^/tj is performed at i'eters-
hurg, twice in the year, in commemoration of the baptism
of our Saviour, in the most splendid and magnificent man-
ner. They d'ffer from the Roman Catholics, in thak they
have never acknowledged the Reman Pontiff, or Pope.
Of the Christian sects, the Roman Catholics are the most
numerous ; next the Greek Church ; next Protestants.
The former are decreasing, and the latter increasing.
The Jfws are the seed of Abraham, or the descendants
of the chosen people of Gcd, who formerly inhabited Ju-
dea, but are now dispersed, and have became a. proverb, im
fulfilment of scripture prr.phecies, in almost every nation
under heaven. They adhere to the Old Testament scrip-
ture but rtject the New. l^heir number is not known,
Snnie have conjectured that they amount to about three
millions.
The Mahometans derive their name and doctrine from
Mahomet, a native of Arabia, who flourished from the year
GOO to 6'i2, after Christ. The book which contains their
religion is called the Alcoran, and is the same to a Mahom-
etan as the B'lhle is to a Cliristian.
The Mahometans, as well as Christians, are divided into
a great variety of sects, under difit'rent names.
Deists. All such as assert the sufficiency, universality,
and absolute perfection of natural religion, v<'nh a view to
discredit and discard all extraordinary rcjilaiion, as useless
and needless, are called Deists.
Lord Herbert, in the 17th century, was the first who
reduced Deism to a system.
Pagans or Heathens. Those people who repie^ent
the Deity under various foims or images, or who pay di-
vine wor^]}ip to the sun, fire, beasts, or any of the crea-
tures of God, are called Pagans, or Heathens.
48 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
The Pagans are more numerous than all other religious
sects collected, making it is supposed, as many, as nineteen
thirtieths of mankind.
The Pagans inhabit all other parts of the globe, whick
are not inhabited by Christians, Jews, Deists, or Mahome-
tans.
They are divided into innumerable sects, most of which
have different idols or objects, to which they pay divine
worship. The worship of the Grand Lama is the most ex-
tensive and splendid mode of Paganism This species is
professed by a large proportion of the people cf Asia.
The Grand Lama is a name given to the High Priest
of the Thibetian Tartars, who resides at Patoli, a vast pal-
ace, on a mountain, near the banks of the river Baram-
pooter. At tlie foot of this mountain reside 20,000 Lamas
or Priests. His worshippers are very numerous., and come
from far distant countries. The emperor cf China ac-
knowledges him in his religious capacity.
The Grand Lama is never to be seen, but in a secret
place in his palace, amidst a great number of lamps, sit-
ting cross-legged, upon a cushion, and decked all over
with gold and precious stones ; where at a distance, the
people prostrate themselves btfore him. It being unlawful
for any so much as to kiss his feet. He returns not the
least sign of respect, nor ever speaks, even to the greatest
princes ; but only lays his hand on their heads, and they
are fully persuaded they receive from thence a full for-
giveness of all their sins.
It would be endless, almost, to enumerate all the ob-
jects and modes of Pagan worship.
OF THE DIVISIONS OF TIME.
The idea of time is acquired by corisidciing the parts of
duration, as passing in succession, and separated by inter-
nals ; the idea of a day, a month, a year, &c. is obtained,
by observing certain appearances uniformly returning at
regular periods, includuig equal spaces ; by multiplying
and combining these, we procure different measures of
time : for instance a Day is a division of time, measured
by the appearance and disappearance of the sun ; this
.period is of two kinds artiPiciil, and natural.
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. -19
The arufiaal day is tlic tur.c of light, or of ihe sun's ap-
pearance above the horizon : in opposition to which, the
time of darknci^s. or of the sun's continuance below the
-Iiorizon, is called night.
The natural ov civil day, is that space of time wherein the
sun rcmpletc'S his circuit round the earih ; or, to speak
properly and astronomically, the time of an entiie revolu-
tion of the equator. This period is the positive appoint-
ment of infinite Wisdom, v/hose pnjlonged operations \\c
call the course of nature.
. The revolution of the earth on its axis causes a seeming
revolution of the sun, and thus forms a measure of tim.e,
whicli we call a day ; this is evidently founded on nature,
and is ihe consequence of our observation of the sun : but
as the sun seems always alike, and never varies its form,
or f^'eneral aspect, the eye does not deiive from him the
means of compuiiiig longer periods,of time ; for this, it
turns to the moon, whose appointment being to enlighten
nigh.t, and who " nightly changes in her circling orb," the
notice of these chiuiges becomes the register of a period of
tim.e, longer than what can be gathered from the sun.
There arc lour particular inst.^.nces of the moon's course,
v/hich are so peculiarly marked, it is impossible to mis-
take or confound them ; ^first., when it is just visible in a
small crescent in the evening ; secondly, when it is exactly
bisected, having the light to the right hand ; thirdly, when
it is full ; and fourlhy, when it is exactly bisected, having
th.e light to the left hand. These correspond nearly to
every seventh day, wheitby they iurnish the measures of
that period t\ tin:e v^-e call a ivcih, and, T.nited, form the
still longer piTiod of a month. Ey months, was long the
prevailing mode of reckoning ; as requiring no trouble, no
calculation ; simply an inspection of the nightly luminary,
ai;d a correspondent memorandum of her aspect.
iSh'nihs and vveelcs evidently began together, being reg-
Tilattd !)y the course of the mcon ; but nations acted with
great diveisi'y, in fi.vingthe beginning of their days ; seme
con)pu'!ng jvom the risings others fixm the setting of the
si,n, ci;l;ers ivv.xn i:q: w, oihcrs frrna night. 'J'he ancient
B:d-)y!(.n::;ns Per-i.ms, Syrians, and n;oa other eastern na-
tions, the Cireeks, ^<c. began their d;'.v with tiK- sun's r's-
ir*r i the a-c^etu A:heniv\::s and Jc--^, 'the ntodcrn Auc
50 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
trians, Bohemians, Silesians, Italians, and Chinese, froin
the sun's setting : tiie Ancient Umbii and Arabians, with
the TOodern astronomers, from noon : the Egyptians and
Romans, with the modern Enghsh, French, Dutch, Ger-
mans, Spaniards, and Portuguese, from midnight.
A year truly contains 36.'j days, 5 hours, and 49 min-
utes : but the most ancient form of the year, is that which
divides it into 360 days.
Epochs are certain fixed points from wlych computa-
tions are begun, and to which calculations are referred.
Ey comparing transactions with the epocli, and tracing
their distance from it, we ascertain tlie years in wliich they
ivinocned, and assign them their place in the succession
( 1 iiuio. But it is evident this can icspect only the epoch
to which they arc referred, as the epoch of one nation is
c^isrcgaided by others. The Creatln of the ivcrJd, the Deluge,
the Olympiads, the Binhlwg of Rome, and the Birth of Christ,
are all celebrated eras in history.
MEASURES.
The measures, most commonly made use of in geo-
graphical books, are inUcs and lengues- The English and
American niiles consist of 8 furlongs, equal to 1760 yards.
The marine league contains 3 miles. The Turkish, Ital-
ian, and old Rrman mile differs but little from that of
the English. The Dutch, Spanish, and Poli>h mile is
iibout 3; English. The German is more than 4 ; the
Danish and Hungarian, rriore than 5 ; and the Swedish
nenrly 7 Englisli miles
'1 he raanne or geographical mile is longer than the
rommon, or English mile. In a degree of the earth's cir-
cumference, there a:c GO geog. aphical miiles, which are
equal to 61.4 English miles.
In calculating the distance of pl;ices, by degrees of Inn-
oi'.iiue, gecc^rapliers generally assume the capital, or some
other remarkable phicc ol tr.en own country, as the fixed
i-neridian. Thus tl.e French reckon their longitude ficta
',he meridian of Paris, and the English reckon theirs from
Greenwich, which is the scat of the Royal ObscTvatory.
In tlie prcstn': work, the loi'^giiudc, v. here it is not other
ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. 51
wise expressed, is calculated from the meridian oF Phlla-
dflphi-a, which is 75 S' -IS'' west from Greenwich.
ThiLnph of Mils t Leagues, l^c. ancieni and modern, in English
yards.
Yards.
Ancient Roman mile 16"!0,348^
Olympic stadium:^ ,1 of anciciU Roman mils 201,2935
Suidluin=.'- of ancient Roman mile 101,0348
Stadinm= to the 1 1 00th part of a degree i 11,2
Jewibh risin, of which 7ir:i:i::cient Romi.n mile 212,713
Gallic lcaca=l:'i ancient Roman mile 2115,522
Gerni'.n ra^t, or common league in France,=:2 Gal. Icuca 4831,044
rcr-,i..u parasar.;j;=2G..l!ic leagues _ 4831,044
JL'p, pti.in sl!;cne=4 ancient R.Jinan miles 644 1 ,392
G.rman if:;;iie, or tl.at of Scandinavia=2 rasts 9562,083
'i ;v- n-.uo 01 league of Girm:iny=200 Rfienish yards 8239,845
Great Arabian mile, used m Prdestine,in the time of) ,,,.,
tne Jrusadei, rated at H ancient Roman mue y
Modern Roman mile 1028,466
Modern Greek mile, of 7 Olympic stadia ' 1409,0545
Modern I'rench leaj,'ue=:2500 toi-es 5328,75
Alilc of 'I'urkey, and the common vverst of Russia, "> 1409051'"
su[)posing it 7 Olympic stadia 5
League of Spain=::;4 ancient Roman miles 6441,342
Lar^'e league of Spain=:5 ditto 8051,74
OF THE LOG LINE.
A Log is a piece of hoard, in the form of the quadrant
of a circle, Laving iis circular side loaded with weights, to
make it swim upright. To this log is fastened a line of
about 150 fathoms, called the log-line ; this is divided in-
to equal spaces, called knots, each of which ought to bear
the same proportion to a nautical mile, as r^ a minute bears
to an hour. They are called knots, because at the end of
each of them there is fixed a piece of twine with knots in
it ; and these are subdivided into tenths. Now a nautical
mile=6l20 feet, and the ^T^,- part=5I feet; now ^ : 1
hour :: 51 feet : 6120 feet, or a mile ; therefore, if 51 feet
of the log line run off in ,^', one mile will be run off in an
hour ; hence, as many knats as are run off in an hour, so
o2 ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY.
many miles the ship sails in an hour. But as the ship*s
run is found to be more than that given by the log, owing
to the log being drawn forward, they generally allow only
hfty feet for a knot ; and some commanders al'ow less.
And to measure the time, they have a sand glass, whicL
runs out in half a minute.
The line runs off a reel, which turns very easily, znd the
log is thrown from the poop, or lee quarter ; and they
generally let it run 12 or 15 fathoms, so as to be oat cf
the ship's wake, and then begin to count. There is com-
monly fastened a piece of red flag, to show where you are
to begin to reckon. Care must be taken to have the hour
glass and log line correct, otherwise an allowance must be
m.ade.
If the log line and the time of the running out of the
p-las3 be both altered in rhe same proportion, the number
of knots, run out in one glass will still show the numl>cr
of miles run in an hour ; for if the knots be 40 feet and the
glass run out in 2V', then 24" : 30' :: 40 feet : 50 feet, se
that 50 feet is still run out in half a minute.
GEOGRAPHY MADE EASY
>jrv^>-x-i>%^w*vrr-^
AMERICA,
OF the grand divisions of the earth, America is muck
the largest From its late discovery, by the inhabitants
of the eastern continent, it is frequently denominated the
Neiv World, or Neio Hemisphere^ a title, which, perhaps, it:
may justly claim, when we consider its vast extent, and its
unquestionable superiority over any other division of the
eartli, in the number and variety of its products, and the
interesting consequences it has already produced, and is
still producing, with respect to the nations of the world.
Situation and Extent. The soutliern limit of the Amei ican
continent is in 56^ south latitude, whence it extends prob-
ably to the north pole. Of the northern limit, however,
we cannot speak positively, as no discoveries have been
made beyond 7'2or 73 degrees of north latitude, its length
from north to south, may be estimated at 9600 miles.
It spreads from, the 'i5ih to 168th degree west longi-
tude from London. Its breadth is very unequal, but sup-
posed to average 1500 miles, though in the northern part-
:t is known to exceed 4500.
America is in no part jo-ned by land to the old conti-
nent. It is separated from Europe and Africa on the east
by the Atlantic ocean : the Pacitic ocean divides it from
Asia on the west. It contains upwards of 14,000,000
square miles.
Divisions. Though America forms properly but one
continent, yet there is a division, so clearly maiked by na-
ture, that tlie propriety of its being considered in two sep-
arate portions is universally acknowledged. These two
regions called North and Sout/i-zUsrifa, are 'oijusd logcph--
2
5i AMERICA.
er by the Isthmus of Dar'ten, which in its narrowest part, h
about 27 miles in width, some say GO or 70. This isthmus
is made up of low sickly rallies, and mountains of such
stupendous height, that they seem to be placed by nature,
as eternal barriers between the Atlantic and Pacific ocean,
which here approach so near each other, that from the
mountains both may be seen at the same time.
Face of the Country. In America, the face of the country
is distinguished by a peculiar magnificence of features.
The astonished eye here meets with mountains, whose
ic-^.s intercept the clouds in their progress ; and rivers,
with which the streams of the old world cannot be com-
pared either for length of course, or the body of water,
which they convfv to the ocean. The lakes of America
are no less conspicuc!.': for grandeur, than its mountains-
and rivers.
The luxuriance of the vegetable creation is also very
great. In the southern provinces, where the moisture of
the earth is aided by the warmth of the sun, the woods are.
almost impervious ; and the surface of the ground is hid-
den under a thick covering of shrubs and herbs In the
northern provinces, though the forests are not incum.bered .
with the san:ie wild luxuriance of vegetation, yet the trees
are generally more lofty, and often much larger, than are.
.^een in any other parts of the world.
In the productions of the forest, America is greatly su-
perior to Europe. From a memoir of a European trav-
eller, it is ascertained, that in Europe there are thirty sev-
en trees, which grow to the height of thirty feel ; of which
eighteen form the mass iA their forest, and sixteen are
found in every part of Europe. In America there are
ninety species oi^ trees, which exceed forty leet in hciglit.
They ai e all natives of the forest, and seventy-tv.o are
common in all parts of the United States. Tn Europe^,
only seven are fit for architecture, in America no less than
fiftv-one.*
Populatkn. It is Impossible to ascertain the exact popula-
tion of this immense division of the globe. Some authors
have exaggerated it beyond all credibility ; and in calcu-
lating the population of the v/hole world, have assignee!
i.'*0.000>000 to America. If we suppose every part of the
RtEj's Cyciopedia, ARiericaU eUilicii.
AMERICA. 55
continent to be as populous as the United States, the whole
number would not exceed ^,0()0,0()0. Hassel, in his ta-
bles, axes the number at 21,297,000. This estimate is
doubtless too low. The real number is probably about
3.';,()00,000.
Inhabitants. The present inhabitants of America may be
divided into two general classes : 1. The Aboriginal inhab-
itants, generally called Indians, or those who descended
from the rirst settlers of the continent. 2. Those who
have rpigrated or been transported to America, since its
discovery by Columbus, and their descendants This lat-
ter class will be more particularly described, when treating
of the diifcrent portions of the continent, which they inhab-
it. At present, our remarks will be confined to llie
Aboriginal Inhabitants. These may be considered as divid-
ed into three distinct class^es : 1. The South- American In-
dians. '2. The Mexicans, and all the Indians south of the
lakes, and we'^t of the Mississippi. 3 The northern ttibes,
inhabiting Labrador, Esquimaux, and the adjacent coun-
tries.
_ The South-American Indians are generally of an oh'i'e
complexion, of different shades. Their stature is about the
middle size, but some nations rank among the tallest of
the human species.
The men and children, in the warm eMmate, and in
summer, in the colder regions, go quite n?.ked. "^J'he wo-
men v.'t-ar no more covering than tlie most relaxed niodes-
ty seems absolutely to require. The cioihng-, of such as
make use of it, is made of the skins oi beasts, of feathers
sewed logeihcr, and in the southern nations, where they
raise sheep, of wool manuiactujed into siufl's aiid blankets.
With respect to religion, some oi tlie Indiyiis are idola-
ters. They appear to have some notions (,f a Siqvieme
Being, and believe in futnie rewards and punishments:
but generally their ideas of religion and govtrnnjenl are
very rude. Some nation^', or rather tnbes, live comj;actly
in towns, and cultivate tlie earth ; others li;ive no settled
habitation, but wander over the country, subsisting on fi.sh
and the wild animals of the forest Tl:e I'miviin,:, are
supposed to have made greater progress in civiiizaviorvj
thaa any olher nation iiihubi;ing the new world.
SS AMERICA.
Though some of these nations are represented as cf tie!
and inconstant, others are humane and hospitable. They
are generally- attentive and kind to strangers ; and we sel-
dom hear of their being first in a quarrel with those who
pass their territories.
The second class of American Indians, who inhabit
Mexico, and the country south of the lakes, and west of
the Missisippi, seem to be advanced higher in the scale of
humaa beings, than any of the nations of South-America,
except the Peruvians.
The Abbe-Clavigero, a judicious and credible writer,
informs us, that, after attentively examining the character,
the genius, the ancient history, religion, and government of
the Mexicans, he does not hesitate to declare, that their
mental qualities are not, in the least degree, inferior to
those of the Europeans ; that they are capable of all, even
the most abstract sciences ; and thai, if equal care and
pains were taken in their education, we should see rise a-
mong them, philosophers, mathematicians, and divines,
who would rival the first in Europe. But it is riot possi-
ble to make great progress in the sciences, in the midst of
a life of misery, servitude, and oppression. Their ancient
government, their laws, and their arts, evidently demon-
strate, that they suffered no want of genius.
They are of a good stature, rather exceeding the middle
size ; well proportioned in all their limbs ; have a fine
olive complexion ; narrow foreheads ; black eyes ; their
teeth are firm, white, and regular ; their hair black, coarse '
and glossy. 'I'hey are neither very beautiful, nor the re-
verse. They are moderate eaters, but addicted te intem-
perance in drinking ; which appears to be a general char-
acteristic of ail the American Indians. They are patient
of injuries and hardships, and always grateful for beiiefits.
Generosity and disinterestedness are striking traits in their
character. Their religion is blended with much supersti-
tion, and some of them are very prone to idolatry.
The more northern Indians, whom we have included in
the second class, in their complexion, size, and form, are
not, in general, unlike tlie Mexicans. In social and do-
mestic virtues, in agriculture, arts, and manufactures, they
are far behind the Mexicans ; in their hospitality, equal 5
and in their eloqutjice in coo;icil, aod bravery in war, per-
AMERICA. 57
haps superior. Their mode of life, and the stale of socie-
ty among them, afford few objects for the display of either
their literary or political ab-lities. They are brave, when
an enterprise depends on bravery ; education witli them
making the point of honor to consist in the destruction of
an enemy by stratagem. An Indian will defend himself
apainsl a host of enemies, always choosing to be killed,
rather than to surrender. In other situations, also, he
meets death with more deliberation, and endures tortures
with a firmness almost unknown to religious enthusiasm.
He is affectionate to his children, and his affection is extend-
ed to his other connections. His friendship is strong and
faithful to the utmost extremity. Their sensibility is keen ;
oven the warriors weep most bitterly on the loss of their
children, though in general, they endeavor to appear su-
perior to human events *
The third class of American Indians, who inliabit Es-
quimaux, Labrador, and the countries adjacent, are much,
less known than either of the classes above described.
They d'fFer in size and shape fronj the other Americans,
and are said lo resemb'e the Laplanders and Samoeids of
Europe, from whom it is conjectured they descended.
The E5q>iin;aux are distinguished fiom the southern
tribes chieHy by their dress, their canoes, and their instru-
ments of chase. Further to the northward, they decrease
in height till they dwindle into the dwarfish tribes that in-
habit the shores of the Arctic or Frozen Ocean, and the
maritime parts of Fludson Bay.
The arctjc countries of America, as well as those of A-
sla, have few inhabitants ; and those are of tlie dwarfish
kind, scattered on the banks of rivers, lakes, and seas, sub-
sisting miserably upon fisli, and the flesh of those animals,
that inhabit those frozen regions, with the skins of which
they clothe tliemselves.f
The first peopling of America. This is an interesting sub-
ject, and has caused much discussion among several wri-
ters ; but the places from whence the first inhabitants orig-
inated, and the manner in which they, as well as the quad-
rupeds and reptiles, passed from tlie eastern to the west-
* Jefferson's Notes on Virginia.
} Capt. JElhs.
is AMERICA.
ern continent, are questions, which probably can never by-
satisfactorily decided.
It is the opinion of many learned men, that the two con-
tinents were formerly united. Thnt this earth has expeii-
enced great changes since the deluge, will not admit of a
doubt. Earihqa ikes have sw-allowed up large tracts of a
land in soirje piaces subterraneous fires have thrown up
others -the sea, in some places, has been forced to retreat
m. my miles from the shore - in others, it has made en-
croachments, and, in many instances, it has separated ter-
ritories v-vliich once were united. It is possible that the
equinoxial countries of America and Africa, were cnce con-
nected by an isthmus, the rem^iins of which are seen in that
chain, ot' inlands, of which Cape de Verd, Fernando, As-
censi<)n, and St. M ilhews make a part. It is also possible
that th" peninsula of Kamschatk* may have joined the
northeastern pnrts of Asia to the northwestern parts of A-
merica, wliich are now separated only by a very narrow
strait. Admitting this supposition to be true, the animals
peculiar to hot countries passed over the isthmus that once
connected South-America v.-ith Africa ; and those of cold
climates ir:igrated from the northeastern parts of Asia.
As tiie Lsqiu'manx and Greenlanders perfectly resemble
each other, and both resemble the Lappes or Laplanders
of ;.;urope, it is rendered probable that they originated
from thence Bat all this is uncertain.
History of Us Discovery. Tha first discovery of Ameiita
has ge^.eraily been ascribed to Christopher Columbus.
But, it being now universally admitted that Greenland
forms a part of the American continent, the date of the fis st
discovery must be carried back to the year 932, when the
Norwegians first visited Greenland. In the year 1003,
the Norwegians also discovered a country, which they call-
ed Flnelancf, where they planted a colony This is suppos-
ed to have been on the coast oi Labrador ; but all their
attempts to establish colgnies, proved unsuccessful, and
the knowledge of the country was soon lost.
These partial discoveries of the Norwegians, however,
do not, in the lest degree, derogate from the merits ot
Columbus ; for Behaim, who was the most complete gc
ographer of his time, evinces that there was no prior dis-
covery upon the route followed by that great navigator.
AMERICA. 59
The discovery of Vineland could scarcely have been known
to him ; and thut of Greenland was so remote, that there
was no room for a suggestion that it formed part of a pro-
digious continent.* Columbus has therefore a fair claim
to the glory of discovering the New World.
Columbus was a native of Genoa ; from a long and close
application to the study of geography and navigation, he
had obtained a knowledge of the true figure of the earth,
much superior to the general notions of the age in which
he lived. That the terraqueous globe might be properly
balanced, and the land and sea proportioned to each other,
he conceived that another continent was necessary ; this
continent he supposed to be connected with the East-
Indies.
To prove the truth of his system, he found it necessary
to obtain tlie patronage of some of the European powers.
After several fruitless applications to tlie governments f
Genoa, Spain, Portugal, and others of less note, he pro-
cured assistance from Ferdinand and Isabella, who then
governed the united kingdo-ms of Castile and Arragon. A
squadron, of three small vessels, was fitted out, victualled
for twelve months, and furnislied with ninety men. Of
this squadron, Cohimbus was appointed adniiral.
He bailed from Palos in Spain, on the 3d of August,
1492 ; and steered directly for the Canary islands, where
he arrived and refitted, as v/ell as he could, his crazy and
ill appointed fleet Plence he sailed, September 6th, a due
western course into an unkncnvn ocean.
Cojun.biis now found a thousand urforeseen hardships
to encounter, wliich demanded all his judgement, fortitude
and address to surmount. Beside the difficulties, unavoid-
able from the nature of his undertakii;g, he had to struggle
witli those whicii arose frt m the ignorarce an.d timidity of
the people under his command. On the ]4th of Septem-
berhewasastoiiiihedto find that the magnetic needlein tf.eir
comnass did not [)o;nt exactly to the poLr star, but varied
to" a;d iiie we^t ; and as they proceeded, this variation in-
cieas( d. 'I h:s nev.- phenrjnenon filled the companions of
CoiuniNus with terror. Nature itself seemed tf) have sus-
talnt li a charge ; and the only guide they had left, to poini;
\hcai to a safe letreat from an unbounded and trackless o-
' PiNKEinaN,
60 AMERICA.
cean, was about to fall them. Columbus with no less quick-
ness than ingenuity, assigned a reason for this appearance,
which though it did not salify himself, seemed so plausi-
ble to them, that it dispelled their fears, or silenced their
THUrmurs. On other trying occasions, he displayed all
that cool deliberation, piTidence, soothing address, and
firmness, which are necessary for a person engaged in %
discovery the most interesting to the world of any ever un-
dertaken by man
On the 11th of October, 1492, at 10 o'clock in the even-
ing, Columbus, from the forecastle, descried a light. At
two o'clock next morning, Roderick Trienna discovered
land The joyful tidings were quickly communicated to
the other ships. The morning light confirmed the report ;
and the several crews immediately began Te Dettm, as a
kymn of thanksgiving to God, and mingled their praises
with tears of joy, and transports of congratulation. Co-
lumbus richly dressed, with a drauTi sword in his hand,
was the first European, which set foot in the New- World
which he had discovered. The island on which he first
landed he called St. Salvador, one of that large cluster,
known by the name of the Lucaya or Bahama Isles. He
afterwards touched at several of the islands in the same
cluster. In steeiing southward, he discovered the islands
of Cuba and Hispaniola, inliabited by a humane and hos-
pitable people. He returned, and arrived at Palos in
Spain, whence he had sr.iied the year before^ on the 15Lh
of March, J 493. ''
In September, 1493. Columbus sailed upon his second
voyage to America ; during which he discovered the isl-
ands of Dominica, Marigalanle, Guadaloupe, Antigua,
Porto Rico, and Jamaica ; and returned to Spain, i4')G.
In 1498, he sailed a third time for America ; and on
the first of August discovered the Continent. He tlien
coasted westward, making other discoveries for 200 leaguec
to C?.pe Vela, whence he crossed over to Hispaniola, wliere
he was seized by a new Spanish governor, and scat home
in chains !
In 1502, Columbus made his fourth voyage to Hispan-
iola ; thence he went over to the continent ; and made
many nev/ discoveries, particularly the harbor of Por!^
Bello, and the Gulf of Darien.
AMERICA. 61
The latter part of the life of this great man was made
wretched by the cruel persecutions of his enemies. Queen
Isabella, his friend and patroness, was no longer alive to
afford him relief. He sought redress from Ferdinand, but
in vain. Disgusted with the ingratitude v'f a monarch,
whom he had served with so much fideluy and success ;
exhausted with hardships, and broken with the infirmities
which these brought upon him, Columbus ended his active
and useful life, at ValJadolid, on the '25th of May. 1506,
in the 59th year of his age. He died with a composure of
mind suited to the magnanimity which distinguished his
character, and with sentiments of piety bccommg that re-
spect for religion, which he manifested in every occurrence
of his life. He was grave, tbf'ugh courteous, in his de-
portment, circumspect in words and actions, iireproacha-
l?le in morals, and e-xemplai-y in all the duties of his relig-
ion The court of Spain we:e so just to his memory,
notwithstanding their ingratitude toward him during his
]ife, that they buried him magnificently in the cathedral of
Seville, and erected a tomb over him with this inscription :
Columbus has given a New World
To the Kingdoms of Castile and Leon.
Among other adventurers to the new world uas Amer-
cus Vespucius, a Florentine, whom Ferdinand had appoint-
ed to draw sea charts, and who accompanied Ojt cia, an
nterpri.sing Spaniatd, to America, in 1499. On his re-
turn, Americas published an account of his voyage, and a
description of the ncv/ continent. It circulated rapidiy,
and was read with admiration. In this narrative he insin-
uated, that the glory of having fitst discovered the conti-
nent in the New World, belonged to him. 'J his was in
part believed, and the country began to be called after the
name of its supposed first discoverer. The unaccounta-
ble caprice of mankind has perpetuated the error j so that
now, by the universal consent of all nations, this new quar-
ter of the globe is called America. The name of Amer-
icus has supplanted that of Columbus, and mankind are
left to regret an act ^ \'v injustice, which, having been sanc-
tioned by time, the>bet\*. never redress,
F
^ NORTH-AMERICA.
NORTH-AMERICA.
Boundaries, Siluation, Extent. THIS division of the
western continent includes all that part lying north of the
Isthmus of Darien. It is bounded east by the Atlantic,
and west by the North Pacific ocean, its southern boun-
dary line is the parallel of 7 30 N. ; whence it extends to
the north pole ; in length about 80 degrees, or 5200 miles.
its greatest extent, from west to east, is generally reckon-
ed from the promontory of Alaska, in about 90 W. Ion.
to Cape Charles, the most easterly point of Labrador, in
20'^ E. Ion. from Philadelphia ; in breadth 4570 mjles.
If Greenland be considered as a part of North America, to
which it is probably united, its extreme eastern limit will
extend nearly to 55'' E. Ion. Its average breadth is about
1500 miles.
Climate. In a region of sucb vast extent, as North- Amer-
ica, the climate must of course be various. It experiences
every temperatureof the atmosphere, from theburning heats
of the torrid zone, to the intolerable colds of the polar
legions. Almost every division of the continent has a cli-
mate of its own, which will be noticed in its proper place.
Seas. Baffin's Bay, is the largest aiid m.ost northerly of
any yet discovered. It lies beyond the 70th degree of N.
iat. and opens into the Atlantic ocean through J)avis's
Straits, between the coasts of Labrador and Gtt^land.
This bay has never been explored, except by its discoverer,
William Baffin, in 1662, and many modern geographers
doubt its existence ; it however still occupies a place on
maps. The strait, which connects it with the Atlantic, is
j^s wide as the Baltic sea.
Hudson Bay was discovered in 1610, by Henry Hud-
son, a#d lies between 55 and 65 N. Iat. 3( leagues
broad, comtonmicating with the Atlantic ocean by Hud-
son's Strait. The gulf or sea, called Davis's Strait, may
be considered as a part of Hudson Bay, and most probably
joins the Arctic ocean. Hudson Bay abounds with the
beluga, or white whale. Large stuigeons are also caught
in some parts ol it. ' {.|,p
The Bay or Gulf of St. Law}\ ",. is foiincd b) the
siouth of the river of the same name, which is i;0 iriil;
NORTH. AMERICA. '53
broad. It communicates with the Atlanlic on both sides
of the island of Newfoundland.
The Gulf of Mexico is th.it part of the NoilhV\tlantic
ocean, which washes the south and south-western shores of
FioriJa and the eastern shores of Mexico. It lies between
North and South- America. Its coasts arc indented by
many lesser gulfs and bays ; the chief of which are the bays
of Honduras. Canipeachy, Palaxy and St. Louis. It is
conioctured by some to have been foimeriy land ; and
that the constant attrition of the waters of the Gulf Stream
has worn it to its present form.
Ldc:. There aie reckoned above /la? /Avwc/r^ii lakes iri
North-Am.erica ; a singularity which distinguishes it from
every odier portion of the globe. Those of the second or
tliird class are superior in magnitude to arfy lakes iii-,thti,.
easccrn continent, the Ca>^pian sea excepted ^ and even that
is riot equal In size to Lake Superior. This noble lake is
tiiC largest body of fresh water on the globe, being 1.500
ir.Iles in vfircumference. It is situated between 4G and 50*^
N. lat. and between 5 and 11" W. Ion. The water is very
clear and transparent. A great part of the coast is rocky
and uneven ground. Storms are more dreadful here, than.
on the ocean. It is often covered with a iog, which, when
the wind is easterly, falls on the western shore ia torrent-,
of rain. It abounds with a great variety offish, such as
trout, pickerel,' carp, bass, and herrings.
There are many islands in this lake, some larg-e enough
to form considerable provinces. The Indians suppos'.*
these islands to be the residence of the Great Spirit.
This lake receives about 4-0 rivers, and discharges it.;^
waters from the southeast corner, throui^h the straits of
St. Marie, about 40 miles long, into Lake Huron.
Lake Huron is the next in size, being more than I0C(5
miles in circumference, lying between i^"^ oO' and 17 30
N lat. It communicates wi'Ji Lake Michigan on the west,
and with Erie on ihe south. On the south-west part in
Saganaum Bay, 80 miles long, and '20 broad. ItaI)ounds
with fislr ; and on its banks arc found amazing cjuantiiies
of sand cherries.
Michigan Lake is wholly within the territory of the \]-.
nited States, lying between 41 and 46 N. lat. and is L'I'.'j
miles in circumference. It is navigable for ships of any
6i NORTH- AMERICA.
burden, and communicates with lake Huron by the Straits
%)i Miciiiilimakinak, 6 miles broad.
Erie is a iake ot the I'ourth magnitude, of an oval form,
2'2,> miles loner, 'tind +0 broad ; between 4 1 and 43 degrees
N. lat. It affords good navigation for sliips of any burden.
Its banl<s in many places are flat and sandy ; but on the
south side, at the entrance of Cayahnga liver, are danger-
ous rocks, 40 or 50 feet higli, projecting over the lake.
The view of these rocks from the water is sublime beyond
description ; and the Indians never pass them, without cf-
feiing a sacrifice of tobacco to the spirit of the water.
Ontario forms the Hfth link in this grand chain of lakes.
It is situated between 43 and 44" N. lat. ; abcut 600 miles
in circumference, communicating with Lake Erie by Ni-
agara river. The waters of tliis lake are discharged into
the river Cataracjui, (which afterwards takes the name of
iir. l.av.'rence) and thence into the Atlantic ocean.
Wlicn the population of Nortli-America shall have dif-
fu.^ed itself toward the west, the banks of these lakes may
becojiie the seats of flcurishing cities.
Numerous other lakes of smaller extent will be biiefiy
described in the course of this work.
Rivers. Tha Missisippi with its eastern branches, wateis
ilve eighths oi the territory of the United States, and, pre-
vious to the purchase of Louisiana, formed their western
boundary. It rises in White Bear Lake, lat. 48 J 5 N.
and about 24 22 \7. Ion and empties into the Gulf of
Mexico by several mouths, 100 miles below Nev*--Orleans.
It is navigable to the falls of St. /Anthony, between 44 and
\'j N. lat. where the whole river, which is more than 250
yards wide, falls perpendicularly about SO feet, forming a
^riind and most pleasing cataract
The Missouri rises in Louisiana and falls into the Mis-
sisippi 1160 miles from the mouth of that river, in the
Gulf of Mexico. It is siid to be navigable 1300 miles,
a!^d, at its junction with the Missisippi, is the largest of the
two rivers.
The Ohio is a most beautiful river, separating Ohio state
and Indiana and lillinois territories from Virginia and
Kentucky. Its current is gentle, its wafers clear, its bo-
som smo )Lii and unbroken by rocks, a single instance ex-
cepted ;\t its junction with the Missisippi it is about 900
yards wide.
NORTH-AMERICA. 65
St. Lawrence river issues from Lake Ontario, forming
an nutlet to the great chain of lakes already described
It takes a northeast course, and meets the tide upwards
of 400 miles from the sea. Having received in its course
several laige rivers, and innumerable small streams, it
empties its vast body of water into the Atlantic ocean at
Cape Rosieres, by a mouth 00 miles broad. This river
may be classed among the most noble in the world ; its
waters flow more tlian 2a0v) miles before they leach the
ocean ; its commercial advantages increase in proportion
to the settlements on its banks
There are many other large rivers in North-Amerlca,
as Columbia, which empties into the Pacific ocean in lat.
46 18 N. on the northwest coast; the Rio Bravo, which
falls into the Gulf of Mexico ; Albany, Nelson, and Church-
ill rivers, which empty ixito Hudson Bay ; Copper Mine
and McKenzie's rivers, which empty into the northern
ocean ; and others which fall into the Pacific ocean, of
which little is yet known, bur their names.
MountaiT^. Between the x^tlantic. the Misslsippl, and
the lakes, is a long cha n of mountains, made up of a num-
ber ot ridges These mountams extend northeasterly and
southwesterly, nearly parallel t(^ the sea- coast, about 900
miles, and are from GO to 200 broad. Tracts of fine ara-
ble and grazing land intervene between these ridges.
These mountains, taken collectively, are called the Al-
legany mountains. The various ridges pass by different
names, as the Blue Ridge, the North Ridge, the Allegany
Ridi^e, the Laurel Ridge, Jackson's Mountains, and Kitta-
linny mountains. All these ridges, except the Allegany,
are separated by rivers, which appear lo have forced their
way through solid rocks.
On the western side of thi-s coniiwent, a range of moun-
tains proceeds from Mexico in a northern direction, and
joins the ridge called Stony Mountains, which extend near-
ly to the Arctic Ocean. The v*fltony Mountains are said
to be 3.-7J0 feet above their base, which is probably 3000
feet above the level of the sea.
On the northeast, Greenland, Labrador, and tlie coun-
tries around Hudson Bay, present irregular mahses, cover-
ed with eternal snows.
On the western coan volcanoes have bcc.a observed by
V 2
66 NORTH-AMERICA.
navigators ; and it is believed that one or two have for-
merly existed in the United States.
In the preceding brief description of the seas, lakes,
rivers, and mountains cf North-America, vt'ehave noticed
those only, which, from their extent and magnitude, could
not be considered, as belonging to any one separate divis-
ion. Those which are confined within the limits of par-
ticular states or territories will be described in their ap-
propriate places.
Productions. When North-Arserica was first visited by
Europeans, it might be regarded, except Mexico, as one
imme'use forest, inhabited by wild animals, and by a
great nurriber of savage tribes, who subsisted by hunting
and fishing. Many of the vegetables and animals were
found to be Oi diiFerent species from those of the eld world.
A vast variety of the pine genus, with other evergreen?,
composed a large share of the forests, Aw A^ g ^ve a dark
and gloomy hue to the face of the country. The larger
animals of ch.ae were the black bear, the musk ox, the
bufF'.Io. the mo;- -J or elk, and some other species of deer;
the smaller kuKls, valued chiefly for their fur, were ex-
tremely numeious, as they continue to be, where man has
not encroached upon their haunts. The beaver, the rac-
oon, varieties of foxes, many species of the weasel genus,
innumerable squirrels, the ghitton, the porcupine, several
beasts of prey of the Cdt kind, furnished objects for all the
sagacity and activity of the hunter.
History. Noilh- America was discovered by .John Cab-
ot, a Venetian, wlio obt:i'ned a grant from Hfniy VII.
of England, to discover nnknfwii lands and annex ll;!e.'^
to the crov.-ii. In 1196, lie discovered the coast of Lab-
ra.i )r, and in liOT, Newfoundland Island, and tra\ersed
the coast from thence to Cape Florida.
Other European powers granted patents to navigators,
who explored the continent made settlements, and laid
claim to the country by right of discovery.
The following summaiy view exlnbiis ^he chronolopical
order in which the first ptrmaneac setCiemeats were made
;n North-America,
NORTH-AMjERICA.
61
Thames cf places,
Mr-xico, and other > ^^
Spanish dominions, 3
vOuebcc,
Virginia,
Newfoundland, June,
TABLE.
IVhsn settUJ, By ijuhom,
^21 By the Spaniards.
1603 By thfe French.
Me-.v-York, 7' ,
vt I ? about
New- Jersey. 5
Plymouth,
New-Hampshire,
D-'l.uvire, 7
1':. ii^yiv iiiia,^"
M.usar'iu-eits Bav,
Aiarj'land,
Connecticut,
Rhoile-I-hiid,
Soutli-Cirolinaj
Penu.ylvania,
Louisiana,
North-Carolina, about 1710
1610 By Lord de la War.
16 10 By Governor John Guy.
1612 By tiie Dutch.
5 ^y P'^'"' ^ '^"- R<>^'"son'3 congrega-
\ tiun.
. CBy a snail English colony, near the
"^ \ m; ath of Piscat^.qua river.
16'27 By tlie Swedes and Fins.
IC'iS By Caf.t J F.ndicotand Co.
... ^ By Lord B.dnmore, with a colony of
I Rom in Catholics.
, CByMr Fenwick, at Saybrook, near
( tiie mouth of Connecticut river.
163,5 By Mr R Williams, and hisfollowers.
1669 By Gov. Sayle.
,^-,^ \ By William Penn, with a colony of
l_ Ou.ikers.
1699 By the French.
', By a number of Palatines from Ger-
X many
And about 172S F.rrcted into a separate' government.
Gcnrg'ia, 17.32 By Genera! O.dethorp.
'i'cnnessee, about 17.'^0 By Col Wood, and others.
Kentucky, 1773 B\" Col Daniel Boon
Vermont, about
Oi.io.
. _ , C By emigrants from Connecticut, an<J.
<^ otiier p-ft^ of Ncw-Knii:.land.
1787 By the Ohio and otiier companies.
Dlvisirjnf, In ihe sub'^.eqiient description ot the North-
Amcnc.in contineiit., wl' shall coniide: it in fo'jr sepaiHte
grand divisions And, to preserve, jis nearly as possible, a
rcgtii.ir ;_;cograph;cal itansition from one province to an-
oihcT, shall describe ihcin in the foilovving oiuer ;
1. Rus.MAN Amirica, embracing the ishir.ds of Spits-
bergen, lying N. h of Greenland ; and the Monhv.esr
Coa.st, from Poitlock harbor northward.
68 ABORIGINAL AMERICA.
2. Aboriginal America, or Native Tribes and uncon-
quered countries, including Greenland, Labrador, and
the Northwest Coast.
3. British America, including the British Provinces oi>
the Continent, and the islands in the Gulf of St. Law-
rence.
4. Independent America, or the United States.
5. Spanish America.
RUSSIAN AMERICA.
SPITSBERGEN consists of one large and many small-
er islands, lying about 150 miles E. of Greenland It \z
a fiozen, barren spot, uninhabited and is a meie resting
place for fishermen.
Tlie Northwest Co^st claimed by the Russians, extends
from Portlock harbor, between N '.at 58" and 59 north-
ward about '2500 miles, including the islands on the coast.
1'he number of natives, who professed obedience to the
P-Ussian government, m 1784, according to SheiikofF, was^
50,000. Ul the Sfttlements on this coast, contain, ac*
cording to Hassel, SCO Inhabitants.
ABORIGINAL AMERICA.
UNDER this general head, we include all that vast
portion of the /American continent, which lies north and
west of the British Provinces and the territory oftheUnit^-
ed States, extending northward to the north pole, and
westward to the Pacific ocean. Our knowledge of ths
various nations and tribes inhabiting this imn;ense tract, is
not such as to admit of very minute descriptinns, or eiven
to pursue a perfect regularity in the arrangement. W&
shall commeace with the northeily part?.
GREENLAND. 66
GREENLAND.
UNDER the appellation of Greenland Is comprehended
an anr^ular tract, the southern point of which, named
C;ipe Farewell, lies in Che 60th degree of north latitude.
Its two sides, eastern and western, extend to an indetermi-
nate distance northward, and little more than the coasts
have ever been explored.
Climate. Greenland may, with propriety, be called the
empire of continual winter. The cold is so piercing in
February and March, that the rocks split. Ice and frost
penetrate through the chimneys, without being thawed by
the tire in the day time.
Their short summer, which begins in June, and close?
in August or September, is very warm, but foggy. Dur-
ing the summer, there is no night in the country. Beyond
tlie (J6:h degree, the sun does not set in the- longest days.
In winier, tae days are proportionably short. The north*
em iit;;hts diversify the gloomy winter.
G:'nra! .'appearance and Productions. Tlie land rises into
high, rugg?d peiks, either black and naked, or incrusted
with ice and snow. In the scnthern parts, there is a scan-
ty and puny vegetation of trees, sh; ubs, grass, and plants.
jinimals. The quadrupeds are rein-deer, dogs resem-
bling wolves, arctic foxe?, white hares, polar bears, and
wolverenes. Birds of prey and sta fowl are numerous,
and the shores are frequented by the walrus, and several
species of seais, The^c and the hsh, constitute the riches
of .!ie country, and the chief sustenance of the poor na-
tives.
Inhabitants. The Greenlanders are a branch of the Es-
quiinaux, of small stature, ignorant, superstitious, and
squalid, but harmless, and ingenious in the construction of
their canoes and fishing utensils In their light skiffs,
midQ of skins, extended by ribs and covered with a mem-
brane, which draws close about their bodies, furnished
with a nicely constructed dart and line, and clothed in
water proof garments, they will paddle single to the great-
70 GREENLAND.
est monsters of the deep, attack, and generally succeed in
making them their prey. This life of hardship, however,
keeps their numbers small ; and the perils of the ocean,
and inclemencies of the climate bring many to an untime-
ly end. I'Jie Danish government have a colony of 6100
souls, planted in this country.* The natives, in 174-3,
were estimated at 24', 000.
Relni'ion. Wiih respect to religion, the Greenlandcrs
are said to believe in the doctrine of the transmigration of
souls, and their notions concerning a future state are very'
singular and romantic. The Moravians and the Danes
supprrt missionaries at Ijichicnau, New-Hernhut and
Lichtenfels, in Greenland ; and their labors have been at-
tended with great success.
History. It h.A^ already been mentioned, that Green-
land was discovered and colonized by the Norwegians,
abcut the year 982. 'i'his colony bestowed on the coun-
try the name of Greenland, which indicates thnt it appear-
ed a land of verdure to men who were accustomed lo
nouhern sterility. They were convened to Christianity
by a missionary, sent thither by the celebrated Oiaf, the
first Norwec^ian monarch, who en. braced the Lhiinian re-
iigion.
After flounsh:ng so much, as to possess clmrches and
inonasrr^rics, and even a Crtthed' ii arid a .succession (f bish-
ops, the colony sunk under famine and dii-er^ses, and left
fiVv' traces of iis former exisience. N ivigaw^r-:, ar.d wliale-
men made occasional visits to ih.' western cr^isis, and the
D;uies established a commerce wiih the natives ; but no
attempts v/ere made to colonize, till a Lu;ii.'ran clergy-
man or Norway, named Egede, inspired by an ardt.'nt
zeal for communicating the benefits of tl:t; Christian re-
ligion and civilization to this d^^scrted country, repaired,
in 1751, to the western coast, with a few settlers, and em-
ployed miany years in his pious labors. The cause was
taken up by the society of Hernhatters, or Moravians,
and afterwards by the Danes, with success ; and several
settlem.ents have been formed by them, and peopled witJ:
converted nations, whose condition has been 8;reatly im-
proved by their efforts.
Hassel'3 Tables.
LABRADOR AND HUDSON BAY. 71
LABRADOR AND HUDSON BAY,
Situation, Extent y Names. LABRADOR is an extensive
territory, lying between the east const of Hudson Bay and
the Atlantic ocean, and extending from 48 to 63 degrees
north latitude.
The parts on the west and south of the Bay, extending
inland to an indeterminate distance, have been denominated
New North Wales, and New South Wales. On the north,
the bay is bounded by unexplored regions.
The whole of these countries, taken collectively, lie be-
tween 4S and 70 dei^rees north latitude, 8.50 miles long,
and 750 broad, and are sometimes called by the general
name of New-Britain ; a name, however, which has
not been admitted into maps. I'hey are also called the
country of the Esf^uiMAUx ; these people being the na-
tive inhabitants oi^the shores of Hudson Bay.
Climate. As dismal and frozen as these regions are, they
are becoming still more cold and intolerable. It is a sin-
gular, but well established fact, that, v/hile other c'.imes
are becoming more mild, the northern part of America is
becoming more inhospitable. The cold is much more se-
vere, than in the corre'^ponding latitudes on the Europe-
an continent. Even in latitude 57', the ice on the rivers
is eight feet thick, and brandy coagulates. The rocks
burst with a horrible noise, equal to tliat of heavy aitille-
ry, and the splinters are thrown to an ama/.ing distance.
Mock suns and halos are frequent in these northern cli-
mates ; the sun rises and sets with a large cone of yellow-
ish light. The aurora borealis diffuses a variegated splen-
dor, which equals that of the full moon ; and the stars
sparkle wrih a fiery redness In the sh.ortest day, the sun
rises about five minutes after nine, and sets ave nilnuies
before three.
Face of iLd Country The eastern coast is h:irrpn, past
the eir.)ris of cultivation. The suiface i; every where un-
even, and covered with masses of stone : the vaiiies are
full of lakes, formed of ram and snow, so 'hilly as to be
productive only of a tew small trout. The mountains have
12 LABRADOR AND HUDSON BAY.
here and there a blighted shrub, or a l.Ittle moss. In some
places there are a few crooked, stunted trees, as pines, fir,
birch, and a species of juniper.
Labrador produces a beautiful erridescent felspar, called
Labrador stone, said to have been first discovered, in sail-
ing through some lakes, wher^ itsbiight hues were reflect-
ed from the water.
Animals. The animals of this countiy are the moose,
deer, stag, rein-deer, bears, tigers, otter.s, martens, lynxes,
wild cats, and hares. The eastern coast presents nume-
rous islands, covered with flocks of sea fowl, particularly
cider ducks. It is a surprising phenomenon, that most of
the beasts and fowls of these regions, though of different
colors in summer, are all white in the winter.
Inhabitants and Religion. The inhabitants among the
mountains aie Indians ; along the coasts, they are Esqui-
maux, the same sort of people with the Greenlnndcrs, and
the Laj-^pes and Samceids of Europe. The Esquimaux
are a dwarfish race, with long, b^ack hair, small eyes,
and flat faces. The Moravians have missionaries establish-
ed at (Jkkak Nain, and H"pe I )aie In tliis cold and drea-
ry country, they are pursuing their labors, among the poor
Esquimaux, with " increasing joy and thankfulness."*
Histf,ryy Settlements, Iffc Labrador was discovered about
the year \5h5, by Frobisher, who also discovered the
strait which bears his name.
Hudion Bay was discovered by an English navigator
of that name, m 16I0. The coast of this bay, as well
as the extensive region of Labrador, cannot be reckoned as '
occupied by Europeaii settlers. Ti;ereare, however, some
factories or trading p( sts, belonging to the Hudson liay
company, which was established in ]670, for the purpos-
ses of commerce an.' plantation. These are Aibany-Fort
and Moose-Fort, i>n .Tanie,> Bay ; which is the soiuh>.-rn ex-
ttemity of Hudson Bay ; Severn-house, at the m( nth of
Severn-river; York Fort, on Nflcn's river ; and Cl.urch-
ill-Fort on Churchill river, which is the most northerly of
their posts. 'Jli^se are only houses ii. habited by the ser-
vants of the com.pany, who trade with the natives for furs,
which are often brought from great distances within land.
Periodical accoujits of >^eJBrc;hrcu, No. 39.
^'mrERIOR COUtifRIEiS.
n-
T*
INTERIOR COUNTRIJgj^.
CONCERNING the Inlerior paits of N^ith- Amcvic;!,
little wfts known, till the dliiicult and laboril^TW rntei piiscs
of Mr. Mackenzie', peifoinicd in ITSOand i*9S. Previou;^
to these however, Mr. Hearnc had tollowod Copper-Mine
river northward to the Arctic Ocean. The slioies of this
river were inhabited by Esquimaux.
Mr. Mackenzie, embarF;ed at Fort Chepewyan. on the
Lake of the Hills, i^ latitude SS'"" 40' north, lon|^iuide i 10
liO west, in a canoe ot hircli !)ark, with ten associates. His
course ^vas nortliwesterly to stek tlil Arctic Ocean. Moun-
tains and vaHies, dreary wa^tci;, and wide spreading for-
ests, succeed each other in his description. Small bandi
of v.'andering savages were the only people he discovered.
After leaving the Lake of the Hills, he entered Slave
river, from which he passed to Slave lake', near latitude 61
and G2 north, and longitude 1 10 to 120 west. The coi^n-
iry around wears a barren aspect, but produces berries,
large trees of spruce, pine and white birch.
From this lake, he entered a river, which he called Mac-
kenzie's river, a deep and spacious stream. On its banks
he found encampments of Knistineaux Indians, a wander-
1^ ing tribe, spread over a vast extent of country. Tlieir lan-
guage is the same as that of the natives on the waters of
the St Lawrence, and tlie coast of Labrador. They are
of a moderate stature, well proportioned, and active, 'Iheu-
dress is simple ; tiieir countenance open, and their eyes
black. 'I'heir women are the most comely of savages.
The otlicr principal tribes, inhabiting the west side of
Mackenzie's river, fiom Slave lake, aie ihc Stiong-bovv?,
Mountain, and Hare Indians; tho'c on th.c east aie the
Bfaver, Inland, Nathana, and Quarrelers.
After proceeding down this river to latllude 6f) I', ho
reached tlie tide waters of the Frozen Ocean ; but, in the
middle of July, was unable to proceed further, on account
of the ice. He returned to Cl)epev/y;'.n fort, after an ab-
sence of lO'J days.
(;
74 . INTERIOR COUNTRIES.'
In October, 1792, he proceeded on a voyage to the
North Pacific Ocean. From the Lake of the Hills, he
ascended Peace river, which is a quarter of a mile wide.
The lands on this river are low and rich, inhabited by the
Beaver and Mountain Indians. Tliese people are said to
be in the lowest state of debasement, and are a barbarous
race of beings. The women perform all the drudgeries.
Their liabitattons are formed by setting up a number of
poles, united at the top, and forming a circle of 12 or '5
feet diameter at the bottom. These are coveied with
dressed skins.
In the mountains, which separate the waters of the At-
lantic and Paciiic oceans, are several chasms, which emit
smoke and fire, and a sulphureous smelK
Finding the streams of the west didnot tend^irectly to
the sea, Mr. Mackenzie proceeded by land for a consider- ^
fible time. As he advanced nearer the coast, the settle-
ments of the nitives were more numerous and permanent ;
the manner of living more comfortable, and the state of
society improved. The people were hospitable ; they ap-
pearcd to have stated seasons for public and private wor-
ship, and had temples decorated with hieroglyphics.
In latitude 52" 2P 33" north, 'and longicude i2S 2'
west, Mr. Mackenzie reached the Pacific ocean ; and in-
scribed his name on a rock by the shore.
It would be impossible to enumerate all the tribes of
Indians inhabiting the interior parts of North- America.
Their modes of hunting and warfare, their cruelty to their ^^
prisoners, the sinj^ulaiities of scajping, ar d olhcr ^frrfr/?/ ^'
characteristics, have been frequently described, and are
gene: ally known.
Captiiins Clark and Lewis, with a select and v.ell fur-
nished company, in the years 1&05 and ISCb", paiscd up
;he Missiouii river and thence to the Pacific ocean, i'SBo
miles, under the auspices, and at the expense, of the gov-
iM-nment of tlic Unlttcl Sia'.e?.
A privi'te cf.T.pany pa:'"ed from the moulh of Colum-
bia river, to i!:e Misjis'-pps rn a {tifFcrcnt rout, in 1815*'
NORTHWEST COAST.
NORTHWEST COAST.
Ti^E counlry of the northwest part of .America, iying
ff-n the Pacific ocean, ami ex!:ending south nearly to the
SOth degree of north latitude, is known by the genera:
name of The Northwest Coast.
Accordin:^ to the accounts of various navigators, tiiese
regions, with littie deviation, have the appearance of con-
tinued forestb, being covered with pinei, alder, birch, and
various kindi of underwood. Tht; vallicb anii plains pro-
dace CUM ants, goosberries, raspberries, and numeroa.;
li jwering shrubs.
The climate on tliis side of America is mildtr than that
on the eastern, in the same latitudes. South of 4-5 degreeij
it is said to be one of the Hnest climates in the world.
On the coast are many spacious bays, commodious har-
bors, and mouths of navigable rivers, among v.hich Noot-
ka sound, Admiralty Bay, Fort Mulgrave, Prince Wil-
liam's Souad, and Cn^^k's inlet, are the piincipal. The
peninsula of Alaska, extending westward beiv.'een Bristol
Bay and Prince William's sound, is the most vresterly point
of the continent of America.
The coast is inhabited by numerous, but small tribes of
Indians : each tribe is independent, and governed by its
own chief. Tliey diff/r from each other in language and
customs, and are'frequentlyat war. Their most singular
practice is that of slitting the under lip, so as to give them
lilt; appearance of liaving two mouths. Some of tlie^e
tribes disguise thcmselvjs, after the manner of the ancient
Scythians; in skins of wild beasts, with the heads and limbs
htted on their own. These habits they use in the cha;e,
to circumvent the animals of the field.
The number of inhabitants on this coast is unknown ;
but it is supposed there are not more than ten thousand,
from Nootka sound to Cook's inlet, an extent of 1000
miles. The English liave a sm.all colony at Nootka
sound. A colony from the United States and Canada is
about to be e':tabllshed at the mouih of Columbia rivei.
TG NORTHERN ARCHIPELAGO.
Tiie principal liver that has been observed on this coasti
is Columbia river, called also the Oregon, or Great River
of the West, whicli enters the ocean in 4G 18' north lat-
itude. It is half a mile wide, 20 miles from its mouth.
The chief object of civilized nations in navigating this
coass is to traffic with the natives for furs, which they give
in exchaiK^^e for pieces of iron, nails, beads, knives, and
other trifimg trinkets. The skins obtained, are those of
ilie sea otter, racoon, pine marten, land beaver, mam-
mot, &c.
The Russians were the first discoverers of the Nortliwest
Coast of America. In i7-H, the celebrated navigator
B'.?er!ng was despatched by his government to make discov-
eries on the east co "st of Asia. H-.- sailed throusjli the
^rraif;, nov/ called ny his name, wh'ch part the Asiatic
and Ame; lean continents. He passed down the north-
v.-est coast of Anierica, as far as latitude 58" north. Mount
St. Elias, and B.^e.ing's bay were so called by him. 'i'he
disco; eiies; and repoits of those who accompanied him
Induced many individuals to embark in the fur trade,
which is now prosecuied, by several nations, with great
succeis,
THE NORTHERN ARCHIPELAGO,
CONSISTING cf sevei-al groups of islands, situated
ij'jtv.een tlie eastern coast of Kamtschatka in Asia, and
the v^estern coa:;t of America, may properly be noticed in
rliis place.
The T; ;: Iclands, one of the principal groups, are so
called from t:ie qrcat number ot black, grey, and red fox-
es, with which they abound. T'ley are all fiequented on
account of their valuable furs.
The most perfect equality is said to re'gn among these
Inlanders. Tln'y live in the primitive patriarchal manner ;
and every person looks uj->on Ills island as a possession, the
}>r()perty of which is common to all the individuals ol the
r. rr.c society. In case of an attack; th^ societies mutually
fiimSH AMEiliCA. 7?
issist each other. Feasts are very common among thern,
particularly when the inhabitants of one island are visited
by those of another. They are i i.'jM evented as cold and in-
different in most of their actions ; but easily depressed by
affliction, and much addicted to suicide, putting an end to
their days with great apparent insensibility. ^
BRITISH AMERICA.
THE British possessions in North America are divided
into four provinces, viz. 1. Upper Canada ; 2. Lower
Canada; 3. New- Brunswick ; 4. Nova-Scotia. Besides
these provinces, the islands of Newfoundland, St. John's,
Cape Breton, and several smaller ones in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, belong to the British dominions.
British America is superintended by an ofiicer, styled
Governor General of the four British provinces in North-
America, v/ho is commander in chief of all the British
troops in the four provinces and the islands. Each prov-
ince has a lieutenant governor, who, in the absence of tho
governor general, has all the powers requisi':e to a chief
magistrate, so far as respecis his particular province.
The British settleinents, in all North Anierica, accord-
ing to Hassel, contain only SSij^OO inhabitants. I'his
estimate is much below their real number.
We shall take a separate view of each of these provir.ces
arid islands,. beginning wiih
UPPER CANADA,
o'ltualioni Bryunclarics, Extent. THE province of Upper
Canada, formerly called the upper country, extends from
4-2" J'jO' to 52" aC north latitude ; and fror.i 74^ to 97
W. Ion. Its length is 1090 miles. Its breadth from nonh
to south is about 52.5 miles. It is bounded so:'.,h by the
Lnited States, east by Lower Canada, rorth by "iew-Brl-
tain, west by Detroit river, lakes St.* Clair and Winnepco,
G 2
78 UPPER CANADA.
Divisions. This province is divided into 19 coiintJeh^
which are subdivided into tov/nships, generally 12 miles
long by 9 bioad.
Pace of the. Country, Soil, Iffc. This country, in general
may be called level ; in many parts it is but little elevated
above the lakes. There are many swamps : but where
lhe*land is dry it is good, and some of it excellent. In
the vicinity of Lake Superior and the Lake of the Woods,
are extensive plains, destitute. of wood, excepting scattered
tufts of trees. These plains are covered with luxuriant
grasses aiTording subsistence to immense herds of buffa-
loes.
Productions. Wheat, Indian corn, and flax, are produc-
ed here in great abundance. Hops, grapes, and various
sorts of berries, are the spontaneous productions of the
country. , .
Iron ore has been found In great quantres, but little of
it has lieen v\-rought.
Lakes. These are numerous, Tiie great lakes Ontario,
Erie^ Huron, and 6'.v/';r/5r, tlirough which passes the north-
ern boundary of the United States, all lie partly in this
province. The other most considerable lakes are the Rice
Lake, Lake Ssnicoe, Nippising, and Temiscanning.
Rivers: The liver St. Lawicrce, already described, is-
sues from Ontario, in this province. Ottawas is a large
river, issuing from lake Temlscannin~, and empties into
the St. Lawrence. Grand River has its source in Lake St,
Clie, and, passing tlirough Rice Lake, mingles with the
vaiers of Ontario. The Thames, a considerable stream,
:uns into Lake St. Ciafrfrom tlie eastward. Niagara riv-
er, on which is the cataract, hereafter described, connects'
the lakes Erie and Ontario. It is about SO miles in length
and forms a part of the boundary between the United
States and Canada. All the waters of this province are
richly stored with Hsh.
Springs. There are several salt springs in this country,
fi cm some of which sak is made.
Two miles above the Niagara Falls is a spring, which
constantly emits a j^i7j-, or inflammable air, which, being
;.onfined in a pipe, will boil water in fifteen minutes.
Curicsilies. Besides the above mentioned spring, which
snight, perhaps, v.-ith propriety, be mentioned under thi?
IJPPER CANADA.
rt
head, the Falls of Niagara river are the greatest and
most sublime curiosity, which this or any niher country af-*
fords. They are 7 or 8 miles soutli of iake Ontario. The'
river here is about 742 yards wide, and pitches over a rock
150 feet in perpendicular height. The uoise produced by
thiscataract is sometimes heaid iO or 30 miles. A heavy
fog is constantly ascending from the falls, in which rain-
bows may always be seen when the sun shines. There is
sufficient space between the perpendicular rock and the
column of water for people to pass in perfect safety.
Near Burlington bay is a voicano, subject to frequent e-
ruptions, with a noise like thunder. The Indians sacrifice
to the Bad Spirit at this place.
Towns, 'rhere are no very large towns in this province.
Newark, on the west bank of Niagara river, near lake On-
taiio, contains about 60 houses and two churches for Epis-
copalians and Presbyterians,
Queenston, 7 miles above Newark- and Kingston, at the
head of St. Lawrence, on Lake Ontario, have good har-
bors, and are places of great trade.
York is situated on a fine harbor of Lake Ontario, in
latitude ^S^ 4.5' north, longitude 4 w^est. It contains be-
tween two and three hundred families, and is the present
seat of government.
Population. In 180G the inhabitants were estimated at
30,000. chiefly emigrants from the United States
Government. The government of this province consists
of a governor, legislative council, and house of assembly,
chosen for four years by the people ; they meet annually
in May for the purpose of legislation. I'iie province is
not subject to t.\xation by the British parliament ; and ihe
whole expense of the civil establishment is borne by the
government of England.
V/eekly couits aie held by two justices of ijie peace
through the province.- t\ district coui t is Jield every three
months in which one judge presides, /another court is
held by a chief justice, and two associate judges, v/ho make
an annual circuit through the province. I'he people regu-
late all local iTjatters in the towns, as in the United Slates,
Militia. The militia in the scver.il dittricts meet annu-
ally. All male inhabitants, excepting Frii-nds and i>len-
jioui^Js, from sixteen to forty-five, bear uims.
m LOWER CANAt)A.
Religion. Methodism is the prevailing religion of ijp^
per Canada. There are settled clergymen in some of the
principal places ; but, fur the greater part, the country is
destitute of regular religious teachers, and many of the in-
habitants appear to have no religion.
History. The country was constituted a province^ by
an act of the British parliament, in 1791.
LOWER CANADA,
Boundaries, Siluation, Extent. BOUNDED on the noitfe
by the coast of Hudson bay and Labrador, east by Lab-
rador and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, southeast and south
by New- Brunswick and the United Stales, west by Upper
Canada. It lies between 45 and 5ii degrees north latitude,
and between 61 and 71 degrees west longitude, 800 miles
long ; its average breadth 250.
jjivisions. This province is divided into six districts,
which are subdivided into 21 counties, and these into
townships, or parishes.
Climate. Winter continues Iiere with such severity fiom
December to April, that the largest rivers are frozen over.
The snow is commonly from four to six feet deep during
the winter. But the air is so seiene and clear, and the
inhabitants so well defended against the cold, that this sea-
son is neither unhealthy nor unpleasant. The spring opens
suddenly and vegetation is surpjisingly rapid. The sum-
mer is delightful, except that a part of it is extremely hot.
Face of the Country. The country is generally mountain-
ous and woody. The forests never attain to the luxuri-
ant growih of warmer climates. Evergreens form the
largest portion of their woods. The other trees are ma-
ple, birch, and elm.
Pr'oductions. Notwithstanding the coldness of the climate,
the soil is fertile in many parts ; producing wheat, barley,
rye, and many other sorti of gram, fruits, and vegetables.
The meadow grounds yield excellent grass, und feed grea*-
iiumbers of CHtUe,
LOWER CANADA. Si
Lahs! ami Rivers. The principal of these have aheady
been mentioned The St. Lawrence passes through this
province, and falls into the ocean by a mouth 90 miles
broad, in which is the island Anticosti.
PcJ>:('a:wn. The province of Lower Canada contained,
in 17S1', 113,0I2souls. In iSOo, 150,000 ; and in 1811,
they were estimated ac between 200,000 and 300,000.
Rfli^^lofi. Nine tenths of the inhabitants of Lower Can-
ada arc Romaii Carliolics ; the rest are Episcopalians,
Prcsbyteii.ins, and a few of almost every sect of Christians.
Manncrj and Customs. These are coi'isiderably tinctured
with French gaiety and urbanity. Tlie Fiench women
in Lower Canada can generally read and write, and are
tlius superior to the men ; but both are sunk in ignoiance
aad SLi:)o:sti:ion, and blmdly devoted to their priests.
Tl:e French language is spc^ken, except by seitlers from
Great Britain and the United States.
To'-cviis. QurB; c is tiie capital of this province, and of
all British America, being the residence of the governor-
general It is situated ai the conllnence of the St Law-
rence and St. Charles or Little river, '620 miles from the
sea. It contained, in 1806, 15,000 inhabitants, two thirds
of whom were French. A large garrison is supported here.
The houses are commonly built <jf stone, small, ugly, and In-
convenient. The market is well supplied, and the little carts
are frequently drawn by dogs. T.he river he.re is four or
five leagues broad, a:id the haven, opposite the tovv'n, is safe
and commodiou"). This city was taken !jy the British in
1751, when general Wolfe, wlio commanded the army of
the besiegers, lost his life. In December, 1775 it was at-
tacked by the Aiiierican army, under the brave general
Montgomery, who .vas slain, and his army repulsed.
Llontieal the second city in rank, stands on an island
in the river St. Lawrence, 170 miles above Quebec, and
.'i08 north by west of Boston. It contained in 1809, 16,000
inhabitants.
M:mufactuyes and Commerce. Tne exports consist of
wheat. Hour, biscuit, flax-seed, lumber, fish, potash, oil,
ginseng, an'l other medicinal roots and herbs, but chiefly
of furs, and peltries. The imports are t am, brandy, mo-
lasses, coffee, sugar, wines, tobacco, salt, provisions for
the troops, and manufactured cloths from Ln.elauoh
82 GAPE BRETON.
Governmeni. The same as that of Upper Canada.
H'utory This country was discovered by the English
ii) li97, and settled by the French in 1608, who kept pos-
session of it till 1760, when it was taken by the British,
and confirmed to the crown of England by the treaty el'
Paris, in 1763.
ISLAND GF CAPE BRETON.
THIS Island, (or rather collection of islands, which i:_'
so contiguous that lliey are usually denominated but one;
is anneiiJ lo, ;iTid forms a part of, the province of Lowe.r
Canada. It lie^ between 4-5^ 23' and 4-7^ 2' north lati-
tude, and between 13 and 15 east longitude from Phila-
delphia, 109 miles long, and from 20 to St broad. It is
separated fiom Nova Scotia by a narrow strait, called tlje
Gut of Canso, whicli is the communication betv^een llie
Atlantic ocean and the gulf of St. Lav, rence.
The climate here is very cold ; owing, probably, in some
degree, to the prodigious number of Jakes, that cover half
the island, and remain frozen a long time ; and also to tlie
forests that totally intercept the rays of the snn. The ef-
fect of the sun is likewise diminished by almost perpetual
clouds. The surface of the country, except in tlie hilly
parts, has but little solijity. There are some toleiabl.e
pastures ; and it abounds in hard wood, beech, birch, ma-
ple, and fir.
On this island are about 3000 inhabitants, two thirds of
whom are French Acadians.
The government of the island is in the hands of a lieu-
tenant governor and council, who are appointed by the
king.
'1 he chief towns are Sidney and Louisburg ; the form-
er of which is the capital, .ind the latter has the best
harbor in the island. Louisbuig may be considered as
the key to Canada, and the valuable fishery in its neigh-
borhood depends for its protection on the possession ol
this place.
NEW-BRUNSWICK. 83
T+iere is a very extensive coal mine in this island, iVom
which about 6000 chaldrons are annually taken. There
is an inconsiderable trade in peltiicb and lurs.
This island was discovered at a very early period, by
the Fieach, and was resorted to by a few fishermen ; but
was not taken formal possession of, till 171 3. The French
kept it till \li5, when it was captured by the New-Eng-
land militia, under general W. Pcpperell, and confirmed
vo Great-Britain by the treaty of 1 763.
NEW-BRUNSWICK
IS bounded on the west by the province of Maine, north
by Lower Canada, easterly by the gulf of St. Lawrence,
outheast and south by Nova Scotia and the biy of Fundy.
Till the year 17B4-, it formed a part of the province of
Nova-Scotia, when it was erected into a separate govern-
ment. It lies between 45 and 4-8 degrees norlh latitude,
and between 7 and 12 degrees east longitude.
The number of inhabitants is about 40,000.
The coast of this province is indented with numerotis
bays and harbors. The principal is the bay of Fundy, be-
tween New Brunswick and Nova-Scotia, remarkable for
the rise of its tide, which is scmetinies more than 60 feet
perpendicular height. This bay extends 50 leagues into
tJie country. Chenigto bay is the northern extieniity of
Fundy bay ; Passamaquoddy bay borders (>n Maine.
Chaleur b.iy is a portion ot the gulf of St. Lawrence,
flowing between th's province on the south and Lower
Canada on the north.
St. .Tolm's is ihc principal river in this province, falling
into the bay of Fundy, after a course of nearly 350 miles.
It is navigable for sloops 60 miles, and for boats 200.
Thib noble river and its branches water and enrich a
large tract (.("excellent country, which is settled, and im-
proving. The foiestb consist of spruce, pine, hemlock,
beech, birch, ma{;le, ar.d some ash. The pines on this
fiver are the largest in all British America, and afford a
!^reat ^.uppb; of mads for the English navy.
34- NOVA-SCOTIA.
St. Croix river falls into Passamaqiioddy bay, and is
part of the boundary between New-Brunswick and Maine.
Merrimichi river falls into a bay of the same name on
the northeast coast of New-Brunswick. A small distance
from its estuary it divides into two branches, and runs
through a fertile intervale. There is a cod and salmon
fishery at the confluence of this river and the bay.
Among \he lakes of this province, which are numerous,
is Grand lake, near St. John's river, 30 miles long, 8 or
10 wide, and in some places, 40 fathoms deep.
The city of St. John, situated on high land, at the
mouth of the river St. John, is the capital of this province.
The streets are spacious and regular. It has upwards of
3000 inhabitants, and many well built houses, a handsome
church and city hall.
Frederictown, the preseftt seat of government; is 80
miles up the river St. John, at the head of sloop naviga-
tion, and contains about ,500 inhabitants. In the vicinity
of this town, several valuable tracts of land are appropri-
ated for the support of a college.
NOVA-SCOTIA
LIES between 43 and 13 degrees north latitude and
between S and 11 degrees east longitude. Ejrcept a nar-
row tract, which borders on New- Brunswick to the norih-
vvebi, it is surrounded, on all sides, by difFeient portions of
the Atlantic ocean. It is about 300 miles long, and 154'
broad.
The climate of the country is unpleasant; the atmo-
sphere being clouded with thick fog during a great part cl
the year, and the weather, for four or five m.onths being
intensely cold. The soil in general is thin and barren,
though not uniformly so. A great part of the country is
covered with wood.
This province is accommodated wiih many spacious
liarbors and bays. Tlic bay of Fundy, already mcn-
rv^nedj ivashcs its northwcitern 5!v:.;C. Chebucto lay if
NOVA-SCOTIA. 85
"oh the southeast, at the head of which Is situated the town
of Halifax, the capital of the province.
The face of the country is diversified with numerous
lakes and rivers. Of the latter, that of. Annapolis is the
most considerable, and is navigable 1.5 miles for ships of
100 tons, Salmon river, which empties into Chedabucto
bay, is remarkable for its fisheries.
Nova Scotia exhibits an unfavorable appearance to the
eye of a stranger ; but the gradual improvements in hus-
bandry afford reasonable expectation, that it will become
a flourishing colony.
Coals, lime stone, plaster of Paris, and iron ore are
dug out of the earth in Nova-Scotia.
Halifax, the capital of this province, is delightfully-
situated on the west side of Chebucto bay, commodious
for fishing, and has a fine harbor, lOQO houses, and 8000
inhabitants. The other towns are Annapolis on the east
side of the bay of Fundy, v.hich has one of the finest har-
bors in America ; and Shelburne, on the south of the pen-
insula, bijilt by emigrants from the United States.
The whole population of Nova- Scotia amounts to be-
iween 70,000 and 80,000. The great body of the peo-
ple are of English origin ; after which the Scotch and
Crish are most numerous.
The exports from Great Britain to this country are
chiefly articles of clothing, and rigging for ships. The
imports are timber, and the produce of the fisheries.
History, Notwithstanding the forbidding appearance cf
this country, it was here that some of the first European
setlements were made. The first grant of lands in it was
given by James I. to his secretary. Sir William Alexander,
from whom it had the name of Nova Scotia, or New-
Scotland. It has since frequently changed hands, from- r
one private proprietor to another, and from the French to
the English nation, alternately. It was confirmed to the
English in 171.'?. Three hundred families were trans-
ported here in 1 749 at the charge of the governmentj
v/ho built and settled the town of Halifax,
H
m ISLAND OF ST. JOHN,
ISLAND OF ST. JOHN.
THIS Island lies In the gulf of St. Lawrence, near the
northern coast of the province of Nova- Scotia, and is about
100 miles long, and from 10 to 35 broad. It has several
fine rivers, a rich soil, and is pleasantly situated. Char-
toTTETOWN is its principal town, and is the residence of
the lieutenant governor, who is the chief officer on the
island. The number of inhabitants is t;bout 5000. The
island produces corn, and quantities of beef and pork.
The French inhabitants, amounting to about 4000, sur-
rendered, in 1 745, to the British arms. It is attached to
the government of Nova-Scotia.
NEWFOUNDLAND ISLAND
IS situated east of the gulf of St. Lawrence, between
4.6 45' and 52 31' of north latitude, and between 15 28'
and 22 37' east longitude ; separated fi^om Labrador by
the Straits of Belleisle, and from Canada, by the bay of St.
Lawrence ; being 381 miles long, and from 40 to 287
miles broad. The coasts are very subject to fogs, attended
with almost continual storms of snow and sleet, the sky
being usually overcast. From the soil of this land, the
JJritish reap no great advantage, for the cold is long con-
tinued and severe ; and the summer heat, though violent,
warms it not enough to produce any thing valuable ; the
soil, at least in those parts of the island which have been
explored, being rocky and barren. It is watered by seve-
ral rivers, and has many large and good harbors.
The chief tov/ns in Newfoundlanl are Placentia, Bona-
vista, and St. John's.
The population in 1805 was 24,922. The Indians are
considerably numerous.
The admiral on the coast is the governor of the island,
under the governor general of the British provinces.
BERMUDA ISLANDS. St
The great lishery on the banks of Newfoundland begins
about tiie iOth of May, and continues till the end ot Sep-
tember. The numbers of cod, both on the great bank and
the lesser ones, which lie east and south of this island,
are inconceivable. Several other species oi tish are also
caught here in abundance The fishery is computed to
yield about 300,000/. a year, from the cod sold in Catho-
lic countries.
This island, after various disputes with the Frencli, was-
entirely ceded to the English, iu 171.3 ; The Frcncli hav-
ing permission to dry their nets on the southern shores ;-
and, in 176:5, they were permitted to fish in the Gulf ot"
St. Lav.Tence, on the condition that they should not ap-
proach within three leagues of any coast belonging to Eng-
land. By the last treaty, the French are to enjoy the
fisheries on the north and we^^t coasts of the island ; and
the United States are allowed the same privileges iu fish-
ing, as before their independence. Great Britain and the,^
United States employ annually not less than 3000 sail of "'^
small craft in this fishery.
The other islands of note, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
are Anticosti, near the mouth of St. Lawrence, 126
miles long, and 32 broad, uninhabited ; the Magdales
Isles, in 12 29' east longitude, and between 47 and 80*
north latitude, inhabited by a few fishermen ; and Isle
Perce E, about 15 miles south of Cape Gaspre. It is a
perpendicular rock, and is pierced with two natural arches,
through which the sta flows. One of these aiches is suf-
fkientiyhigh to admit a large boat to pass freely thiough it.
THE EERMUDAS, OR SOMMERS
ISLANDS,
BELONG mdre pTOperly to North-America, than ta
the V'V'est-Indies. They are about equally distant from the
West-Indies and Nova- Scotia, and ilOO leagues from the
coast of Carolina, lying in 23 degrees north latitude, and
about 1 1 degrees of east longitude iTom Philadelphia.
TJiey received their first name from John Bermudas, a
88 UNITED STATES.
Spaniard, their first discoverer ; and are called SoT*mer&.
Island's, from Sir Georgg Sommers, who was shipwrecked
on their rocks, in 1609, on his passage to Virginia. The
"principal island is 16 miles long, and 1 or 2 broad ; rocky
find uneven, and the roads almost impassable. The air is
wholesome ; a continual spring prevails, and most of the
productions of the West-Indies are here cultivated. Fif-
teen or twenty thousand people are collected on this small,,
spot, two thirds of whom are blacks.
INDEPENDENT AMERICA,
OR THE UNITED STATES.
Boundaries. ALL the territories, now under the Fede*
ral Government of the United States, are here included;
under the general head of Inoependent America. These
territories are bounded on the north by British America ;
east by New-Brunswick and the Atlantic ocean ; sou:h by
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico ; v/est by New-Mexico,
and a ridge of mountaios, generally denominated the
Shining Mountains, which divide the western waters of the
Missisippi from those that flow westward into the Pacifie
ocean. ,/
Situation and Extent. This country lies between 28 and
50 degrees north latitude, and between 9 degrees east
and 14 degrees west longitude. Its extreme length, from
cast to west, is upwards of 2000 miles, and its greatest
breadth about 1500. It contains about 2^000,000 square
miles, and, excepting the Russian empire, is the largest
territory on the earth, whose inhabitants live under cne
general government.
Divisions and Names. Independent America consists of
levenieen States, ^nd four territorial Governments, exclusive of
l^ouisiana. Each state has a government of its own, inde-
pendent of every other state ; and all are united under one
general government, and thus form a grand national re-
public.
The states and territorial governments may be classed
in four grand divisions, called Northern, Tifiddk, Southerrty
UNITED STATES. 89
and JVesfern States. Though these divisions are merely
nominal, and may be liable to some objections ; yet the
convenience of using the appellations northern^ middk, south-
ern, and 'U)cstern, in writing and conversation, is considered
as a sufficient reason for adopting this classification.
The first division, or Northern States, is the territory,
which, in 1641, received the nam^e of Nenu- England, and
comprehends
District of Maine, (belonging Massachusetts (Proper)
to Massachusetts) Rhode-Island,
New- Hampshire, Connecticut.
Vermont,-
The second division, or Middle States, comprehends
New-York, Ohio,
New-Jersey, Michigan Territory,.
Pennsylvania,. Indiana Territory,
Delaware, Illinois Territory.
Maryland.
The third division, or Southern States, consists oi;
Columbia Territory,* Tennessee,
Virginia, South-Carolina, *
Kentucky, Georgia,
North-Carolina, Missisippl Territory.
The fourth or Western division is Louisiana. f
This division of the United States is already divided into
the nev/ state of Louisiana, and several territorial govern-
ments ; is nearly equal in extent to all the rest of the U-
nited States ; and will,, probably, at no very distant period,
be divided into several independent slates.
Under the present head, we shall confine our remarks to
those topics, which are common to all the states and ter-
ritories, reserving all local objects, such as Bays, Lakes,
Rivers, Mountains, &c. to be noticed in their appropriate
divisions.
Climate. The climate of the United States Is subject to
great extremes of heat and cold, and to frequent and sud-
den changes of the weather, and temperature of the air.
This territory lies partly in the MlddU and p.utlv in \\\zSouthirn
States.
f AH the States west of the Allegany mountain?, may more prcpc*
Jy be denominated Weitern StaUi,
H 2
m UNITED STATES.
The weather is less variable In the northern than In th*
:,nut]iern states ; frosts at the nortli generally come on i:i
October ; severe cold commences in December and lasts
till March. Daring this time, the ponds and fresh water
rivers are frozen over. The climate west of the Allega-
ny mountains, differs materially from that on the eastern
side, in the temperature of the air, and in the quantity of
snow and rain which falls every year. The air is seldom
so cold or so hot by several degrees, as on the eastern side
of the mountains, in the same latitudes.
Seasons. Autumn is the finest season of the year, in the
United States ; th3 temperature of the air is then most a-
greeable and the weather is serene and settled. In New-
England winter lasts near half the year ; in the Southern
States it is milder, and continues not more than three or
four months. In spring the weather is most variable, a
fwarm and pleasant day being often succeeded by anothei-
that is cold and stormy.
Face of the Country. The territories of the United State-s
are happily variegated with mountains and plains, hills
and valleys. Some parts are rocky, particularly the north-
ern stales, and the mountainous tract running southwest-
erly from Hudson rivei to Georgia. In the southern stales,
the country between the Atlantic ocean and the mountains,
a tract from 60 to 100 miles broad, is level, and entirely
free of stone. Between the mountains and the Missisippi,
are vast level meadows, and the borders of that river aie
either spacious low lands^ annually overflowed, or con-
tinued forests. The newly acquired tract of Louisiana
contains some of the most pleasant and fertile spots on the
face of the globe.
Botany. The'natural history of the United States is in
its infancy. Th.e vegetable productions have not yet been
well desciibed by any author, in a work professedly for
that purpose.
No country affordsa greater variety of indigenous plants,
many of? which are distinguished for stately growth and
beauty. It is particularly rich in trees and shrubs, many
of them differing in genus or species, from those in the old
world. In the woods are several new species of oak, wal-
nut, poplar, and maple. The sugar maple abounds in ma-
ny parts of the United States, valuable on account of its
UNITED STATES. 91
saccharine juice yielded by tapping, which, by boiling and
relinirig, affords a wholesome and palatable sugar, Ht for
all domestic uses. In the southern states, the magnolia
rises to a magnihcence of bulk, which renders it the pride
ef the forest, while its flowers perfume the air ; and the
wonds afford the richest variety of flowering shrubs and
beautiful trees. New-England produces spontaneously
an almost infinite number of plants and herbs, useful for
medicinal purposes. Wild fruits, and nuts of almost
every description, enrich the counuy from Maine to.
Geuigia.
/}orkul:ure and Cuh'ii<ated Vegetables. In agriculture, the
Americans are well sk'lled, and are eager to adopt the ad-
vantages of English experience. The immortal Washing-
ton was himself an excellent practical farmer ; and it i&
computed that at least three parts in four of the inhabit-
ants of the United States are employed in agriculture. This
fiee and vigorous yeomanry^ may well be regarded as the
chief gloiy of any state ; and commerce will import suffi-
cient opulence to enable them to promote every possible
improvement.* Agriculture flourishes most in New-En-
gland, Nev,'-York, and Pennsylvania ; but is making rapid
advances in all the other states. Among the numerous
products, are wheat, rye. barley, buck wheat, oats, beans,
pease, and maize, or Indian-corn, which is a native grain.
In the southern states, rice is cultivated, and is found to
succeed on the banks of the Ohio. The poiatoe is a na-
tive and valuable root, wliich grows in all the states. H<ps
(another native plant) are also cultivated. Coitnn (which
ha.-5 taken p.'ace of indigo) and tobacco are im.poitant pro-
ducts of the southern states. 0;chards are favorite ob-
jects, and cider is the common drink of New-England,
.f\pp]es, pears, peaches, phinjs, &c are every where abimd-
ant. The native siiawberry is improved by cultivation,
and is much superior to the exotic. The native giape is
propagated with great ease. Its growth is hixunant,
overspreading the highest trees in tl'e forest. With propo
cr cultivation, it would afford an ample supply oi wines,
in the northern as well as southern states.
Besides mo.-,t of the grapes of Europe, which are here
culiivated, theie is a great variety of others iouiid grow-
* P^^RE&TON,
92
UNITED aXATES.
ing in their native soils and situations, many of which
have not been described hy any boianical writers.
Zoology. The zoology of the United States does not
materially differ from that of North- America in general.
America contains, at least, one half, and tlie territory of
the United States more than one fourth of the species of
quadrupeds in the kuov/n world. Some of them are pe-
cuhar to this continent, and others are common to both
continents. Our information on this, subject is not exten-
sive It is probable that some of our quadrupeds are ut- '
terly unknown ; others are known only by the common
reports of hunters, and cannot be described.
The following catalogue, it is believed, Contains most
of the wild quadrupeds of North America.
Mammoth Weasel Field Mouse
Bison Ermine Bat
Moose Marten Ground Mouse
Cniibou Mink Wood Rat
Red Deer Oiter American Rat
Faiiow Deep Fisher Shrew Mouse
Roe Skunk Purple Mole
Bear Opossum Black Mole
Wolverene Woodchuck Water Rat
Wolf Urchin Beaver
Fox Hare Musquash
Cat-imount Racoon Morse
Saliow Cougar Fox Squirrel Seal
Grev Cougar Grey Squirrel Maniti
M'' r lain Cat Red Squirrel Sapi<jou
Lynx Stiiped Squirrel Sagoin
Kincajou Flying oquirrei
The Wolf, Fox, Weasel, Ermine, Olter, Flying Squir-
lel, Bat, and W^ater Rat, are of the same species with the
Europenn animals of the same names.
The Faiiow Deer, Grey Fox, Marten, Otter, Opossum,
Woodchuck, flare, some of the Squirrels, and the Beaver,
have been tamed. Probably most of these, and some oth-
ers, might be perfectly domesticated. !t has been observ-
ed of our Wild animals, in general, that they are not of so
3avage a nature as those of Europe
Mammoth. This name has been given to an unknoAV#
animal, whose bones are found in the noribcrp parts of both
UNITED STATES. ^^
ifce o!d and new world. From the form of their teeth,
they are said to be carnivorous. Like the elephant, they
were armed with tusks of ivory ; but they obviously differ
from the elephant in size, their bones proving them to have
bt-( n live or six times as large. These enormous bones
are found in several parts of North-America, particularly
about the salt licks, or springs, near the Ohio river.
Bird:. The birds of the United States liave been ar-
ranc^ed, by naturalists, into twelve classes ; the number
cf birds in all the classes amount to 271- They geneially
exceed the birds of Europe in the beauty of their plumage,
but are inferior in the melody of their notes.
The middle states, including Virginia, appear to be the
climates in North-America, where the greatest number
and variety of birds of passage celebrate their nuptials, af-
ter which they annually return to more southern regions.
Most of our birds, are birds of passage from the southwards.
The eigle, the pheasant, grouse, and partridge of Penn-
sylvania, several species of woodpeckers, the crow, blue
jay, robin, marsh wren, several species of sparrows, or
snow birds, and the swallow, are perhaps nearly all the
land birds that continue the year round to the northward
of Virginia.
The swan i<; the largest ortiis aquatic tribe of birds,
which is seen in this country. One of them has been known
to weigh thirty-six pounds, and to be si.x feet in length
from tlie bill to the feet, wlicn stretched. It makes a
sound resembling that of a trumpet, both >;^vhen in the
wafer and en the wing.
The Canada Gonse is a bird of passage and gregarious..
The offspring of the Canadian and common goose are
mongrels, and reckoned more valuable than either of uu--
mixed biood.
The Quail, or Parti idge, is a bird peculiar to America..
The partridge of New- England is the pheasan of Penn-
sylvania, but is miscalled in both places. It is a speciev.
of the Grous. Neither the Pheasant, Partridge, nor Quail-
is found in America.
The Wakon bird, which probably is of the same specie-,
as the Bird of Paradise, receives its name from the idea;
th^ Indians Uava of its superior excellence ; tho Wakpx-
94 tJNITED STATES.
Bird being, in iheir language, the Bird of the Great Spirit.
Its tail is composed of four or five feathers, which are
three times as long as its body, and which are beautifully
shaded with green and purple. It carries this fine length
cf plumage in the same manner as the peacock does his,
but it is not known whether, like him, it ever raises it to
an erect position.
Reptiles. Among the amphlbkus reptiles, are several
turtles, or tortoises, some of which are esteemed delic-
ious food. Ql loads, frogs ^ and lizards, there are likewise
many species. Of this latter class of reptiles, is the Alliga-
tor, or American Crocodile, a- terrible creature, of prodig-
ious strength, activity, and swiftness in the water. They
are from six to tweniy-four f*et in length ; their bodiesj
as large as that of a horse, covered with horny plates or
scales, said to be impenetrable to a rifle ball, except about
the head and fore legs. They make a frightful appear-
ance, and at certain seasons, a most hideous roar, resem-
bling distant thunder. They are oviparous, and lay from
one to two hundred eggs in a nest. Their principal fo^d
is fish, but they devour dogs and hogs. The old ieed on
the young alligators, till they get so large that they can-
not make a prey of them. In South- America, the carrion
vulture destroys multitudes of young alligators, which
would otherwise render the country uninhabitable.
It is supposed there arc about forty different kinds of
serpents in North-America, among which the Rattle snake
is probably rlit largest. Their rattles consist of several ar-
ticulatedjCrustaceous bags, forming their tails, which when
they move, make a rattling noise, giving warning of their
approach. They are supposed to have the power of fas-
cination in an eminent degree ; and charm birds, rabits,
and squirrels in such a manner, that they lose the power
of resistance, and suffer themselves to be devoured. Their
bite is very poisonous, but not incurable.
Tlie Coach-Whip, Glass, and Joint snakes, are great
curiosities. The latter, when struck, breaks-like a pipe-stem-
v/ithout producing a tincture of blood.
The snakes are not so numerous nor so venomous in the
northern, as in the southern states ; in the latter however,
the inhabitants are furnislaed with a much greater variety
UNITED STATES. 5
of plants and herbs, which afford immediate relief to per-
sons bitten by those poisonous creatures. It is an obser-'
vation worthy of grateful remembrance, that wherever
venomous animals are found, the God of nature has kind-
ly provided sufficient antidotes against their poison.
Fish. Upwards of eighty different kinds of fish have
been enumerated in the waters of North-America. Of
these the Whale is the largest ; some of them, in the north-
ern seas, being ninety feet in length. They were former-
ly found in plenty along the coast of the United States,
but, at present are scarce. That species of Whales, call-
ed the Beluga, is found principally in the gujf of St.
Lawrence and Hudson Bay. Beneath the skin of the
Beluga, may be felt the bones of five fingers, which termi-
nate at the edge of the fin, in five very sensible projections.
The Lamprey frequents most of the rivers in the New-
England states. After the spawning season is over, and
the young fry have gone down into the sea, the old fish at-
tach themselves to the roots and limbs of trees, which
have fallen into the water, and there perish. A mortifi-
cation begins at the tail, and proceeds upwards to the vi-
tal parts.
The Ink, or Cuttle Fish, is a great curiosity. It is fur-
nished with a cyst of black liquor, which, when emitted,
renders the water like a thick, black cloud in the eyes of its
pursuer ; and thus the fish escapes. The whalemen call
these fish Squids.
Insects. Naturalists have enumerated about eighty spe-
cies of insects and vermes in North- America, many of them
peculiar to the continent. The most curious of these is
the Sea Anemone, Sea Nettle, or Animal Flower. They
are found attaclied to the sides of rocks, over which the
tide flows. They appear like flowers of different sizes,
with six expanded leaves ; and have the power of assum-
ing different shape?, as of a full blov/n anemone, or of a
large rose or poppy. When the largest are expanded, they
are five or six inches in circumference ; and, when touch-
ed, they contract themselves When muscles are offered
them they seize and conduct them to their mouths in the
centre of the flower, and swallow them. They reproduce
themselves in an t^stonishing manner ; when cut into sev-
m UNITEB STATES.
several piiRccs, each piece becomes a complete crea-
ture.*
Commerce and Manufactures, No country in the world
-enjoys greater advantages for Internal and foreign com-
merce than the United States, by means of the cun>erous
rivers and lakes. that inte|-sect the country and the ex-
cellent harbors and bays which indent the sea coast. Ca-
nals are opened, ati<^ many more might be opened, to fa-
cilitate inland navigation ; and the whole country will
probably soon be chequered into islands and peninsulas.
The most considerable manufactures, are tanned leather
and dressed skins ; various works in iron and wood ; ca-
bles, sail cloth, and cordage; bricks, tiles, and pottery ;
paper, hats, sn<*ff, gunpowder j some utensils in copper,
brass, and tin ; clocks, and mathematical instruments ;
coarse cloths, cottons and linens for domestic uses, and
some for exportation ; and maple sugar.
The principal articles of exportation will be enumerat-
ed in the accounts of the several states individually.
The commerce of the United States is chiefly carried
on with Great-Britain and her colonies, with Russia,
France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, tlie East- Indies, &c.
In 1799, 1 900, 1801, and 1802, the exports of the United
States fluctuated from 68 to 9'6 millions of dollars. Tlie
importations of manufactures from the British dominions,
were little less than 7,000,000 dollars. In 1802, the im-
ported manufactur*"^ from all other countries, were less
than 14,000,000 i The wines, teas, salt, distilled
spirits, and other m... ctured produce, from places not
British, amounted pn,^. y to 30,000,000 dollars, and the
like manufactured articles from British dominions were
probably worth 3,000,000 dollars. The annual value of all
the articles manpfactured, it appears from an estimate
made by authority in 1810, considerably exceeds 120
millions of dollars, and this value is rapidly increas-
ing. Thf trade to China is considerable, and increas-
irg. Th total amount of imports into the United
States, in 1810, is stated by Mr.- Blodget, at 54',000,000
dollars ; and of the exports, at 52,200,000 dollars s
tons of shipping, l,,'J50,28l ; of which 4^)3,044! tons, or
* For more complete information of the quadrupeds, birds, fish,
insect*, &c. of North-America, the reader is referred to the Americai)
Universal Geography
UNITED STATES. 7
mors than^one third is owned by Massachusetts. Mr.
Blodget estimates the number of acres of improved land
io the United is: ates, at -lO.QSO.OOO i horses, J 4,()00,()00 ;
horned cattle, 5,660,000 ; banks, S>5 ; bank capitals,
54.000,000 dollars ; custom house bonds, 9,(i()0,00(i dol-
lars ; total valuation of the United Stales, li, 5 10,000,000
dollars.
Populalton. According to the census of 1800, the num-
ber of inhabitants in the several states was 5,305,666 ; of
whom y93,651 were slaves According to ihe census of
1810, the whole number of inhabitants was 7,'i^<9,903, of
whom 1,1 9 1, 364 were slaves. This population is made
up of almost all nations, languages, and religions, which
Europe can furnish ; but much the greater part are de-
scended from the English.
Language. The English language is the prevailing lan-
guage in the United States ; and in this language all bu-
siness is transacted, and public records kept. Excepting
a few provincial con options, it is spoken with great puri-
ty in i\ew-b'ngland, by all classes of peop.e. In the mid-
dle and southern states, the great influx of foieigntrs has
produced many corruptions, especially in pronunciation.
There arq some Dutch, French, Germans, Swedes, and
Jews, who retain, in a greater or less degiee, their native
language, in which they perform their public worship,
and converse with each oilier.
Religion The constitution of the United States prohib-
its the enycting of any laws for the establishment of le-
hgion, or controlling the free exercise of it. Religious lib-
erty is also a fundamental principle in the constitutions of
the individual slates. Its pubUc teachers are maintained
by equal taxes on property, by pew rents, marriage and
burial fees, voluntary contributions, &c.
The following denomiilations of Christians are found in
the United States :
Congregationalists Baptists
Presbyterians Quakers, or Friends
Episcopalians Methodists
Dutch Reformed Church Roman Catholics
1
9$
.UNITED STATED.
German Lutherans
German Calvinists, or Pres-
byterians
Moravians
Tunkers
Universalists
Mennonists and
Shakers
There are, probably, some others, whose numbers arc
comparatively small.*
State of Liter alure. There are In the United States 30
colleges ; thr^pr four of them, however, exist only on
paper ; and abdut 100 academies. A plan has been con-
templated for establishing, under the auspices of Congress,
a National University, at the seat of governnient. .
Government. The government of the United States is
vested in a President and Congress, which consists of two
legislative bodies, called a senate and house of represent-
atives. The President is chosen for four years. The
senate consists of two senators from each state, chosen
every six years by the state legislatures. In this body
the vice president of the United States presides, ex officio.
The house of representatives is elected by the people, eve-
ry two years, and apportioned in such a manner, that ev-
ery state shall have, at least, one representative ; but that
the number of representatives shall not exceed one for
every 35,000 inhabitants.
By the census of 1810 the representatives to congress
were apportioned among the states as follows ;
New-Hampshire
6
Indiana Territory
1
Vermont
6
Maryland
9
Massachusetts
20
Virginia
23
Rhode-Island
2
Kentucky
10
Connecticut
7
Tennessee
G
New-York
27
Worth-Carolina
13
New-Jersey
6
South-Carolina
9
Pennsylvania
23
Georgia
6
Delaware
2
Louisiana
1
Ohio
6
Missisippi Territory
1
* For a particular account of these several religious sects, the read-
er is referred to Miss H. Adams's View of Religions,"
UNITED STATES'. 99
The legislative power is vested in the congress, and the
executive is lodged with the president, or in the vice-
prCbident, who supplies his place in any emergency. The
president has the command of the army and navy, and
has the power of pardoning offences, except in cases of
impeachment. He can make treaties, and appoint am-
bassadors, with the consent of two thirds of the senate.
The judicial power is lodged in one supresae court, and
such inferior courts as the congress may ordain ; the
jadges hold their offices during good behavior.
Each state has its peculiar government, commonly con-
vsisting of a governor, and general asbembly, annually
chosen. The constitutions of the individual states aie, with
a few variations, similar to that of the United States.
Seat of Government. The city of Washington in the ter-
ritory of Columbia, was ceded by the states of Virginia
and Maryland, to the United States, and by Congress
established as the seat of the government. It stands at
the junction of the rivers Potowmac and Eastern Branch, in
lat y8 36 N. extending nearly four miles up each, and in-
cluding a tract of territory, which, in point of convenience,
salubrity, and beauty, is not exceeded by any in America.
'I'he situation of this metropolis, is upon the great post
road, about equally distant from the northern and southern
extremities of the United States ; upon the best naviga-
tion, and in the midst of a commercial territory, immense-
ly rich, and commanding extensive internal resources.
The public offices of the government were established
herein 1800. - '
Revenue and Expenditure, The revenue of the United
States is raised from duties on the tonnage of vessels en-
tered in the various sea-ports, and on imported goods,
wares, and merchandize. The revenue for the year 1805,
was 14.,589,369 dollars j in 1808, 10,348,000 dollars;
in 1809, 6,5'27,000 dollars ; in 1810, according to the es-
timate of the secretary, about 12,000,000 dollars ; the
expenditures for the year ending 30th September, 1810,
amounted to 8,174,358 dollars.
The total receipts into the treasury of the United Stares
from the 4th of March, 1789, to December 31st, 1809, a-
owunted to 210,827,937 dpllars, 54 cents, vi^.
iOO UNITED STATES.
Dollars. Ceats,
From Customs * 171,278,734.09
Internal revenue 6,445,373 90
Direct tax 1,736 266 28
Public lands 3,972,134 34
Miscellaneous 5,574,662 90
Loans 21,820,765 82
Total 210,827,937 '34
The largest amount in any single year was, in 180S
17.060,661 dollars, 93 cents ; in 1809, the amount was
only 7,773,473 dollars. 12 cents.
Public Debt. The amount of the public debt at the com-
mencement off the present government, 1789, was about
75,000,000 dollars ; in 1 8 lOjt was reduced to 53,172 aOQ
dollars, 32 cents. It has since been rapidly increasing.
Mint. A national mint v/as established in 1791. It
is provided by law that the purity and intrinsic value of
silver shall be equal to that of Spain ; and of the gold
coins to that of the strictest European nations. T he gov-
ernment of the United States derives no profit from the
coinage. The value of the coins striick at the mint, dur-
ing the year 1804, was 371,827 dollars, 94 cents. In
1807> 2,73lj345 pieces of coin, gold, silver, and copperji
were struck, at the United States mint, amounting to
1,044.595 dollars, 9! cents.
Army. The United States have no standing army, sucl^
an establishment being deemed inconsistent with a repub-
lican gov6rnmenCi" The following is the return of the mil-
itary force of the states and territories, made to the secre-.
tary at war, in 1807, arranged in the order of their rela-
tive strength.
Georgia 18,65ii
Vermont 1 6,436
Pennsylvania 94,521
IMew-York 71',.494
Virginia 69,762
Massachusetts 62,586
North-Carolina 44,^56
Souih-Carolina 32,642
Tennessee 16,102
Ohio 15,137
Rhode-Island 5.245
Mi&sisippi Territory 1,1^8
Kentucky 32,235 j Indiana ! erritory 2,931
Kew-Jersey 30,885 | District of Columbia 1,910
New Hampshire 22,786 Orleans Territojy 1,44?
Ccanecticut 20,783 j Michigan Territciy 1.038
UNITED STATES. 101
The militia of the states and territories, according to
the returns made to the secretary ar war, in 1808, amount-
ed to 636,33G men, giving an increase of 7I>338, for one
year.
A small military force was maintained before the pres-
ent war, for the support of public order, and the defence
of the frontiers, and fortresses on the sea coast.
Navy. The navy of the United States commenced Its
existence in 1797, and increased rapidly till 1800; since
which time it has been reduced, and, in 1810, consisted
only of 19 vessels of war, of which were frigates, the
whole carrying 502 guns. Provision has been made by
congress, in 181^, for increasing the navy, and several T'i's
are now building.
History. The time and manner of the original settle-
ments of the United States, have been mentioned undei
the head of North- America. ['hey continued subject to
Great-Britain, as colonies of that kingdom, till the I'ourth #
OF July, 1776; which day may be called the epoch of
their existence, as an independent naiion
The attempts of the British parliament to raise a reve-
mue in the colonies, without their consent, occasioned the
war, which separated them from Great Britain. The fol-
lowing brief history of this war, and the causes which \q<X
to it, is thought of sufficient importance to have a place in
this work.
The first attempt of consequence was the famous Stamp
Act, March, 176:5 By this, the Americans were ob' iged
to make use of stamped paper for all notes, bonds, and oth-
er legal instruments ; on whicJi paper, a duty was to be
paid. This act occasioned such general uneasiness in A-
merica, that the parliament thought proper to repeal it,
the year after it was made.-
The next year, 1767 the Tea Act was framed; by'
which a heavy duty was laid upon tea, glass, paper, and
many other articles, which were much used in America.
This threw the colonies into confusion, and excited sucli
resentment among the people, that the par lament, three
years after, took off three fourths of the duty. But it was
19
W2 UNITED STATES.
.sill] disagreeable to the Americans, who entered Into reso-
1 aliens not to import or consume British manufactures.
In 1773, the people of Boston, wiio were determined not
to pay duties on tea, employed some persons to go In dis-
guise on board sflme ships loaded with tea, belonging to
the East-India company, which lay in the harbor, and to
throw the tea overboard. In other parts of America, vio-
lent opposition was made to British taxation. This oppo-
sition enkindled the resentment of the British parliament,
which they expressed the next year, 177'i> by shutting the
port of Boston, which ruined the trade of that flounsliing
town. This act wjls followed by otliers, by which the con-
stitution of Massachusetts was new modelled, and the lib-
erties of the people infringed*
These rash and cruel measures gave great and universal
alarm to the Americans. General Gage was sent to Bos-
ton to enforce the new laws ; but he was received with
> coldness, and opposed with spirit in the execution of his
commission. The assemblies of Americans remonstrated
and petitioned. Contributions of money and provisions,
from every quarter, were sent to the inhabitants of Boston,
who were suffering In consequence of the port bill.
The same year, troops arrived in Boston, to enforce the
impolitic and unjust acts of the British parliament. Forti-
iicH.ions were erected on Boston neck, by order of genera!
G;icfe ; and the ammunition and stores Ik Cambridge and
Chanestown were secured.
in S^;pteniber, deputies, from most of the colonies, met
in Congress, at Philadelpliia, who approved of the conduct
of I he people of Massachusetts ; wrote a letter to general
Gage ; pubiishc-d a declaration of rights ; formed an as-
sociation not to import or use British goods ; sent a peti"-
tlon to the king of Great-Britain ; an address to the in-
'habltants of that kingdom ; .another to the inhabitants of
Canada ; and another to the inhabitants cf the colonies.
In the beginning of the next year, 1775, was passed the
Fishery Bill, by which the northern colonies were forbid
to fish on the banks of Newfoundland, for a certain time.
This bore hard upon the commerce of these colonies, which
was, in a great measure supported by the fishery. Soon
after, another bill was passed, which restrained the trade
UNITED STATES. 103
of the middle and southern colonies to Great-Britain, Ire-
land, and the West-Indies, except on certain conditions.
These repeated acts of oppression, on the part of Great-
Britain, alienated the affections of America from her par-
ent and sovereign, and produced a combined opposition to
the whole system of taxation. Preparations begaa to be
made to oppose by force the execution of these acts of par-
hament. The militia of the country were trained to the
use of arms great encouragement was given for the man-
ufacture of gun powder, and measures were taken to ob-
tain all kinds of military stores.
In February, colonel Leslie was sent, with a detachment
of British troops, from Boston, to take possession of some
cannon, at Saiera. But the people had intelligence of the
design took up the draw bridge in that town, and pre-
vented the troops from passing, until the cannon were se-
cured ; so fhat the expedition failed.
In April, colonel Smith and major Pitcairn were sent
with a body ot troops, to destroy the military stores which
had been collected at Concoid, about twenty miles from
Boston. At Lexington the militia were cpllected on a
gieen, to opposq^the incursion of the British forces, and
were fired upon by the troops, when eight men were killed
upon the spot. Che militia were dispersed, and the troops
proceeded to Concord where they destroyed a few stores.
On their return, they weie incessantly harassed by the
Americans, who, inHamed with just resentment, fired upi>n'
them from houses and tences, and pursued them to Bi^sion.
At Lexington, was spilt the first blood in this memora-
ble war; a war, which severed America irom the British
empire. Here opened the fiist scene of the great drama,
which, in its progress, exhibited the most illustrious char-
acters and events, and closed with a revolution, equally
glorious for the actois, and important in its consequences
to the human race.
This battle roused all America. The nnilitia collected
from all quarters ; and Boston was, in a few days, besieged
by twenty thousand men. A stop wai put to all inter-
course between the town and countiy, and the inhybitants
were reduced to great want of provisions. Gentiai G.<ge
promised to let the people depart, if they would dehver
lOi UNITED STATES.
up their arms. They complied ; but when tho general
had obtained their arms, the perfidious man refused to let
them go.
In the mean time, a small number of" men, under the-
command of colonels Allen and Eastpn, without any pub-
lic orders, surprised and took the British garrison at Ti-
conderoga, without the loss of a man*
In June following, our troops attempted to fortify Bun-
ker's hill, which lies in Charlestown, and but a mile from
B'^ston. They had, during the night, thrown up a small
breast work which sheltered them from the fire of the
British cannon. The next morning, the British army was
sent to drive them from the hill, and, landing under cover
of their cannon, they set fire to Charlestown, which was
consumed, and marched lo attack our tioops in the en-
trencliments. A severe engagement ensued, in which tha
British suffered a very great loss, both of officers and pri-
vates. I'hey weie repulsed at first, and thrown into dis-
order, but finally carried the foi tification. The Americans
suffered a small loss, compared with the British ; but the
death of ihe brave general Wan en, who fell in the action,,
a martyr to the cause of his country, w^s severely felt,
and universally lamented.
About this time, the continental congress appointed
George Washington, Esq. a native ot Virginia, to the
chief command of the American army. i'his gentleman
had been a distinguished and successfui officer in the pre-
ceding WAT, and seemed destined b} heaven to be the sav-
iour ot his country. He accepted the appointment with
a diffidence, which was a proof of his prudence and his
greatnesb He refused any pay for eight years laborious
and arduous service ; and, by his matchless skill, fortitude,
and perseverance, conducted America through indescriba-
ble difficulties, to independence and peace.
General Washington, with other officers appointed by
congress, arrived at Cambridge, and took command of
the American army in July. From this time the affiiirs
of America begn to assume the appearance of a regular
and general opposition to the forces (.f Great- Britain.
In autumn, a body of troops under the command of
general Montgomery, besieged and took the garrison ^
UNITED STATES. 105
.St. John's, which commands the entrance into Canada.
The prisoners amounted to about seven hundred. Gene-
ral Montgomery pursued his success, and took Montreal,
and designed to push his victories to Quebec.
A body of" troops, commanded by Arnold, was ordered
to march to Canada, by the river Kennebec, and through
the wilderness. After suiFering every hard.ship, and the
most uistresvsing hunger, {!:ey arrived m Canada, and were
joined by genera! Montgomery before Quebec. This city,
which was commanded by governor Carlton, was imme-
diately besieged ; but, there being little hope of taking it
by a siege, it was determined to storm it. The attack
was made ou the last day of December, but proved un-
.successful and fatal to the brave general, who, with his
aid, was killed, in attempting to scale the walls.
Of the three divisions, which" attacked the city, one on-
ly entered, and that was obliged to surrender to superior
force. After this defeat, Arnold, who now commanded
the troops, continued some months before Quebec, al-
though his troops suffered incredibly by cold and sickness ;
But, the next spring, the Americans were obliged to re-
treat from Canada.
About this time the large and flourishing town of Nor
folk, in Virginia, was wantonly burnt, by order of Lord
Dunmore, the royal governor.
General Gage went to England in September, and was
succeeded in command by general Howe.
Falmouth, a considerable town in the District of Maine^^
from which Portland lias been since triken, shared the fate
of Norfolk ; being laid in ashes by order of the British ad-
miral.
The British king entered into treaties with some of the
German prinrces, for about seventeen thousand men, who
were to be sent to Anicrica the next year, to assist in sub-
duing the colonies. The British parliament also passed
an act, forbidding all intercourse with America ; and,
while they repealed the Boston Port anc^ Fishery bills, they
declared all American property, on the high seas, foifeit-
ed to the captors.
This act induced congress to change the mode of carry-
iag on the war j and measures were taken tp anuoy the
106, UNITED STATES.
nemy in Boston. For this purpose, batteries were erect-
ed on several hills, from which shot and bombs were
thrown into the town. But the batteries which were open-
ed on Dorchester point had the best effect, and soon o-
bilged general Howe to abandon the town. In March,
1776, the British troops embarked for Halifax, and gen-
eral Washington entered the town in triumph.
In the ensuing sumtner, a small squadron of ships, com-
manded bv Sir Peter Parker, and a body of troops, under
g neralsClinron and Cornwailis, attempted totake Charles-
ton, the capital of South Carolina, 'i he ships made a vi-
olent attack upon the fort on Sullivan's island, but were^i
reptiised with great loss, and the expedition was aban-
doned.
in July, congress published their declaration of Inde-
;;* pendence, which forever separated Americafrom Great-
Britain, This great event took place two hundred and
eighty-four years after the tirst discovery of America by
Columbus one hundred and seventy from the first effec-
tual settlement in Virginiaand one hundred and fifty six
from the first settlement of Plymouth in Massachusetts,
which were the earliest English settlements in America.
Just after this declaration, General Howe, with a power-
ful force, arrived near New-York, and landed his troops
upon Staten Island. General Washington was in New-
York, with about thirteen thousand men, encamped either'
in the city or in the neighboring fortifications.
The operations of the British began by the action on
Long Island in the month of August. The Americans
were defeated, and general Sullivan and lord Sterling,
with a large body of men, were made prisoners. The
night after the engagement, a retreat was ordered and ex-
ecuted with such silence that the Americans 'left the isl-
and without alarming their enemies, and without loss.
In September, the city of New- York was abandoned by
the American army, and taken by the British In No-
vember, Fort Washington, on York Island, was taken, and
more than two thousand men made prisoners. Fort Lee,
opposite to fort Washington, on the Jersey shore, was soon
after taken, but the garrison escaped.
About the same time, general Clinton was sent, with a.
body of troops, to take possession of Rhode Island ; aai
UNITED STATES. 107
succeeded. In addition to all these losses ard defeats, the
American army suffered by desertion, and more by sick-
ness, which was epidemic, and very mortal. The north-
ern army, at Ticonderoga, was in a disagreeable situation,
particularly after the battle of lake Champlain, :n which
the American force, consisting o( a few iigh^: vessels, un-
der the command of generals Arnold and Waterbury,
was totally dispersed. But general Carleton, instead of
pursuing his victory, landed at Crown Point, reconnoiter-
ed the posts at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence,
and returned to winter quarters in Canada.
At the close of this year, the American army was dwin-
dled to a handful of men ; and general Lee was taken
prisoner in New- Jersey Far from being discouraged at
these losses, congress took measures to raise and establish
an army.
In this critical situation, general Washington surprised
and took a large body of Hessians, who were cantoned at
Trenton ; and soon after, another- body of British troops
at Princeton. The address in planning and executing these
enterprises, reflected the highest honor on the commander,
and the success revived the desponding hopes of America.
The loss of general Mercer, a gallant officer, at Princeton,
was tlie principal circumstance that allayed the joys of
victory.
The following year, 1777> was distinguished by very
memorable events in favor of America. On the opening
of the campaign, governor Tryon was sent, with a body
of troops, to destroy the stores at Danbury, in Coni.ccti-
cut. This plan was executed, and the town mostly burnt ;
but the enemy suffered in the retreat, and the Americans
lost General Wooster, a brave and experienced officer.
The British general Prescot was taken from his quarters,
on Rhode-Island, by the address and enterprise of colonel
Barton, and conveyed prisoner to the continent.
General Burgoyne, who commanded the noithern Brit-
ish army, took possession of Ticonderoga, which had been
abandoned by the Americans. He pushed his successes,
crossed lake George, and encamped upon the banks of
the Hudson, near Saratoga. His progress, however, was
checked by the defeat of colonel Baum, n^ar Bennington,
in which the undisciplined militia of Veimont under gen-
108 UNITED SPATES.
ral Stark, displayed iinexampled bravery, and captured
almost the whole detachment.
The militia assembled from all parts of New-England
to stop the progress of general Burgoyne. These, with
the regular troops, formed a respectable army, command,
ed by general Gales.
After two severe actions, in which the generals Lincoln
and Arnold behaved with uncommon gallantry, and were
w^ounded, general Burgoyne foxmd himself enclosed with
brave troops, and was forced to surrender hfs whole army
amounting to ten thousand men, into the hands of the A-
mericans. This event happened m October : it diffused
a universal joy over America, and laid a foundation for
the treaty with France.
Before these transactions, the main body of the British
forces had embarked at New-York, sailed up the Chesa-
peak, and landed at the head of Elk river, where the ar-
my soon began their march for Philadelphia. General
Waslungion had determined to oppose them ; and, for this
pu'posf, made a stand upon the heights near Brandy wine
creek. Here the aimies engaged, and the Americans
were cverpr wcred, and suffered great loss. The enemy
pursued their march, and tO(;k possession of Philadelphia,
towards the close .of Stptember.
Not long after, the two ai n.ics \vere again engaged at
Germantown, and, in the beginning of the action, the A-
inericans had the advantage ; but, by some unlucky acci-
dent, the fortune of the day was turned in favor of the
British. Both sides suffered considerable losses : on the
side of the Americans, was general Na<-h.
In an attack upon the forts at Mud-Island and Red
bank, the Hessians were unsuccessful, and their command-
er, colonel Donop, killed. The British also lost the Au-
gusta, a ship of the line. But the forts were afterwaids
taken, and the navigation of the Delawai-e oj>encd. Gen-
eral Washington was reinforced with part of tht troops
which had composed the jiorthern army, under general
Gates ; and both armies retired to winier-quaiters. *
In October, the same month in which general Burgoyne
was taken at Saratoga, genera- V 'Ughan, with a small
fleet, sailed up Hudson river, and wantonly burnt Kings-
UNITED STATES. 109
ton, a beautiful Dutch setilement on the west side of the
river.
The beginning of the next year, 1778, was distinguisli-
ed by a treaty of alliance between France and America ;
by which the latter obtained a powerful ally. When the
English ministry were informed that this treaty was on
foot, they despatched conmiissioners to Ameiica to at-
tempt a reconciliation : but America would not liow ac-
cept their offers. Early in the spn'ng, Count de E*;-
taing with a fleet of fifteen sail of the line, was sour, by
the court of France, to assist America.
General Howe left the army, and returned to England ;
the command then devolved upon Sir Henry Clinton. In
June, the British army left Philadelphia, and marched for
New-York. On their march they were annoyed by the
Americans ; and at Monmouth, a very regular action took
place between part of the armies ; the enemy were repuls-
ed with great loss ; and, had General Lee obeyed his or-
ders, a signal victory must have been obtained. For Iiis
ill conduct that day, General Lee was suspended, and
never afterwards permitted to join the army,
In August, General Sullivan, Vv'ith a large body of
troops, attempted to take possessio)\ of Rhode-Island, but
did not succeed. Sooa after, the stores and sliippins)-, aL
Bedford in Massachusetts, were burnt by a party of Brit-
ish troops. The same year, Savannah, the capital ot"
Georgia, was taken by the British, under the command
of Colonel Campbell.
In the following year, 1779, General Lincoln v/as ap-
pointed to the command of the o\ithern army. Governor
Trynn and Sir George- Collier made an incursion into
Connecticut, and burnt, with wanton baibarity, the toum
of F.iirficld and NoTVv-alk. But the American arnss were
crov.'ned v.-ith success in a bold attack upon Stonev Poin:
which was surprised and f.iken l;y General Wayne in tl.e
night cS the 15th of July. Five hundred j"r:cn were made
prisf)ners, will) a small loss on eit.'icr side.
A paily of British forces-attempted, this summer to
build a fort on Penobscot rivtr, for ilie purpose of ciutun)-
timber in the neighboring forests. A plan v;as laid, by
Massacli'isetts, to dislodge them, and a considerable flc^-
K
HO UNITED STATES.
collected for the purpose. But the plan failed of success,
and the whole marine force fell into the hands of the Brit-
ibh, except somo vessels, which were burnt, by the Amer-
icans themselves.
In October, General Lincoln and Count de Estaing
made an assault upon Savani^ah ; but they were repulsed
with considerable loss. In this action the celebrated Po-
liih Count Polaski, who had acquired the reputation of a
biave soldier, was mortally wounded.
In the summ.er, General Sullivan marched, with a body
of troops, into the Indian country, in the state of New-
York, and burnt and destroyed all their provisions and
settlements, that fell in his way.
On the opening of the campaign, the next year, 1 TSO,
the British troops left Rhode island. An expedition un-
der General Clinton and Lord CornwalHs, was undertak-
en against Charleston, in South- Carolina, where General
I^^ncoln commanded. This town after a close seige of
a'-oiit six weeks, was surrendered to the British command-
er ; and General Lincoln, and tlie whole American gar-
rison, V:ere made prisoners.
General Gates v.'as appointed to the command in the
southern department, and another army collected. In Au-
gust Lord Cornwallis attacked the Anieiican troc ps at
Camden in South-Carolina, and routed them with consid-
cra'-le loss. He afterwards marched through the south-
ern states, and siipposed tliem entirely subdued.
The same summer, the British troops made frequent in-
cursions from New-Yoik into New-Jersey ; ravaging and
j;l',indeiing the count; y.
in, July a French fleet, under Monsieur de Ternay, witli
u b )dy of land forces, crrnmanded by Count de Rocham.-
beau, a! rived at R.hode Island, to the great joy of the A-
mt.ric;u:s.
This ye.ir was also distinguished l>y tl.v inf^mcus trta-
sen ot -'vrnoid. General Washington, having seme busi-
ness to transact at Weatlicisheld in Connecticut, left Ar-
nolJ to command tlie important post f<f West Point, which
g\..nds a pass ui Lud5'..a livcr, about CO miles from Ncv/-
\(iik. Arnold's conduct in the city of Philadelphia, the
yrtc^'dmg winter, liad been cennued ; and the tjeatn:ent
iv: ;t;ccived in consequence, bad given him cfTt-nce. He
UNITED STATES. Ill
determined to take revenge ; and for this purpose, he en-
tered iiKo negociations with Sir Henry Clinton to deliver
West Piint, and the army, into tlie hands of the British.
While General Washington was absent, he dismounted
the cannon in some of the forts, and took other steps to
render the taking of the post easy to the eneniy. But, by
a providential discovery, the whole plan was defeated.
Mijor Andre, aid to General Clinton, a brave officer, who
had been sent up the river as a spy, to concert the plan of
operations wiih Arnold, was taken, condemned by a court-
martial, and executed. Arnold m;jde his escape by get-
ting on board the Vulture, a Britisli vessel, which lay in
the river. His conduct has stamped his name with in-
tamy. General Washington ariived in the camp just after
Arnold had escaped, and resroied order in the ganison.
After thri defeat of General Gates in Carolina, General
Green was appointed to the command in ihe soutJiern de-
par tment. From this period, things in this quarter wore
a more favorable aspect. Colonel Tarleton, the active
commander of the British legion, was defeated by General
Morgan, the intrepid commander of the riHomcn.
Aficr a variety of movements, the two armies met a?:
Guiltoiu, in North Carolina. Htre was fought oi^.e of the
seveiest acticcis during the war. General Green and
Lord Cornwaiiis exerted themselves at the liead of their
respective armies ; and, although the Americans woe
obliged to retire from the held, the Britisli arn)y suffered
an immense loss, and could not pursue the victory, 'i h's
act'on happened on the l,-3lh of Maich, ITS).
In the spring Arnold, who was made a Brigadier Gen-
eral in the British service, with a small number of troops,
sail \i lor Viiginia, and plundered the country. This call-
ed the attention of the French fleet to that quarter ; and
a naval engagement took place between the English and
French, in which some of the English ships were much
damaged, and one entirely disabled.
Aker the battle at Guilford, General Green moved to-
v/ards South-Carolina, to drive the British from their posts
in that state. Here Lord llawdon obtained an inconsid-
erable advantage over the Arnei icans, near Camden. But
General Green more than recovered this disadvantage, by
the brilliant and successful action at the Eutaw Springs,
112 UNITED STATES.
where General Marian distinguished himself, and where
the brave Colonel Washington was wounded and taken
prisoner.
L,ord Cornwallis, finding General Green successful in
Carolina, marched to Virginia, collected his forces, and
fortified himsel^in Yorktown. In ilie mean time, Arnold
made an incursion into Connecticut, burnt a part of New-
i-iondon, took Fort Griswold by storm, and put the gar-
rison to the sword. This garrison consisted chiefly of
men suddenly collected from the little town of Groton,
which, by the savage cruelty of the British officer, who
commanded the attack, lost, in one hour, almost all its
heads of families. Th2 brave Colonel Ledyard, who
commanded the fort, was slain with his ov.-n sword, after
lie had surrendered.
I'he Maiqiiis dc la Fayette, a brave and generous no-
bleman, whose services demand the gratitude of every
.'\raerican, had been despatched fiom the main array to
vatch the motions of Lord Cornwallis in Virginia.
Abo'it the last of August, Count de Grasse arrived with
a large fleer in the Chesapeak, and blocked up the British
iruops at Yorktown. Admiral Greaves, with a British
fleet appeared off the Capes, and an action succeeded, but
;: vvas not decisive.
General V.''ash:r!gton had, before this lime, moved tlic
main body of his ar.my, together with the French troops,
to ihe southward ; and as soon as he heard of the arrival
(;1 the French fleet in the Chesapeak, he made rapid march-
es to the head of the Elk, wl:ere, embarking, the troops
t'-on arr!\ed at Yorktown.
A close seige immediately commenced, and was carried
on with such vigor, by the combined forces of America
and France, that Lord Cornwallis was obliged to surren-
der. This glorious event, v/hich happened on the IQth of
October, 1781, decided the contest in favor ot" America,
and laid the foundation of a general peace, A few months
after the surrender of Cornwallis, the British evacuated all
their pests in South-Carolina and Georgia, cA retired to
ihe main arm.y in Nev/-York.
The next spring, 17S2, Sir Guy Carleton arrived in
Nev.'-York, and took command of the British army in A-
merica. l0imed!ately after his arrival, he acquainted
UNITED STATES. lit
Oen'eral Washington and Congress, :hat negociations for
a peace had con)menced at Paris.
On the 30th of November, 17S2, the provisional articles '
of peace were signed at Paris ; by which Great Britain
acknowledged the independence and sovereignty of the
United States of America.
Thus ended a long and arduous conflict, in which Great
Britain expended near an hundred millions of money, with
an hundred thousand lives, and won nothing. The Unit-
ed States endured great cruelty and distress from their
enemies ; lost many lives and much treasure ; but finally
delivered themselves from a foreign dominion, and gained
a rank among the nations of the earthi
From the conclusion of the war to the establishment of
the New Constitution of Government, in 1788, the inhab-
itants of the United States suffered many embarrassments
from the extravagant importation of foreign luxuries ;
from paper money ; and particularly from the weakncbs
and other defects of the general government.
In the summer of 17H7, delegates from the several
states met in convention at Philadelpliia, chose General
Washington their president, and framed the present con-
stitution of the United States, which was afterwards rati-
fied by the several slates.
On the 3d of March, 1789, tlie new congress assembled
at New-York, where a convenient and elegant building
had been prepared for their accommodation. On openin?
and counting the votes for President, it was found that
GEOllGE WASPIINGTON wa.^ unanimously clecled to
that dignified office, and that John Adams was chosen
Vice-President.
On the 30th of April, 17S9, George Washington
was inaugurated President of the United States of Amer-
ica in the city of New-York. The ceremony was perform-
ed-in the open gallery of Federal Hall, in the view of ma-
ny thousand spectators. The oath was administered by
chancellor Livingston. Several circumstances concur-
red to render the scene unusually solemn ; the presence of
the beloved Father and Deliverer of his Country ; the im-
pressions of gratitude for his past services ; the vast con-
course of spectators ; the devout fervency with which he
repeated the oath, and the revereniiui manner in v.'hich he
K 2
114 UNITED STATES.
bowed to kiss ihe sacred volume ; these circumstances, tcf"
gather with that of his being chosen to the most dignified
office in America, and, perhaps, in the world, by the
unanimous voice of more than three millions of enlightened
freem-n, all conspired to place this among the most august
and interesting scenes, which have ever been exhibited on
this globe.
General Washington continued in this office till the 3d
of March, 1797; and was then succeeded by that vene-
rable patriot John Adams, Esq. ; who on the 3d of March,
IS'OJ, was superceded by Thomas Jefferson, Esq ; in
March, 1809 he resigned in favor of James Madison, Esq.
who now fills this high and responsible office.
In 1 SOS, a general Embargo, for an indefinite period, was
impfised by law on the United States, which, at the close
of one year ^fter it was laid, was removed. In April,
1S12, another Embargo was laid for 90 days, which was
the precursor of War with Great Britain, v/hich was ac-
cordingly declared, by the Government, on the 18th ot
Jime of this year.
MAINE. n"'
DISTRICT OF iMAINE.
THE District of Maine, though not of itself an inJ^-
pendent state, but forming a pan of the state of Massa-
chusetts, may, with propriety, occupy the first place in a
description of the states.
Extent and Boundaries. Maine extends from 43 to 48 de-
grees north latitude, and from 4 to 9 degrees east lon-
gitude ; its extent being about ^00 miles each way. It is
bounded north by LowerCanada, east by New-Brunswick ;
south by the Atlantic ocean, west by New- Hampshire,
No part of this district borders on Massachusetts proper.
Dhnslous and Population. Maine is divided into eight
counties, viz. York, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln,
Hancock, ^Vashington, Oxford, and Somerset. These are
subdivided into upwards of two hundred incorporated
townships containing, in 1800, 15 J, 71 9, and in 1810,
228,705 inhabitants ; gain in 10 years 77)705
Face of the Country. This district has between 200 and
300 miles of sea coast, indented with numerous bays and
harboi s. Though an elevated country, it cannot be called
mountainous It has a large pioportion of dead swamps.
The interior parts are principally covered with ibrests of
maple, beech, pine, &c.
Bays. The principal bays are those of Saco, Casco,
Frenchman's, Penobscot, Machias, and Passamaquoddy.
Penobscot and Casco are full of islands, some ot which
are large enough ibr townships,
Lakes. The most noted lake in Maine is Sebacook, 18
miles northwest of Port'and, equal in extent to two town-
ships There is a collection of iakes in the northerly part
of York county, called by the general name of Unibagog.
R'vrs. St. Croix river forms part of the eastern boun.^
da'v between the United States and British America, and
fails in'o Passamaquoddy bay.
Tiie Penobscot is a noble river, rising from two branch-
es in the hi;;h lands towards Ciuada, :nid jailing into Pe-
nobscot bay. It is navigable about 30 miles above ib.e
head ol vhe bay.
116 . MAm.
The Kennebec, 20 miles from its meuth, is divided by
Swan island, 7 miles long ; 24 miles higher is the head of
navigable water. Here is a fine bay where vessels anchor.
Eighteen miles above this place are Teconic Falls, the
greatest cataract in New-England, presenting a wild but
delightfnl prospect. Just below the falls the Sebasticook'
joins the Kennebec, and swells it one third.
Sheepscot river is navigable 20 or 30 miles, and emp-
ties into the sea a little eastward of Kennebec.
Androscoggin river is the main branch of the Kenne-
bec, and joins it at Merry Meeting Bay, 20 miles from
the sea.
Saco river is among the considerable rivers in this dis^
trict. The principal part of its waters fall from the White
Mountains; after a windirfg course, it falls into the seaj
at Pepperellborough. It \i navigable for large vessels to
Saco falls.
Soil and Productions. The soil, in general, is friendly to
the growth of wheat, lye, barley, oats, peas, hemp, flax,
and almost all culinary roots and plants. Indian corn al-
so flourishes, if the seed be brought from a more northern
climate. Hops are the spontaneoss growth of the coun-
try. The pastures are good, and afford subsistence to
large herds of cattle.
The forests consist of white pine and spruce trees, in
large quantities, suitable for masts, boards, and shingles,
maple, beech, white and grey oak, birch, and fir. The biich
is used for cabinet work, and is little inferior to mahogany.
The fir yields a balsam that is highly prized ; it is an ev-
er p-reen, resembling the spruce, bat not so large.
Manufacturer and Commerce. There are yet but lew man-
ufactures in' this district, except those of boards and shin-
gles, which are exported in large quantities, and are the
principal ajticles of commerce, which the country affords.
Many families manufacture the v;oollen and linen ch)ths
needed for their own dorotstic uses.
Minerals. Mountain and bog iron ore have been found,
drid works erected for their manufacture. Copperas and
sulphur are found in the county of York.
Literature. Bowdoin college, in Brunswick, is endowed
with ample funds by the legislature and by the benefaction
of the Hon, James Bowdoin, It was opened in Sept
MAINE. lir
1802, and is now flourishing. Several academies are in-
oorporated, and town schools are generally supported.
Chief Towns. Portland, situated on a promontory in
Casco Bay, is the capital of Mdine. It has an excellent
harbor near the ocean, and is easy of access. It contain-
ed in 1810, 7,169 inhabitants who carry on a considerable
foreign trade. Among its public buildings, are three
churches for Congregational ists, one for Episcopalians,
and a court house.
York, 70 miles northeast from Boston, is the chief town
o^ York county.
Hallov/ell is a very flourishing town, situated at the
head of the tide waters on Kennebec river. Auousta,
Bath, Wiscasset, Buckstown, and Machias are also
towns of considerable and increasing importance Ban-
gor, situaled at the head of the tide waters on Penobscot
river, Ivittery, Weils, Berwick, North-Yarmouth, East-
port, and Waldoborough, are the otlier most considerable
towns
Indian:, The remains of the Penobscot tribe are the on-
ly Indians who make their residence in this district. They
consist of about 100 families, and live together at Indian
Old Town, which is situated on an island of about 200 a-
cres, in Penobscot river, just above the great falls. They,
are Roman Catholics, and have a priest, who resides among
them and administers the ordinances. They have a de-
cent house for public worship, with a bell, and another
building, where they meet to transact the public business
of their tribe. In their assemblies, all things are managed
with the greatest order and decorum. The sachems form
'the legislative and executive authority of the tiibe ; though
the heads of all llie families are invited to be present at
their public periodical meetings.
Islands. The wliole coast of Maine is shielded by nu
merous islands of various forms and sizes. Mount De-
sert, on the coast of Hancock cou-nty, is 15 miles lon^
by 12 broad. It is a valuable tract of land, notwithstand-
ing its name, and contains 1 I2i inhabitants.
Long Island, in the centre of Penobscot bay, is \5
miles long, and 2 or 3 broad, and has about 400 inhab-
itanis. It forms a township by the name ef Isleborough.
US NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Near this is Defr Island, which is also an incorporated
town. There are m;iny other small islands in the bay.
Casco bay contains a multitude of islands
Seugin Island stands at the mouth of Kennebec riv-
er. A light house on this island has a repeating light,
which is made to disappear every ninety seconds, to dis-
tinguish it from Portland light-bouss.
NEVvMIAMPSMIRE.
Silu.i/kn and Extent. NEW-HAMPSHIRE cxLends
from 4'2^ 4F to 45= 11' north latitude, and from 2" 41' t
A:^ '29' cast longitude. Its shape is nearly that of a right
an?led ttiangle ; tlie length being 168 miles, the greaiest
breadth 90, and the least 18 miles. It contains 6,()74',i-'.4'0
acres, (of which 100,000 are water,) or 9,500 square miles.
Boundaries. Bounded on the north by Lower Canad;i,
east by the District of Maine, south by Massachusetts,
west by Vermont.
Divisions and Populalim. New-Hampshire is divided
into six counties, viz.
lnh;;l)itaiits. Inhabitants.
Cheshire 4-0,9?58
Grafton 28,462
Coos 3 99L
Rockingliam .GO, 175
Strafford ' 41,595
Hillsborouph 40,219
Total 2 ! 4,460
Whole number in 1800, 183,854
Increase in 10 years 30,602
Most of the towns are six miles square, and the whole
niimber of towns and locations, is about two hundred and
fourteen.
Face of the Country. This state has but about 18 miles
of sea coast, which forms its southeast corner. The shore
is mostly a sandy beech, adjoining which, are salt marshes
intersected by creeks. From the sea, no remarkable high
NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 119
lands appear nearer than 20 or 30 miles ; then commenc-
es a mountainous country. The lands bordering on Con-
necticut river, are interspersed with extensive meadows or
intervals, rich and well watered.
Mountains. New-Hampshire is intersected by several
ranges of mountains, the principal of which, is the lofty
ridge, that divides the branches of Connecticut and Mer-
rimac rivers, called xhe Height of Land. In this ridge- is
the celebrated Monadnoc mouiitain ; 30 miles norrh of
which is Sunapee, and 48 miles further is Moosehillock
mountain. The ridge is then continued northerly, divid-
ing the waters of Connecticut river from those of Saco and
Androscoggin. The most elevated sunimiis of this range,
are the White Mountains, the highest land in New-England.
'J hese are seen at the distance of 80 niiies on land, and
are discovered by vessels at sea long before any part of the
coast is visible. By reason of iheir white appearance,
they are often mistaken for clouds.
Harbors. The only harbor for ships in this state is that
of Portsmouth, formed by tiie mouth of Piscataqua river,
the shores of which are rocky.
Lakes. Winnipiseogee lake is the largest collection of
vs-ater in New-Hampshire. It is twenty-four miies long,
and of very unequal breadth, from three to twelve miles.
It is full of islands, and is supplied with numerous rivulets
from the surrounding mountains. It is frozen about three
i months in the year, and many sleighs and teams from the
circumjacent towns cross it on the ice. In summer, it is
navigable its whole lengtli.
The other considerable lakes a:e Umbagog, in the
northeast corner of the stale, and partly in the District of
Maine, Squam, Sunapee, Great Ossipee, and Massabesic.
Rivers. Five of the largest streams in New- England
receive more or less of their waters from this state. These
are Connecticut, Androscoggin, Saco, Merrimac, and Pis-
c.Uaqua rivers.
Ci 'iucccicut river rises in the highlands, which separate
the XJi;ited Slates from Lowei Canada. Its general course
is S. y. W. It extends along the v/cstern side of New-
Hampshiie, separating it from Vermont, about 170 miles,
and ihea passes into M;issachusetts. Besides smaller
itUMms, it receives fu^ni New Harripshiie, E^ppcT
e
-*^
120 NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Amonoosuc, Israel's river, John's river, Great or Lower
Amonoosuc, Sugar, Cold, and Ashuelot rivers. In its
xourse between New- Hampshire and Vermont, it has two
considerable falls ; the first are calJed Fifteen Mile Falls,
between Upper and Lower Coos ; the river is rapid for
20 miles. At Walpole, is a second remarkable fall, for-
merly known by the name of the Great Fall, now denom-
inated Bellows's Falls. In 1784 a bridge of timber was
constructed over this fall, 365 feet long and supported in
the middle by a great rock, under which the highest floods
pass without detriment.
This beautiful river in its whole length is lined on each
side with a great number of the most flourishing and
pleasant towns in the United States. In its whole course
it preserves a distance of from 80 to 100 miles from the
sea-coast.
Mejrimac river is formed by the confluence of Pemige-
wasset and Winnipiseogee rivers. After the Pemigewas-
set receives the waters of the "Winnipiseogee, it takes the
name ot Merrimac ; and, pursuing a course of about SO
miles, first in a southerly, then in an easterly direction,pass-
irg over Hookset, Amoskeag, and Pautuket falls, it emp-
ties into the sea at Newbury port. From the west, it re-
ceives Blackwater, Contoocook, Piscataquoak, Souhegan,
Nashua, and Concord rivers ; from the east, Bowcook,
Suncook, Cohas, Beaver, Spicket, and Powow rirers.
Contoocook heads near Monadnoc mountain, is very rap- .
id, and 10 or 12 miles from its mouth, is 100 yards w'fle.
Just before its entrance into the Merrimac, it brunches
and forms a beautiful island of about five or six acres.
The Piscataqua is the only large river, whose whole
course is in New- Hampshire. From its form and tire sit-
uation of its l.ranches, it is favourable to the purpose of
navigation and commerce. A bridge has been creeled
over this river, six miles above Portsmouth, 2000 feet in
length.
Soil and Product'tcns. The soil, in gcnernl, is rich ard
productive. The land on the margins of the rivers, is es-
teemed best for grain, and the hills for pasture. Agri-
culture is the chief business of ihe inhabitants. Beef,
pork, mutton, poui'ry, whewt, rye. Indian corn, barley,
ptilie, butter, cheese, flax, hemp, heps, esculent plants
NEW- HAMPSHIRE. 1^1
aftd roots, articles which always find a majket, may be
produced in almost any quantiiy in the state. Apples
and pears are the most common and the principal irults
that are cultivated.
Manufactures. The people in the coimtry generally
mam'.facture their own clothing, and considerable quanti-
ties of tow cloth for exportation. The other manufac-
tures are pot and pearl ashes, maple sugar, bricks and pot-
tery, and some iron.
Public J.nprovements. The falls in Merrimac river, from
the mouth of the Middlesex canal to Salisbury, have been
locked, and other obstructions to boat navigation removed,
which opens a water communication, by boats, with Bos-
ton, through the Middlesex canal, for a great part of
New-Hampshire and Veimont. \, canal has been cut
through an extensive marsh, which opens an inland navi-
gation from Hampton through Salisbury into Merrimac
liver, 8 miles.
Commerce. The principal articles of export from New
Hampshire, are pine boards, oak plank, staves and head-
ing, clapboards and shingles, and other articles of lumber,
dried and pickled fish, whale oil, tar, flax seed, berf, live-
stock, bricks, pot and pearl ashes, &c. The imports are
West-India produce, and articles cf European manufac-
ture, salt, steel lead, and sea-coal.
Literature. The peculiar attention which has lately been
paid to schools, by the legislature, presents a pleasing
prospect of tlie increase of literature in this state. Theic
are several academies, incorporated with ample funds ;
one at Exeter has a fund of 80,000 dollars, and from 60
to 80 students.
The only college In the state, is at Hanover, situated
on a beautiful plain, near Connecticut river, in latitude
43 ' SO'. It is called Dartmouth college, after the Right
Hon William Dartmouth, one of its principal benefac-
tors. The funds of the college are chiefly in lands, a-
mounting to about 80,000 acres, which are increasing in
value. It is among the most flourishing literary institu-
tions in the United States.
Chief Towns. Portsmouth is the largest town in this
state. It is about 2 miles from the sea on the south side
of Piscataqua river, containing abiput G40 dwelling housM>
122 NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
and nearly as many other buildings, besides those for pub-
lic uses ; which are, thiee Congregational churches, one
Episcopal, one Universalist, one Baptist, a state house,
market house, four school houses, and a workhouse.
Exeter is 15 miles southwest from Portsmouth, situat-
ed at the head of navigation, upon Swam scut, or Exeter
river. It is well situated for a manufacturing town. The
public buildings are two Congregational churches, an a-
cademy, a new and handsome court house, and a gaol.
Concord is a pleasant, flourishing inland town, on the
west bank of Merrimac river, S'i miles W. N. W. from
Portsmouth. The general court commonly hold their ses-
rions here ; and from its central situation, and a thriving
Lack country, it will probably soon become the permanent
seat of government. Much of the trade of the upper coun-
try centres in this town. It had in 1 810, 2,393 inhabitants.
Dover, Amherst, Keene, Charlestown, Plymouth, and
Plaverhill, are the other most considerable towns in this
state.
Curiosities. In the township of Chester, is a circular
eminence, half a mile in diameter, and 400 feet high, call-
ed Rattlesnake hill. On the south side, ten yards from its
base, is the entrance of a cave, called the Devil's Den, in
which is a room, fifteen or twenty feet square, and four
feet high, floored and circled by a regular rock, from the
upper part of which, are dependent many excrescences,
nearly in the form and size of a pear, and, when approach-
ed by a torch, tlirow out a sparkling lustre of almest every
hue. Many frightful stories have been told of this cave,
by those who delight in the marvellous. It is a cold,
dreary, and gloomy place.
In the town of Durham, is a rock, computed to weigh
sixty or seventy tons, which lies so exactly poised on anoth-
er rock, that it may be moved with one finger.
In a meadov/, in Atkinson, is an island of six or seven
acres, that rises and falls with the water of the meadow,
which is sometimes six feet.
On the plain of Dartmouth college, one hundred feet
above the bed of Connecticut river, logs of timber have
been dug up, thirty feet below the surface of the ground.
It is supposed, that this elevated plain was once the bed
of the river, ' -^
VERMONT.
123
VERMONT.
Extent^ Situation, and Bnuniia^rics. THE length of Ver-
inont, from north to south, is about 157^ miles; the
northern boundary line is only 9 miles long, and the
southern is about 40 miles. Estimating the mean widiii
at Go miles, it will give an area of 10,2372- square miles.
It is situated between 42 and 45- degrees N. latitude, and
between 1 35' and S" 30' E. longitude. It is bounded
N. by Lower Canada, E. by Connecticut river, separat-
ing it from New-Hampshire, S. by Massachusetts, W. by
New-York, No part of the state approaches nearer ihaa
80 or <jO miles to tlie ocean.
Divisions and Population. Vermont is naturally divided
nearly in the centre by the Green mountain, running fioni
noith to south ; its civil divisions are twelve counties, a^^
iollows :.
Counties.
Census in
Census in
Chief Towns.
1800.
1810.
Bennington
14,607
15,893
Bennington
Windham
sy.^si
26,760
Brattleboro'
Rutland
23,8;j4
29,487
Rutland
Windsor
2G,969
34,878
Windsor
y\ddison
13,417
19,993
Middlcbury
Orange
18,239
25,247
Chelsea
Cinttenden
1J,490
18,120
Burlington
Caledonia
9,332
18,740
Danvihe
Franklin
7,573
16,427
St. Al ban's
Orleans
1,439
5,838
Craftsbury
Essex
1,479
3,087
Guildhall
Grand Isle
2,489
3,445
North Her
Total 154,449
217,915
The counties on Connecticut river, from south to north,
are Windham, Windsor, Orange, Caledonia, Essex ; in ;5.
similar direction along the New- York line, are the coun-
}24 VERMONf.
ties of Bennington, Rutland, Grand Isle, Addison, Chit-
tenden and Franklin ; between the !asi and Essex, lies the
county of Orleans, on the north line of the state. Those
are subdivided into upwards of 230 towns.
Fa-c of the Country. The f.ice of the country exhibits
Tery different prospects-. Adj:!;ning the rivers, are esten-
iiive p'uins ; at a small distance from them, the land rises
into a chain of high mountains, intersected with long and
^tp vallics. Descending from the mountains, the streams
and rivers appear in every part of the country, affording
a plentiful supply of water.
Lakes and Rivers. The greatest part of lake Champlaiii
is in this slate. It is 100 miles long, and 12 broad, ccn-
laining several islands. Lake Memphreraagog lies part-
ly in Vermont, and partly in Lower Canada. Small lakes
or ponds are very numerous.
All the streams and rivers in Vermont, which are very
numerous, rise among the Green mountains ; about ':i5
) (in east into Connecticut river ; 25 run westerly, paying
rlieir tribute to lake Champlain ; and two or three, rnn-
iiing in the same direction, fall into Hudson river. In the
lioriherly parts, several streams run N. discharging their
waters into lake Memphremagog, and, from thence
through the river St. Francis, flow into the St. Lawrence.
The largest rivers on the west of the mountains, falling
into lake Champ'ain, are Otter Cret^k, Onion, La Moille,
und Missiscoui. On the cast side, the rivers are not so
larg,-^, bat they are more numerous. West river, White
river, ar,d Passumsic, '^re the largest,
Alountalns. Through this state there is one continued
range of mountains, which, from the perpetual verdure of
their trees, are called the Green Mountains, and give their
nanje to the whole state. They extend from Lower Can-
ada, tliron.gh Vermont, MassacJiUsetts, and Connecticut.
Their reneral direction is from northeast to southwest,
and their extent is not less than 400 mues.
Sot! and Priductions. They have a variety of excellent
lands in Vermont, which produce wheat, and many other
i,orts of grain, in abundance. There are extensive pas-
tu; es, and some of the finest beef cattle in the world are
raised in this state. Many kinds of fruit grow here.
li.ick from the rivers the land is thickly covered with.
VERMONT. 125.
Birch, maple, ash, butternut, and white oak of an excel-
lent quality.
Minerals. Iron and lead ores, pipe clay, which has been
wrought into durable crucibles, and vast quantities of
white, grey, and variegated marble, have been found in
various parts of this state.
Manufacture!. A great number of forges and furnaces
are erected for the manufacture of iron ; in which are
made bar iron and nails, and various articles of iron and
steel.
The other chief manufactures are pot and pearl ashes,
maple sugar, and spirits, distilled from grain. Most of
the families manufacture a great part of their clothing.
Trade. The commerce of Verrnont is chiefly with Bos-
ton, Portland, Hartford, New- York, Montreal, and Que-
bec, to which places they transport horses, beef, pork,
butter, cheese, wheat, flour, iron, nails, pot and pearl
ashes.
Literature. The general assembly of Vermont have
established two colleges, one at Builington and one at
Middlebury. They are yet in their infancy, but promise
great usefulness* The latter has upwards of one hun-
dred students. No country is more attentive to educa-
tion. Common schools are supported in every neighbor-
hood ; many of the principal towns have grammar schools;
and there are several incorporated academies.
Chief Toiuns. The legislature have not yet established
any permanent seat of government ; but, at ihe clos',* of
each session, adjourn to such place as they think proper.
Bennington, near the southwest corner of the state, is
one of the oldest towns, and had in 1810, 2,521' inhabit-
ants, a meeting house, academy, court house, and gaol.
Windsor, upon Connecticut river, is a beautiful town, of
about 2,757 inhabitants. Rutland, upon Otter Creek, con-
tains 2,379 inhabitants. Guilford, Brattleljorough, Put-
ney, Westminster, Norwich and Newbury, all on Connecti-
cut river, are pleasant and flourishing towns. Vergcnncs
stands on the lower falls of Otter Creek. Vessels of ai>y
burden come up to the falls, which arc thronged with
m ills.
Curiosities. In the town of Clarendon, on tiic side of a
small hill, is a very curiou? cave. The cli.ism. at it: cn
L 2
126 MASSACHUSETTS.
traiKe, is about 4 feet in circumference. Enteiing this,
you descend 101- feet, and then opens a spacious room, 20
feet in breadtli, and 100 feet in length ; the roof of this
cavern is of rock, through which the water is continually-
percolating. The stalactites which hang from the roof
appear like icicles on the eves of houses, and are continu-
ally increasing in number and magnitude. The bottom
and sides are daily incrusting with spar and other mineral
substances. On the sides of this subterraneous hall, are
tables, chai/s, &c. which appear to have been artificially
carved. This richly ornamented room, when illuminated
with the candles of the guides, has an enchanting effect
lipon the eye of the spectator. At the end of this cave is
a circular hole, i. 5 -feet deep, apparently hewn out, in a
conical form, enlarging gradually as you descend, in form
of a sugar loaf. At tlie bottom, is a spring of fresh wa-
ter, in continual motion, like the boiling of a pot. Its
depth has never been sounded.
in some low lands, over against the Great Ox Bow, is
a remarkable spring, which dries up once in two or three
years, and bursts out in another place. It has a strong
smell of sulphur, and throws up a peculiar kind of white
sand. A thick yellow scum rises upon the water when
seltled.
Dr. Williams has written the best history of this state.
MASSACHUSETTS PROPER.*
Situation and Extent. THE state of Massachusetts, ex-
clusive of the District of Maine, lies between ^l** 13' and
4-3 52' north latitude, and between 1 SO' and 5 11' east
longitude. The northern line of this state is about 11(>
miles long ; its southern boundary, from the southwest
corner to Cape Cod, is 190. Its western line is about 50
miles ; in some places it is wider, in others much narrow-
er. It is supposed to contain 6250 square miles.
*Tv'.i r-ti::lc ;rc.it> of rto topic relLirinj t-o the District of Maine
MASSACHUSETTS. 127
Boundaries. Massachusetts is bounded on the north by
VermoiiL dnd New- Hampshire ; en si by the Atlantic o-
cean ; souih by the Atlantic, Rhode-Island, and Connecti-
cut ; west by New-York.
Divisions and Population. This part of the state is divid-
ed into 14- counties, viz.
Counties.
Inhabitants
Counties.
Inhabitants
in 1810.
in 1810.
Suffolk
34-,3Sl
Plymouth
35,195
Norfolk
31,24-5
Bristol
37,168
Essex
71,888
Barnstable
21,993
Middlesex
52,789
Duke's County
3,290
Franklin
)
Nantucket
6,07
Hampshiie
y 76,192
Worcester
64,900
Hampden
i
Berkshire
35,782
The whole number of towns is 280. The whole num-
ber of inhabitants, in 1800, was 422,630, and in 1810,
471,640; increase in 10 years, 49:010; number of in-
habitants to each square mile, 75. There are no slaves in
Massachusetts.
Face of the Country. The coast of Massachusetts is in-
dented with numerous bays. The western part of the
state is hilly. Wachusett mountain, 45 miles northwest
of Boston, is 2989 feet above the level of the sea. Mount
Tom, in Hampshire county, is 1237 feet above the water
of Connecticut river, which makes its base. Mount Ho-
lyoke, in Hadley, is nearly as high ; and from its top is a
most beautiful prospect. In the vicinity of Boston, are
some hills of considerable height ; but, except the coun-
ties of Hampshire and Berkshire, Massachusetts is gener-
ally a level country.
Bays and Capes. The principal bay is that called Mas-
sachusetts Bay, formed by Cape-Ann on the north, and
Cape-Cod on the south Cape-Cod receives its name from
the fish taken on that coast. On the south side of the
cape, is the harbor of Provincetown, the first port entered
by tlie Forefathers of New-England, in 1620, whence they
proceeded to Plymouth.
Rivers. Housatonic river rises from several sources in
the western part of this stale, and flows southerly through
Connecticut, into Long Island Sound. Deerfield river
falls into Connecticut river from the west, between Deer-
128 MASSACHUSETTS.
field and Greenfield. Westfield river empties into the
Connecticut at West-Springfield.
Connecticut river passes through this state, and inter-
sects the county of Hampshire. In its course, it runs over
fells above Deerfield, and between Northampton and
Springfield. Miller's and Chlcapee rivers fall into Con-
necticut on the east side; the former at Northfield, the
latter at Springfield.
In the eastern, part of the state, is Merrimac river,
navigable for vessels of burden about 20 miles from its
mouth.
Nashua, Concord, and Shawsheen rivers,.rise in this
state, and run a northeasterly course into the Merrimac.
Ipswich and Chebacco rivers pass through the town of
Ipswich into Ipswich bay. Mystic river falls into Boston
harbor east of the peninsula of Charlestown. It is navi-
gable three miles to Medford.
Charles river is a considerable stream, which passes in-
to Boston harbor, between Charlestown and Boston. It
is navigable for boats to Watertown, 7 miles.
Neponset river, after passing over falls, sufficient to car-
ry mills, unites with other small streams, and forms a ve-
ry constant supply of water for the many mills situated on
the river below, until it meets the tides in Milton, from
whence It Is navigable for vessels of 150 tons burden, to
\he bay, distant about 4> miles.
North river runs in a serpentine course between Scitu-
ate and Marshfield, and passes to the sea. Taunton river
is made up of several streams, which unite in or near the
town of Bridgewater. Its course is from northeast to
southwest, till it falls into Nairaganset Bay, at Tiver-
ton opposite to the north end of Rhode Island.
Soil and Productions. A great variety of soils are found
in Massachusetts, yielding all the diflferent productions
common to the climate. The average produce on an a-
cre of good UnJ, is probably nearly as follows ; Indian
corn, 30 bushels; barley, 30 ; wheat, 15; rye, 15; po-
tatoes, 200.
The soutliern part of the state is the most barren, and
the north and west parts, including Himpshlre county,
the most fertile parts. The towns In the vicinity of Bos-
n, as CAnabvidge, Roibary, Brookline, aad Dorchester,
MASSACHUSETTS. 129
-^
*re Ilierally gardens, from which the capital is furnishei
wiih the finest fruits and vegetables. The towns adjoin-
ing Connecticut river have a luxuriant soil.
Minerals^ Iron ore, In immense quantities, is found in
rarinus parts of the state ; but principally in the comities
of Plymouth and Bristol. Copper ore is found at Lever^
c:t and Attleborough ; mines of black lead, at Brimfield ;
pipe clar, and red and yellow ochre, at Martha's Vineyard
and other places. In a quarry of limestone, in Newbury,
is found the Jsl-estos, or incombustible cotton. Marble is
found in the same vicinity, and also at LanesboroUi^h. In
BrookBeld, is a large bed of rocks, czWed f>y rites, impreg-
nated with sulphur, vitriol and alum.
Mineral Springs. Several mineral springs have been dis-
covered, but none have yet obtained much celebrity.
Springs of the quality, though not of the strength, of the
Ballstown waters, have lately been brought into some no-
tice, in the north part of Boston, and at Brigluon, 5 or 6
miles west of Boston, but their waters have not yet been,
analyzed.
Manufadures. The manufactures of Massachusetts are
various and considerable. Duck manufactories have been
established at Boston, Salem, Haverhill, and Springfield.
Cotton is manufactured at Beverly, Boston, Worcester,
Mendon, MeJfield, and wool at Byficld, and olher pLices.
Plymouth and Bristol counties are the principal seat of
iron manufactories. In Taunton, Norton, Bridgewater,.
Plymouth, Kingston, and other towas, nails are made in
such quantities, as almost to prevent their importation.
Mills for slitting and rolling iron arc erected ; and al-
most every article usually made of that metal, is here man-
ufactured. There are mere than 20 paper mills in this
state, which produce upwards of 70,000 reams of paper
annually. Tijc principal card manufactories are in Bos-
ton and Cambridge. There are 60 distilleries, employed
in distilling spirits from foreign materials ; and 12 coun-
try distilleries, employed in distilling domestic articles. '
A g'ass house in Boston produces glass superior to any
imported, to the amount of 76,000 dollars in a year.
At Lynn, in Essex county, 400,000 pairs of shoes are an-
nually made. There is a manufactory of wire at Ded-
ham, .'Knd others at Newton and Medford. SnufF, oil,, |
fSff^"
130 MASSACHUSETTS.
chocolate, paper, and powder mills are erected in various
parts of the state.
Commerce. The commerce of Massachusetts is extensive.
Their ships sail round the globe and bring home the pro-
duce of every climate. The chief exports are beef, pork,
butter, cheese, flour, pot and pearl ashes, flax seed, whale
oil, whalebone, spermaceti, fish, shoes, tobacco, and lumber.
More than a third part of the whole shipping in the United
States is owned in this state. Upwards of 29,000 tons are
employed in the fisheries ; 45,000 in the coasting trade ;
and 96,56 1 in trading with different parts of the world.
Such was the state of commerce before tlie war.
Ihland Navigation. A canal is opened on Connecticut
river, round Miller's and Montague Falls. The locks are
'20 feet wide, 75 feet long, and draw three feet of water.
They are supported on each side by stone walls- 8 feet
thick, and lined with plank. Th'i wliole fall is %Q feet,
and die canal saves the carriage of 6 miles. At the head
of this canal is a dam, extending across the river, of a stu-
pendous structure. It is iOOOfeet long, and 28 high, from
the top to the surface of the water, built of solid timber,
and supported by heavy cross timbers. This dam serves
to deaden the rapids between it and Miller's river, and to
supply the canal with water, which overcomes the rapids
at Montague.
A canal is also opened round the falls at South-Hadley,
with locks of peculiar and ingenious construction.
But the greatest v/ork of the kind in this state, is the
Middlesex canal, which connects the waters of Merrimac
river with Boston harbor, ;50 miles long. Concord river is
the reservoir of the canal. Three lociis connect this river
with the Merrimac, the descent being '21 feet. Having
raised the Merrimac to the level of the canal, it proceeds
to the Concord, crosses it, and proceeds on its course, over
brooks and rivets, 11 miles. It passes over Shawsheen riv-,
er by an aqueduct bridge, more than 2(> feet above the sur-
face of the river. At the end of II miles, is a lock of 7
feet descent, and a mile and a half further is another. A
few places of low ground have banks raised 12 or 13 feet
high. Thirteen locks are required in its whole course,
making a descent of 107 feet. Each lock contains 100
tons of timber supported by stone walls. It proceedi
MASSACHUSETTS. 13 1
through Woburn, passes over Mystic river, and crosses
the isthmus at Charlesto\\Ti into the bay between Charles-
town and Cambridge. The Merrimac river is already, or
will shortly be, rendered boatable as far as Salisbury.
It is expected this canal will be of great advantage to
the proprietors and the public, as it opens a direct
communication from Boston to the centre of New-Hamp-
shire.
Bridges. There are about 20 bridges in this state,
which are supported by a toll. Charles river bridge is the
oldest, connecting Boston and Charlestown, 1 503 feet long,
supported by 75 piers. Two bridges connect Boston and
Cambridge, one of which is 3500 feet long with a cause-
way, on Cambridge side, of SQW feet, making nearly a
mile and a third. Another bridge connects the south
part of Boston with Dorchester.
Maiden and Chelsea bridges join those towns to Charles-
town. Essex bridge connects Salem and Beverly. All
the preceding bridges have draws to admit the passage of
vessels through them. Several elegant and expensive
bridges have been built over the Merrimac.
There is a bridge over the rapids of Connecticut river,
between Montague and Greenfield, consisting of four arch-
es, supported by three piers and two abutments, built of
stone. The height of these arches, above the water of
the river in a dry season, is 60 or 70 feet. The water,
during freshets, sometimes flows over the piers and abut-
ments. Another bridge is built over this river at Hatfield,
another at Springfield, and one connects Hadley with
Northampton.
Roads. Turnpike roads are making in every direction.
The General Court has incorporated nearly 20 companies
for this purpose. By these, travelling between the princi-
pal towns is made easy and safe, and accomplished with
great facility.
- Literature and Education. According to the laws of this
commonwealth, every town, having fifry lioti^eholders or
upwards, is to be provided with one or more school mas-
ters, to teach children and youth to read and writs, and
insruct ihem in the English language, aritlimctic, geog-
raphy and decent behavior ; and where any town has 200
families there is also to be a grammar school set up
132r MASSACHUSETTS.
therein, and some discreet person, well instructed In the
Latin, Greek, and English languages, procured to keep
the same, and be suitably paid by the inhabitants. The
penalty for neglect of schools, in towns of 50 families, is
10/. those of 100 families, 20/. of 150, 30/. .
In Boston, there are seven public schools, viz. one Latin
grammar school, three English grammar schools, and
three for writing and arithmetic, supported wholly at the
expense of the town ; in these schools, the children of ev-
ery elass of citizens (the black excepted) freely associate.
Besides these, there are many private schoojs, for in
struction in the English, Latin, and French languages
in writing, arithmetic, and the higher branches of mathe-
matics and also in music and dancing. There is proba-
bly not a town in the world, the youth of which enjoy
the benefits of school education mare full}- than in Bos-
ton.
Next to these in Importance, are the academies, of which
there are about 20 in the state. In these, the sciences are
taught, and youth titted for the universily.
Harvard University, at Cambridge, with respect to its
library, philosophical apparatus, and professorships, is the
first literary institution in the United States. It consists
of five handsome brick edifices, the names of which are.
Harvard Hall, Massachusetts Hall, Kollis Hall, Holden
Chapel, and Stoughton Hall. Harvard hall is divided in-
to six apartments ; one of which is appropriated for the
library, one for the museum, two for the philosophical ap-
paratus ; one is used for the chapel, and the other for a
dining hall. The library of this college contains upwards
of 17>000 volumes. It has a president, and professor in
divinity, mathematics, natural philosophy, surgery, theory
and practice of medicine, rhetoric and oratory, and natu-
ral history.
At Williamstown, in Berkshire county, is another lite-
rary institution, CriUed Williams college. The languages
and sciences usually taught in the American colleges are
taught here, and the institution is flourishii-g.
Science;. The literary, humane, and othet societies of
Massachusetts are numerous. They are, the American
Acadeniy of Arts and Sciences ; the Massachusetts Char-
itable Society ; the Boston Episcopal Charitable Society (
^iASSACHUSETTS. I S3
the Massachusetts Medical Society ; the Society for prop-
agating the gospel among the Indians and others in North-
Annerica ; the Massacliusetts Missionary Society ; the
Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian Knowl-
edge ; the Hampshire Missionary Society ; the Evangel-
ical Missionary Society ; the Massachusetts Society for
promoting Agriculture ; the Historical Society ; the
Marine Society of Boston, Salem, and Newbury port ; the
Massachusetts Congregational Society ; the Massachusetts
Charitable Fire Society ; the Boston Mechanic Associa-
tion ; the Boston Dispensary ; the Boston, Salem, and
Newburyport Female Asylums ; several Bible societies ;
the Boston Athenceum ; and several societies for the sup-
pression of intemperance, and the reformation of morals.
Ch::fToii)nj. Boston, the capital of Massachusetts,
lies in latitude 42 32' north. Tt is built on a peninsula
of an irregular form, at the bottoin of Massachusetts bay.
The isthmus, which joins the peninsula to the continent,
is at the south end of the town, and leads to Roxbury.
The length of the town itself is not quite two miles. Its
breadth is various. It contained, in 1800, 24,937 inhab-
itants. In 1810, 33,250.
in Boston are twenty -one houses for public worship ;
of which, nine are Uh Congregationalists, three for Epis-
copalians, three for Baptists, one for Friends, one for Uni-
versalists, one for Roman Catholics, two for Methodists,
and one for Africans.
The other public buildings are the state house, courL
house, both elegant edifices, gaol, Faneuil hall, a theatre,
and an almhouse. On the west side of the town is the
mall, a very beautiful public walk, adorned with rows of
trees, and in view of tlie common, which is always open
to refieshing breezes.
The harbor of Boston is safe and large enough to con-
tain 500 ships at anchor, in a good depth of water ; while
the entrance is so narrow as scarcely to admit two ships
abreast.
The principal manufactures here are fum, beer, paper
hangings loaf sugar, cordage, cards, sail clotli, sperma-
ceti and tallow candles, and glass. There are 30 distille-
Ties, 2 breweries, 8 sugar houses, and 5 lopewalks.
M
l-5'h ' MASSACHUSETTS. *
Salem, the second town for size, and the oldest, except
Plymouth, in the commonwealth, containing, in ISIQ,
12,G1 3 inhabitants, was settled in 1628, by Governor
Endicott. Here are a meeting of Quakers, an Episcopal
church, and six Congregational societies. The town is
situated on a peninsula, formed by two small inlets of the
sea, called North and South rivers
Southeast from Salem, and at four miles distance from
it, lies Marblehead, containing inJ810, 5900 inhabit-
ants, one Episcopal and two Congregational churches.
The chief attention of this town i-s devoted to the bank
fishery.
Newburyport, originally a part of Newbury, from
which its incorporation detached it in ITG^, and by wliich
and Merrimac liver it is wholly encircled, is the most
limited, in its extent of land, of any town in the Common^
wealth, containing but about 640 acres. Here are 6 hous-
es for public worship, viz. one Episcopalian, three pres-
byterian, and two Congregational. In 1810, it had 7634
inhabitants.
Ipsvv'ich in the couniy of Essex, 32 miles north north-
east from Boston, is divided into four parishes, and con-
tained, in 1810, 3569 inhabitants. The supreme judicial
courts, the courts of common pleas, and sessions, are held
here once in a year.
Charlestown lies north of Boston, with which it is con-
nected by Charles river bridge, and is the principal town
in Middlesex county. It is very advantageously situated
for navigation, trade, and manufactures of almost every
kind. Bunker, Breed's, and Cobble, (now Pleasant)
hills, celebrated in the history of the American Revolution,
are in this town. One of the principal navy yards in the
United Spates is established here, in which is a marine hos-
pital, which cost 14-, 000 dollars. In another part of the
tov.'n, the state has erected a Penitentiary. Charlcstown,
in 1800, contained 2751, and in 1810, nearly 5000 inhab-
itants.
Cambridge and Concord are the most considerable in-
land towns in the county oi' Middlesex ; the former Is 3|
miles from Boston, is a pleasant town, and tlie seat of the
Univcisltv. The latter is IS miles northwest of Bosto?,
MASSACHUSETTS. . 125
fhe Provincial Congress sat in Concord, 1774. TJiis
town is rendered famous in history, by its being the place
where the first opposition was made to the Britisli troops,
on the 19th of April, 1775.
Plymouth, the chief town in the county of the same
name, and the capital of the Old Colony, so called, is 40
miles southeast of Boston, and contains about ^00 houses.
It is famous for being the place first settled by the pioas
ancestors of the New-Eng!anders, in 1G'20.
Worcester, the shire town of the county of that name
is the largest inland town in New-England ; ii is 47 miles
westward of Boston.
On Connecticut liver, there are a numbr-r oi pleasant;
towns ; among v.'h:ch, are Springdcid and Kadley,on the
cast side of the river ; Northampton, the shire town ot
H impshire county, Hitfield, and Greenfield, on tlie west.
Islands. Plum Island is about 9 miles' long, and t-ue
broad, extending from Merrimac to Ipswich rivers, and
separated from the main by a narrow sound, called Plum
Island river. It consists principally of sand, blown into
curious heaps, of 10, 15, and 25 feet kigh, and crowned
with bushes, bearing the beach plum. On the north end,
are two light houses. Near the shore of tlie island, the
Hum^.ne Socitrtv oT NewKnrvDort have erected huts, for
tlie relief of shipwrecked mariners. In the season when
the plums are ripe, the island is the resort of the neigh-
boring inhabitants, and, for a few days, exhibits a scene of
lively amusement.
Nantucket Island lies south of Cape Cod. It con-
tains 23,000 acres, including the beach, and constitutes one
county by the name of Nantucket. It has but one town,
call-'U Sherburne, containing, in 1810, 6807 inhabitants.
There is not a single tiee on the island of natural growth.
The inhabitants carry on a considerable whale fishery.
They are mostly Quakers ; these is one society of Con-
gregationalism
Martha's Vineyard, a little to the v.'estward of Nan-
tucket, is 19 miles long, and 4 broad. It contains thiec
societies of Congregitionalists, two of Bapti.sjs, and three
of Indians, one of which wa-. till lately, supplied by an
ordained Indian minister. This and lire neighboring isl-
ands of CnipPA'^uiDnic, Noman's Island, -An-k the Eli-
isa RHODE-ISLAND. ^
ZADETH IsLAs-ns, Constitute Duke's county, contaminp,
in I&IO, 3290 inhabitants, 320 of whom xvere Indians and
muhttocs, subsisting by agricultuie and fishing.
Edgarton, which includes the fertile island of Chappa-
quiddic, about three or four miles long, and one and a
half broad, is the shire town. The principal productions
of the island are corn, rye and oats. They raise sheen
ana cattle in considerable numbers.
RH0DEJ3LAND.
E:<ten(. THLS is one of the smallest of tlie United
States, its greatest length being 4" miles, and if; greatest
brcidih 37, containing about 1300 square miles.
Bouwlarics. Bounded north and east by Massachusetts ;
Jout!i hy the Atlantic ocean ; west by Connecticut-
44/'7-'.'""^ o.'JT ropv'raron. The abpve limit"; eOW^^eii'Sfld.'
the territory formerly known by tlie na:ne of Rliode Island
and Providence Plantations ; divided into five counties,
viz. Newport, Providence, Washin/jjton, Bristol, and Kent,
which are subdivided into 30 towns.
The nu;nber of inhabitants iu 1800, was 69,122, of
whorn 280 vvere slaves : in iSlO, 79,931.
Face ojthz Country. This s:a- :: is h'ily, tho;igh thsre are
no very high mountains : in the nartiuvcht parts, it is
rocky and barren, and more fit for pasluie than for tillage.
'I'he most remarkable moii:;tain is Mount Hope, in the
town of Bristol, the seat of the famous Indian king Philip,
and the place where he was slain by Colonel Church.
Buy and Harbors. Narragansett Bay makes up between
the main land on the east and west ; and embosoms ma-
ny fertile isl.'.nds. The harbors are those of Newpoit,
Providence, Wickford, PatTiiet, Warren, and Bristol. !
Riv:rs. Providence and Taunton rivers fall into Nar- |
ragansett bay; the former on the west, the latter on ih? S
RkODE-ISLAND. iSI
east side of Rhode- Island. Providence river is navigable
to Providence, for ships of 900 tons, SO miles from the
sea.
Patucket river empties into Seekonk river 4> miles north-
east from Providence. The confluent stream empties imp
Providence river, about a mile below Providence. The
rivers and bays are stored with plenty of fish, of more than
70 diiferent kinds. Newport is said to have the finest
fish market in the world.
Soil and Productions. This state produces corn, rye, bar-
ley, oats, and in some parts wheat sufBcient for domestic
consumption ; various kinds of grasses, fruits, and culina-
ry roots and plants ; cider is made for exportation. The
northwestern parts of the state are more rocky and barren
than the other parts, and aie but thinly inhabited. The
tract of country lying between South- Kingstown and the
Connecticut line, called the Narragansett country, is excel-
lent grazing land, and is inhabited by farmers, who raise
some of the finest neat cattle in New-England, weighing
from 16(X) to 1800 weight. They keep large dairies,
and make butter and cheese of the best qualiry.
Minerals. Iron ore abounds in this state. The iron
works on Patuxet river, 12 miles from Providence, are sup-
plied with ore from a bed 4 miles distant. At this place,
there is a variety of ores, curious stones and ochres.
In the town of Cumberland, is a copper mine mixed
with iron strongly impregnated with loadstone, of which
some large pieces have been found in the neighborhood.
Lime stone is found in Providence county, from whick
large quantities of lime are made and exported.
Mineral Springs. There are several mineral springs in
this state ; to one of which, near Providence, many peo-
ple resort to bathe and drink the water.
Manufactures. The inhabitants of Rhode-Island are pro
gressing rapidly in this branch of business. A cotton man-
ufactory has been erected atProvidence, where cotiongood.^
of almost every description, are manufactui cd, and sent to
the southern states. Large quantities of linen and tow
cloth are made in different parts of the state for exporta-
tion But the most considerable manufactures are those
of bar and sheet iron, steel, nail rod^ and naijs, implemenf
M2
ISi RH0DEJSLANI>.
of husbandry, stoves, pots, and other household utensils j.
the iron work of shipping, anchors, bells, &c.
Commerce. The exports from this state are flax- seed,
lumber, horses, cattle, beef, pork, fish, poultry, onions, but-
ter, cheese, barley, grain, spirits, cotton, and linen goods*
The imports consist of European and West-India goods,
and logwood, from the bay of Honduras. Upwards of
(jOO vessels enter and clear annually at the different ports
in this state.
Public Improvements. A turnpike road has been made
from Providence to Connecticut, to meet the turnpike
roads from Norwich, Hartford, and New- Haven.
The great bridge in Providence, was, till lately, the on-
ly bridge of consequence in this state. It is 160 feet long
and 22 feet wide. Tiie bridge over Patucket falls is a
work of considerable magnitude, and mvich ingenuity.
Central and India bridges over Seekonk river ; tlie latter,
built at the sole expence of Mr. John Brown, of Provi-
dence, a;e works of great expense and utility.
A bridge has lately been built over Plowland's ferry,,
Kniting Rhode-Island to the main, at Tiverton
Literature. The literature of this state is confined prin-
cipally to the towns of Providence and Nevvpoit. No prc-
Tisi'n is madebylaw, for the establishment of town schools^
There are probably more people in Rhode-Island, who
are unable to read and write, than in all the rest of New-.
England.
A college is e.stabliihed at Providence, by the name of
Brown University, from Nicholas Brown, l sq. who gave
the corporation, 5000 dollars, to establish a professorsliip
of oratory and bellcs-lettreSi This institution is under the
instruction of a President, a Professor of Divinity, a Pro-
fessor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy, a Profess-
or of Mathematics and Astronomy, a Professor of Natu-
ral History, a Professor of Oratory and Belles-lettres, and
three tutors. It has a library of three thousand volumes,,
and a valuable philosophical apparatus. Nearly all the
funds of this college are at interest in the treasury of the
state, and amount to about two thous.md pounds.
At Newport, there is a flourishing academy, under the
direction of a rector and tutors^ who teach the learned
languages; geography, k<y
RHODE-ISLAND. 2S
CmefToions. Newport lies in latitude 41 29. Its
harbor, which is one of the best in the world, spreads west-
ward betbie the town. It contains about 1000 houses,
built chiefly of wood, and has 10 houses for public wor-
ship, viz. four for Baptistsj two for Congregationalists, ontf
for Episcopalians, one for Quakers, one for Moravians,
and a synagogue for Jews. The other public buildings
are a state house, and an edifice for the public library.
Providence, in latitude 41 51, on both sides of Provi-
dence river, '^5 miles from the sea, and SO north by west
from Newport, is the oldest town in the state. Mr. Kog-
er Williams and his followers were its first settlers, in IG36.
I'he town is divided into two parts by the river and con-
nected by the bridge already mentioried. Ships of almost
any size sail up and down the channel. The public build-
ings are an elegant meeting house for Baptists, 80 ieet
isquare, with a lofty and beautiful steeple, and a large bell ;
a meetinghouse for Friends ; three for Congregationalists ;
an Episcopal church ; a court house iu wliich is deposited
a library for the use of the town ard country ; a work
house, a markeihouse, and the college edifice, which is of
biick, four stories high, 150 feet lor.g, and 46 wide.
Bristol is a pleasant thriving town, about 16 miles
north of Newport, on the main.
Warren is a post town of Bristol county, and carries
n a brisk coasting trade. Little Comptoii, East Green-
wich, and Warwick, are the other most considerable
towns.
Indians. There are about 500 Indians in this ta*e ;
the greater part of whom reside at Charlestown. 1 hey
are peaceable and well disposed tov.ards govcrnniCnt, and
speak the English language.
Curioiily. About 4 miles northeast of Providence, lies
a small village, called Patuckct, through which runs Pa-
tucket river. In this river \% a beautiful fall of v/ater, di-
rectly- over which, abridge has been built, dividing Massa-
chusetts from Khode-Island The fall in its whole length
is upwards of fifty feet. The water passes through sever-
al chasms in a rock, which runs diametricady across the
bed of the stream, and serves as a dam to the water. Sev-
eral mills have been erected upon these falls ; and the
spouts and channels which have been constructed to con-
140 CONNECTICUT.
duct the streams to their respective wheels, and the bridge-
have taken very much from the beauty and grandeur of
the scene.
Islands. Rhode-Island, from which the state takes its
name, is 15 miles in length ; its average breadth about Si
miles. It is divided into three townships, Newport, Ports-
mouth, and Middleton. In point of soil, climate, and situ-
ation it may be ranked among the finest and most charm-
ing in the world. Thirty or forty thousand sheep are fed
on this island, beside cattle and horses.
Cannon icut Island lies west of Rhode-Island, and is
about seven miles in length, and about I mile in breadth ;
it was purchased of the Indians, in 1657 and incorporat-
ed by act of assembly, by the name of the Island of
Jamestown, in 1678.
Block IsLASDy called by the Indians Manisses, is 21
miles south-southwest from Newport, and is the southern-
most land belonging to the state. The inhabitants of this
island were formerly noted for making good cheese
Prudence Island is nearly as large as Cannonicut, and
lies north of it, and is a part of the township of Ports-
moirth.
CONNECTJCUT,
Situation, Extent, and Bundaries. CONNECTICUT^
called by the Aboriginal inhabitants, Qtmnnihticut, is situat-
ed between 41 and 42 2 north latitude, and between 1
45 and S 40 east longitude. Bounded north by Mas-
sachusetts ; east by Rhode-Island ; south by Long Island
Sound ; west by New-Yoik. It contains about 2,G49,000
acres.
Divisions and Population. This 2iate is divided Into
eight counties, viz.
CONNECTICUT.
141
Counties.
InhnbiJants.
Counties.
Inhabitants.
iu 1810.
in 1810.
Hartford
4i,733
Windham
28,611
is'ew- Haven
37,064
Litchfield
4I,j75
New-London
34.707 i
Middlcscx-
20, 7 '^3
Fairfield
40,950 I
Tolland
13,779
local
261,942,
The counties are divided and subdivided into towns and
parishes. The number of townships is 119, each ot which
is a corporation, vested with powers sufficient for ils own
internal legulation. In this state, aie five cities and two
boroughs,
The whole nunaber of inliabitants in this state, in ISOO,
was 251,002, incieaxr in ten years, 10.9 H). The inhabit-
ants are almost entirely of Lngli&h descent. There are
CO French. Dutch, nor Germans, and but very few Scotch
or Irish people in any part of the state. Connecticut has
ever made rapid advances in population. There have
been more emigrants irom this than from any other of ilie
states ; and it is full of inhabitants.
Face of the Country. Connecticut is generally broken
land, made t:p of hills .-ind vaUies ; but contains no re-
maikable hiE:;h mountains, it is laid out in small farms,
trom fifty to'ihree ;>v tour hundred acres each, whicix are
lield by the larmers in fee simple, and are geneially v.ell
cultivated. A traveller, even iYi the most unsettled parts of
the state will si-ldom pass iiore than two or three miles
Vviihout finding a house or cottage, anJ a farm, under such
in.provemcnt, as to afford necessaries for the support of a
ianiiiy. '1 he whole state represents a well cultivated gar-
flei!, which, wi:h a degree of industry necessary to lv;ippi-
ness, pi educes the necesiaries and conveniences of liie Ik
great plenty.^ _ ^
Harbors. The whole sea coast is indented withharbor<j
many of which ate safe and commodious. 1 he principal
are.those of New London and New Haven.
Rivers. Connecticut river divides the state nearly in
the centre. Soon after it enieis the bounds of Connecti-
cut it passes over Enfield falls. At Windsor, it receives
Windsor feriy river from the west, which is formed by the
junctitm of Farnapgton and Poquaboc rivers. At Hait-
fqrd it meets the tide, and ihence Aov.'e, in a crooked chaji*
142 CGNNECTICUT.
Bel, into Long Island sound. It is from 80 to 100 rods
wide, ISO mileikfrom its moutb.. It is navigable to Hart-
ford, upwards of fifty miles from the sea ; and the pro-
duce of the country, for 200 miles further, is brought
down in boats.
Tlie Housatonic rises in Beikshire coiinty, in Massachu-
setts. Passing through a number of pleasant towns, it
empties into the sound, between Stratford and Miiford.
It is navigable twelve mi-es, to Derby.
Naugatuc is a small ri%'er, emptying into the Housa-
to.nic at Derby.
The Thames enters into Long Island Sound, at New-
London. It is navigable frjarteen miles to Norv/ich Land-
ing, where it loses its n^me, and br:;cches into Shetucket,
on the east, and Norwich, or Little river, on the west.
Little river, about a mile from its mouth, has a rem.arka-
ble and very romantic cataract. A rock, 10 or 12 feet
in perpendicular height, extends quite across the channel
of the river. Over ibis, the whole river pitches, in one
entire sheet, upon a bed of rocks below. On this river, are
some of the finest mill seats in New-ICngland, and lliose
immediately belov/ the falls, occupied by' Lathrop's mills,
are, perhaps, not exceeded by any in the world. Across
the mouth of this river, is a broad, commodious bridge, In
the form of a wharf, built at a great expense.
Shetucket river, the other brw nch of the Thames, four
miles from its mouth, receivesQuinnabaug, which has its
source in Brimfield, in Massaciuisetts. Shetucket river
is formed by the junction of Willaraaniic and Jvlount
H<5pe rivers, which unite between Windham and Lebanon.
These rivers are fed by numberless brooks fr<'.m every part
of the country. At the mouth of the Shetucket, is a
bridge of timber, 12^1- feet in length, supported at each
end by pillars, aqd held up in the middle by braces on the
top, in the manner of an arch.
Paukatuk river is an inconsiderable stream, which emp-
ties into Stonington harbor. It forms part of the dividing
line between Connecticut and Rhode-Island.
^oil and Productions. The soil of Connecticut, thougli
thin and barren in some parts, is generally productive, ll
affords excellent pastures and meadows. Actual calcula-
tion has evinced that any given quantity of the best mow-
itjg land in Connecticut, produces twii;e as mucli clear prof.
CONNECTICUT. H^
It, as as ihe same quantity of the best wheat land in New-
York, 'i he principal productions of Connecticut are In-
dian corn, rye, wheat, in many parts of the state, oats and
barley, which are heavy and good, and, of late, buck-
wheat ; flax in large quantities, some herHp, potatoes of
several kinds, pumpkins, turnips, peas, beans, and fruits
of every kind chat are common to the climate.
Mines and Fossils. On the banks of Connecticut river,
near Middleton, is a lead mine ; and there has lately been
discovered one of coal. Copper mines have been opened
in several parts of the state ; iron ore also abounds in ma-
ny places. Talcs of various kinds, white, brown, and
chocolate colored crystals, zinc, or spelter, and several
fossils and metals are found in Connecticut.
Mineral IVaters. The m.edicinal springs at Litchfield
and Suffield have been much freqner.t.ed. But the most
important oiies in Connecticut are thoie at Stafford. They
are four in number, strongly 'mpregnated with sulphur
and iron. They are much criebrated, and have proved
beneficial in curing or relieving various complaints. The
prospects in the vicinity of these springs, are strikingly
picturesque ; and exhibit to the enthusiastic admirers of
nature, in her rude and unattired form, a scene peculiarly
interesting.
Manufactures. The farmers in Connecticut, and their
families, are mostly clothed in plain, homespun cloth.
Their linens and woollens, 'though generally of a coarser
kind, are cf a stronger texture, and more durable thaa
those imported from France and Great Britain. Many
ef their cloths are fine and handsome.
In New-Haven, are cotton and button manufactories.
In Hartford, is a woollen manufactoiy, a snufl^" and pow-
der mil], glass works, iron works, and a slitting mill. Iroa
works are also established in "many other parts of the state.
At Stafford is a furnace, at which are made large quanti-
ties of hollow ware, and other ironmongery, sufficient ta
supply tlic whole state. Paper, hats, candles, leather,
shoes, and boots, a;e the other considerable manufactures.
Trade. The trade of Connecticut is chiefly with the
West India islands, and is carried on in vessels from sixty
to a hundred and forty tons. The exports consist of hors-
es, mules, oxen, oak staves, hoops, pine boards, oak plank,
feear.'-., Indian corn, fivh, beef, pork, &c. Connecticut hac
IM CdNNECtlCUT.
a large number of coasting vessels employed in carrying
the produce to the other states. To Rhode-Island, Mas-
sachusetts, and New- Hampshire, they carry pork, wheat,
corn, and rye. To North and South-Carolina, and
Georgia, butter, cheese, salted beef, cider, apples, pota-
toes, hay, i&c. and receive in return, rice, indigo and mon-
ey. Much of the produce of Connecticut, especially the
western parts, is carried to New-Tork ; particularly pot
and pearl ashes, flax seed, beef, pork, cheese, and butter.
Considerable quantities of the produce of the eastern parfs
f the state are sold at Boston and Providence. The state
owns and employs in the foreign and coasting trade, 32j867
tons of shippinjf.
Bridges and Roads. On the great road from New- Lon-
don to New-York, are the three most considerable bridg-
es in this stare. The first attempt to improve the roads by
establishing turnpikes, was made in 1791, on the road
leading from Norwich to New London ^ since which, a
g^eat number of others have been completed, which are
evidence of the flourishing circumstances and enterprising
spirit of the inhabitants.
Education and Literature. In no part ol" the world is the
education of all ranks of people niore attended to than in
Connecticut. Every town in the srate is divided into dis-
tricts, and each district has a public school kept in it, part
of every year.. SomewhHt more than one third of tJie
Hionics arising from a tax on the polls and rateable estate
of the inhabitants, amounting to 12,roo dollars annually,
is approplated to the support of schools in the seveial
towns, for the educ;.non of children and youth. This
state beiides, has a fr.nd arising from the sale of western
lands, amounting to l,201,(i65 dollars, the income of
which, viz. 72,000 dollars a year, is by law for ever ap-
propriated to the same purpose ; making in all S-ijOOO
dollars, 'i'he lav/ directs that a grammar school shall be
kept in every county town throughout the state.
Academies have been established at Greenfield, Plain-
field, Canterbury, Norwich, Windham, Pomfret, Litch-
field, and Colchester j the last has a large fund, and many
students.
Yale college, in New- Haven, was established in 170L
It has thiee large buildings, 100 feet by 40; a college
CONNECTICUT. 14^
Chapel 50 feet by 40, with a steeple ; the Connecticut Ly-
ceum, in which are the library, philosophical and chymic-
al apparatus, museum, and chambers and lecture rooms
for the professors ; an edifice, containing a kitchen and a
dining hall ; and a house for the president.
The public library consists.of about 2.500 volumes ; the
philosophical apparatus contains the machines necessary
for exhibiting experiments in the whole course of experi-
mental philosophy and astronomy.
The present officers and instructers of the college are a
President, who is also a Professor of Divinity f a Professor
of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, a Professor of
Law, a Professor of Chymistry and Natural History, a
Professor of Languages and Ecclesiasticaf History, and
five tutors. The scudents are divided into four classes.
Their number, in 1 8 10, was 255 In 1812, 305 1 he
funds of this college received a very liberal addition, by a
grant of the General Assembly, in 17S2.
Cities and Toivns. Hartford city is situated at the head
of navigation on the west side of Connecticut river, about
fifty miles from its entrance into the sound Its buildings
area statehouse, two churches for Congiegationalists,
one for Episcopalians, one for Baptists, and about 500
dwelling houses, a number of which are handsomely built
of brick. The town is divided by a small river, with high
and romantic banks, over which is a bridge. Hartford is
advantageously situated for trade, enters largely into the
manufacturing business, and is a rich, flourishing, and
commercial town. The general assembly of the state
holds its session here in May annually. A bank is ef;tab-
lished in this city. *
New-Haven city lies round the head of a bay, which
makes up about four miles north of the ^ound. It covers
part of a large plain, which is circumscribed on three sides
by high hills or mountains. Two small rivers bound the
city ejst and west. Near the centre of New-Haven is the
public square ; on and round which, are a state house,
the college edifices, six in number, vi. 3 colleges, a chap-
el, L>ceun:i, and dining hall ; three churches for Congre-
giti jnalists, arid one for Episcopalians. This city con-
tains about 600 dwelling houses. A session of the gener-
al assembly is held here in October annually.
N
liQ NEW-YORK.
New-London city stands on the west side of the rivet
Thames, near its entrance into the sound. It has two
houses for public worship, one for Episcopalians and one
for Congregationalists ; 5150 inhabitants. Its harbor is
the best in Connecticut. A considerable part of the city
was burnt by the infamous Benedict Arnold, in 1781, but
has since been rebuilt.
Norwich city stands at the head of Thames river,
fourteen miles north from New-London. It is a com-
mercial city, has a rich and extensive back country, and
avails itself of its natural advantages. The inhabitants
manufacture paper of all kinds, stockings, clocks and
watches, chaises, buttons, stone and earthen ware, wire,
oil, chocolate, bells, anchors, and all kinds of forge work.
The city contains a court house, two churches for Con-
gregationalists, and one for Episcopalians, and about 34-76
inhabitants. The courts of law, for the county of New-
London, are held alternately at New-London and Nor-
wich.
MiDDLETON city is pleasantly situated on the western
bank of Connecticut river, fifteen miles south of Hartford.
It is the principal town in Middlesex county ; has 4900
inhabitants, a couit house, a naval office, one church for
Congregationalists, and one for Episcopalians.
Four miles south of Hartford, is Weathersfield, a very
pleasant town of between two and three hundred houses,
situated on a fine soil, with a brick church for Congrega-
tionalists. This town is noted for raising onions.
Windsor, Farmington, Litchfield, Milford, Stratford,
Fairfield, Guilford, Stamford, Windham, Suffield, and
Enfield antfifeU considerable and pleasant towns.
^^ NEW-YORK.
Situation and Extent, THE state of New- York compre-
hends all the territories lying be. ween 40 40 and 45" north
latitude, and between 73 and 79 55 W. longitude. Its
greatest length is 340 miles, its greatest breadth 300 ;
^ ^number of square miles 45,000.
liEW-YORK.
14r
Boundaries. New- York is bounded soulheastwardly by
the Atlantic ocean; east by Connecticut, Massachusetts,
and Vermont j north by Upper Canada ; west and south-
west by Lake Erie, Pennsylvania, and New-Jersey.
Di-y'sions and Population, This state is divided into four
districts and -[-.'J counties ; and the number of inhabitants
according to the census of 1810, is as follows :
Southern District.
Suffolk
21,113
Richmond
5,347
Queens
19,336
New-York
96,372'
Kings
8,303
Total
Middle
Westchester
180,743.
District.
30,272:
Rockland
7,758
Delaware
20, EOS.
Orange
34,3+7
Greene
19,541
Itlster
26,576
Columbia
32,390
Sullivan
6,108
Total
Eastern
Dutchess
198,457.
District.
51,434
Rensselaer
36,309
Washington^
44,390
Albany
4., 661
Essex
9,4fc8
Skenectady
10,201
Clinton
8,002
Montgomer
1
4-1,214.
Franklin
2,717
Staratoga
33,147
Total
Western
220 138.
District.
Schoharie
18,945
Cortland
8,869
Otsego
38,802
Onondago
26,060
Herk.mer
22,046
Cayuga
29,840
Lewis
6,433
Seneca
16,GC9
Jefferson
15,140
Tioga
9,899
St. Lawrence
7,888
Steuben
7,243
Oneida
33,792
Ontario
42,032
MadiSon
25,144
Gennessee
V2,5BS.
Chenango
21,704
Allegany
1,942
Broome
8,130
Total
Niagara
362,077.
8,971-
Southern Distri(
:t 180,743
Middle
do.
198,457
Eastern
do.
220,138
:f
Western do.
! Grand
3C2 077
Total 961,415
i^ NEW-YORS.
The state of New- York contained, in 1800, 586,056 ia.
habitants, of wliom 20,G 13 were slaves. Besides the de-
scendents of ihe English and Dutch, who were the first
;>ettleis of die state, there are many Scotch, Irish, Ger-
inan, and French emigrants.
Fdcs of the Country. I'his state is intersected by ridges
of the Allegany mountains, running in a nojtheasi and
jou'hwest direction. West of these mountains, the coun-
uy is level. On the east of the Allegany, it exhibits a
prospect broken by hills and rich intervening vallies.
J3ays. The principal bay is that of York, which spreads
\o the southward before die city of New-\'ork. It is
formed by the confluence of East and Hudson rivers, and
enibijsoms several small islands. It communicates with
die ocean by the Narrows, a strait scarcely two miles wiiis,
between Long and Staten islands.
Lakes. Lake Champlain forms part of the dividing
line between New-York and Vermont. Jt is nearly 200
miles long ; its mean widih about 5 miles. It occupies
about 500,000 acres, and contains above 60 Islands of dif-
ferent sizes. Its depth is suflicient for the largest vessels.
It receives, at Ticonderoga, the waters of lake George,
which is said to be 100 feet higher than those of Cham-
plain.
Oneida lake in the western part of the state, is SO miles
long, and five wide, connected with Ontario by Oswego
liver. Salt lake is six miles long and one broad. Eighty
gallons of its waters produce a bushel of salt. Its sall-
riess is occasioned by salt springs, near its banks. These
.springs, an tlie borders of the lake, for a mile in width,
;ire the property of the state. Lake Orsego, at the head
of Susquehanna river, is nine miles long, and narrow.
Caniaderago lake is about the size oi Oiscgo, and si.\:
miles v.-est of it. Oak cretk issv.t's from ir and fills into
the Susquelianna. Seneca lake, in Ontario county, is for-
ty milesiong and two wide. Chatoque lake Is the source
if Conowongo river, not far from lake Erie. Cswegatchie
lake lies In Oneida county. One branch of Oswegatchie
river passes through this lake.
Rivets and Canals. Hudson river is one of the largest
in the United States. It rises in the r.iount^ainous country
between !..kes O;rta:io and Champlain, Its v. hole leiigth
\
NEW-YORK. . 149
h about 250" miles. From Albany to lake George, G!j
miles, the river is navigable only for batteaux and has two
portages occasioned by falls, of half a mile each. The
tide flows a few miles above Albany, 160 miles from
New-York. It is navigable for sloops of 80 tons to Al-
bany, and for ships to Hudson. The river is stoied with
a variety offish. A canal unites Hudson river to South
bay, which empties into the south end of lake Cham-
plain.
Saranac river passes through Platlsburg Into lake
Ghamplain.
Sable river, not far from the Saranac. Is scarcely sixty
yards wide. On this stream are remarkable falls.
The river Boquet passes through the town of V/illsbo-
rough. At this place are the remains of an imrenchment
thrown up by General Burgoyne.
Black river rises in the high country, near the sources
of Canada creek, which i?.\h into Mohawk river, and takes
its course noithwestj and then northeast, till it discharges
itself into Cataraqui or Iroquois river.
Onondago river rises in the Oneida lake, and runs west-
wardly into the lake Ontario, at Osv.ego.
Mohawk river passes to the northward of Fort Stanwlx,
and runs southwardly twenty miles, to the fort; ihen
eastwardly one hundred and ten miles into the Hudson.
The produce, that is conveyed down this river, is landed
in Skenectady, and is thence carried by land, sixteen
miles, over a barren, shru*iby plain, to Albany, where a
turnpike is contemplated. Since the con>pletion of the
locks and canals, at Little Falls; fifty-six miles above Ske-
nectady, the river is passable for boats from Skenect;idy,
nearly or quite to its source. The perpendicular descent
of these falls is forty-two feet, in the course of one mile.
A canal and locks round these falls was ccmplettd in the
autumn of 1795. The Cohoez la this river are a great
curiosity ; they are three miles from its entrance into the
Hudson. The river is about one hundred yards wide ;
the rock, over vihich it pours, as over a mill-dam,,extend6
almost in a line from one side of the river to the otlier, and
is thiity feet perpendicular height. Including the dcrxent
above, the fall is 60 or 70 feet. A company is incorpo-
rated, by the lecislature of New-Yoik, for Uie purpose ox
N 2
ioQ NEW-YORK.
opening a lock navigation from the now navigable pa; t ftf
Hudson river, to be extended to lake Ontario, and the
Seneca lake.
Delaware river rises in lake Utstayantho, and takes its
course southwest, until it crosses into Pennsylvania, in
lat 4z ; thence southwardly, dividing New-York fronv
Pennsylvania, until it strikes the northwest corner of New.
Jersey, in latitude 41 29 ; and then passes ofF to the sea,
through Delaware bay, having New-Jersey on the east
side, and Pennsylvania and Delaware on the west.
Susquehanna river, east branch, has its source in lake
Otsego. Batteaux pass to its source.
Tioga river rises in the Allegany mountains, runs east-
ward]/ and empties into the Susquehanna at' Tioga
point It is beatable about fifty miles.
Seneca river rises in the Seneca country, runs eastward-
ly, and, in its passage, receives the waters of Seneca and
Cayuga lakes. It empties into the Onondago river, four-
teen miles above the falls, at a place called Three Rivers.
Gennessee river rises near the source of the Tioga, and
empties into lake Ontario, eighty miles east of Niagara
fort.
Such is the intersection of the whole state of New-York
by the branches of the Hudson, the Delaware, the Sus-
quehanna, and other rivers, which have been m.entioned,
that there are few places which are more than fifteen or
twenty miles from some boatable or navigable stream.
Soil and Productions. The soil of the country, west of
the mountains, is 'exceedingly rich, and covered, in its nat-
ural state, with maple, beech, birnh, cherry, black walnut,
locust., hickory, aad black mulberry trees. The lands, be-
t'veen Seneca and Cayuga lakes, are uncommonly excel-
lent and covered with lofty trees. East of the Allegany
the land is clothed thick with timber, and, when cleared,
affords fine pasture. The vallies product" wheat, hemp,
:ilax, oats, corn, &c.
Beside the trees already mentioned, there are several
<Inds of oak, spruce, white, yellow, and pitch pines, butter-
nut, cedar, fir, aspin, white wood, and button wood. The
shrub cranberry grows on low ground ; its fruit hangs
:"n clusters, like grapes. The sumac is the natural pro-
NEW- YORK. }5i
dcct of the state ; It yields berries, which are used in
dying.
Minerals and Fcssils. This state contains vast quantities
of iron ore, several beds ot which aie near Whitesiown.
There is a silver mine at Philli'^sburgh, which pr(-duces
virgin silver. Lead is found in Herkimer county, and swh
phur in Montgomery. Spar, zmc, magnez, pyrites of a
golden hue, various kinds of copper ore. petrified wood,
lead and coal mines, plaster of Paris, ising-glass in sheets^
talcs and crystals of various kinds and colors, flint, asbes-
tos, and several other fossils are found In New York. A
little black stoi;e is also found, which vitrifies with a small
heat, and, it is said, makes excellent glass.
Mineral Springs. Beside the salt springs, already men-
tioned, there are several medicinal springs in the county
of Saratoga. Those which are most frequented are called
Ballitown Springs, from their being within the limits of that
town. These springs are in a valley of about fifty acres,
in extent. The waters are remarkably limpid, and con-
tain iron, a mineral alkali, common salt and lime. They are
brisk and sparkling, and slightly affect the heads of some
people by their inebriating quality, which is derived from,
the fixed aii contained in them. The water is used in
the .neighborhood instead of yeast, in making bread. A
candle will not burn nerf!" the surface of these waters;
fish and frogs are killed by them ; and geese and ducks
cannot swim in the springs but a few minutes before they
expire. Large houses for entertainment, with neat bath-
ing houses and shower baths, are erected for the conven-
ience of invalids ; who, with people of wealth, and foreign-
ers, in great numbers, resort here for health and pleasure^
in the summer months.
In the town of Saratoga, ten miles from Ballstown val-
ley, is a cluster of springs, which are more properly call-
ed the Saratoga Springs. These appear to have received a
stronger impregnation of the same ingredients which en-
ter those of Ballstown, and may probably be a stream of
the same fountain, running through the same kind of cal-
careous earth. One of these springs is covered by a natur-
al cretaceous or calcareous pyramid, five or six feet high.
This hollow pyramid, or cone, has a hole in the top, about
six inches over, through which the water is seen boiling
152 NEW-YORK.
veliemently> like a pot over the fire, though it is intenseiy
cold.
There is another medicinal spring, at the pleasant vil-
lage of New-Lebanon. This spring is on an eminence,
over-looking a fine valley, and surrounded with houses,
which aflPord accommodations for valetudinarians, 'i'he
waters are warm, of a different- nature from those of Sar-
atoga,. and delightful for bathing*
In the town of Rensselaer, nearly opposite to the city of
Albany, a spring has been discovered, combining most of
the valuable properties of the celebrated, waters of Sara-
toga.
On the north bank of Racket river, twelve miles from
its mouth, is a spring of water, apparently pure, which e-
mits a sulphureous smell, so strong as to be perceived 209
yards distant. The stones and ground near it are crusted
over with a white substance.
About twelve miles from Geneva, are two large sul-
phur springs, 100 rods apart. Around each for a con-
siderable distance, the pure sulphur is three or four feet
deep.
Manufactures, The people of this state, in general, man^
ufacture their own clothing ; but the principal manufac-
tures are iron, glass, paper, pot and pearl ashes, carthern
ware, maple sugar, and molasses- The glass and iron
w'orks, about ten miles from A.lbany, consiitute one ot the
most extensive factories in ?\ merica. The value of the va-
rious m anufaclu res, in iS 10, was estimated at b 12, 109,536.
Commerce. This slate, having always an easy access to
the ocean, commands the trade of a great proportion of the
best cultivated parts of tlie United States. Of wheat and
flour, more than a million bushels have been exported ia
a year, 'i'hey export rilso biscuit, corn, ptas, apples, on-
. ions, lumber of various kinds, hoises, sheep, butter, cheese,
beef, and pork. The amount of exports from this state in
1810, was 17/242,230 dollars.
Language and Munners. The English language is gen-
erally spoi<ren throughout the state, but is much corrupted
by the Dutch dialect, which is still spoken in some coun^
ties, particularly King's, Ulster, and Albany. Dutch
schools are now discontinued, and the language willprob*
ably soon cease to be used.
NEW- YORK. 158
The manners of the people differ, as well as their lan-
g.aage. The ancestors of the inhabitants in the eastern
and middle parts of Long island, were either natives of
England, or the immediate descendants of Englishmen,
and their manners and customs aresimilar to those of their
ancestors. The counties inhabited by the Dutch have
adopted the English manners to a certain degree, but stil
retain many modes, particularly in their religion, whicl
are peculiar to the Hollanders.
Educatiun and Liierature. The legislature of the state
have granted the liberal sum of thirty five thousand dol-
lars a year for the establishment and support of schools ;
one school, at least, to be kept within every tract of foux
square miles.
There are twelve or fourteen incorporated academies in
the state, and tuo colleges.
Columbia college, in the city of New- York, is in a flour-
ishing state, and has more than 100 scliolars, besides med-
ical stuJeuts. Tiie officers of instruction, and immediate
government, are a President, a Professor of Mathematics
and Natural Philosophy, a Professor of Logic and Geog-
raphy, and a Professor of Languages. A complete med-
ical s-chool is ar.nexed to the college, and able professors
appointed in every branch of that important science, who
regularly teach their respective branches with reputation.
Union college, in Skenectady, though an infant institu-
tion, is deservedly celebrated. The annual expense of ed-
ucation here, includu^.g board, tuition, &c. is less than
100 dollars. A nev/ college is established at Clinton,
Oneida county, called Hamilton college, and is in success-
ful operation.
Ldrrary and Humane Scdet'irs. These are confined prin-
cipally to the cities of New-York and Albany, and consist
of a Society for promoting Useful Knowledge ; a Socie-
ty for the Manumission of Slaves ; a Marine Society ; a
Society for the Relief of Poor Debtors, confined in gaol ;
a Manufacturing Society ; an Agricultural Society ; a
Medical Society ; a Society for the Information and Aid
of Emigrants ; two Missionary and several Bible Societicjj,
art^ many other charitable institutions.
Cities and Towns. New- York is the capital of the state
and stands on the southwest point of Manhattan, common-
ly called York Island, at the confluence of Hudson and
154i NEW^YORK.
East rivers. The pilncipal part of the city lies on the
east side of the island, althougri the buildings extend from
one river to the other. The length of the city on East
river, is about two miles ; but falls short of that distance
on the banks of the Hudson. Its breadth on an average
*^s nearly three fourths of a mile ; and its circumference,
Wtia^y be four miles.
a The houses are generally built of b:iclc, and the roofs.
tiled. There are remaining a^few houses built after the
old Dutch manner. The city contained, in 1810, 9S,yl4!
inhabitants.
The most magnificent edifice is the new city hall, facing
the park. The other public buildings are 4< houses for
public worship for the Dutch reformed church ; 9 Pres.
byterian churches ; 3 Scotch Presbyierians ; 9 Episcopal
churches; t\vo - for German Lutherans and Calvinists ;
two meeting h(3uses for Friends ; two for Baptists ; 3 for
Methodists ; one for Mor^^vians ; one Roman Catholic
church ; one French Protestant church ; and a synagogue
for Jews. Besides these, there is the college ; A new and
spacious prison, and several magnificent buildings. The
city is accommodated with four markets, in different parts,
which are furnisfied witli a ^leat plenty and variety of
provisions, in neat and excel lent order. New-York is es-
teemed the most eligible situation for commerce in tliC
United States. In point of sociability and hospitality, it
is perhaps not exceeded by any capital in the United States.
The city of Albany is situated on the west s'de of Hud-
son river, 160 miles north of tlie city of New-York. The
houses are mostly built m tho old Dutch style. The pub-
lic buildings are a Low Dutch church, two for Presbyte-
rians, one for Germans or High Dutch, one for Episcopa-
lians, one for Methodists, a hospital, the city hall, and a
handsome brick gaol. A great variety of languages are
spoken in this city, but the English predominates, and the
useof every other is constantly lessening. In 1810, it had
9356 inhabitants. ^.-^ >
Albany is unrival'ed in its situation. It stands on the
bank of one of the finest rivers in the world, at the head of
sloop navigation. It is the natural emporium of thP^n-
creasing trade of a large extent of country, west and north i.
NEW-YORK. 155
a conntry of an excellent soil, plentifully watered with
navigable lakes, creeks, and rivers, as yet only partially
peopled, but settling with almost unexampled rapidity ;
and capable of affording subsistence and affluence to mil-
lions of inhabitants. ^
The city of Hudson has had the most rapid growth of
any place in America, if we except Baltimore. It is situ-
ated on the east side of Hudson river, 130 miles north of
New- York, and 30 miles south of Albany. It is surround-
ed by an extensive and fertile back country, and, in pro-
portion to its size and population, carries on a large trade.
PouGHKKEPsiE, the shire town of Dutchess county, is
situated on the east bank of the Hudson, and contained,
in 1800, 3246 irthabitants. It has frequently been the
seat of the state government.
Troy, seven miles north of Albany, is a thriving town.
Vessels of considerable burthen come up the Hudson to
this place.
Lansingburgh, ten miles north of Albany, on theeast
side of the Hudson, has considerable trade, and, in 1810,
4926 inhabitants.
Skenectady is sixteen miles northwest of Albany, on
the banks of Mohawk river. It contains upwards of 300
houses, and is the seat of Union college.
Plattsburgh, on the west margin of lake Champlain,
is a place of considerable and increasing importance.
Gt.NEVA, a post town of Ontario county, is on the north
west corner of Seneca lake, and is rapidly increasing in
population.
Whitestown, a post town of Oneida county, is seated
on the south side of Mohawk river, 100 miles west of Al-
bany. In ITf^o, this place was inhabited by t<wo families
only ; in 1800, it contained 4212 inhabitants. Utica,
which is within the limits of this township, is one of the
most flourishing spots in the United States. Clinton is
the seat of the new college, and is a pleasant town, 8 miles
from Utica.
Curiosities. Beside the springs already mentioned, New-
York contains many natural cuiiosities. In the southeast
part of lake Erie, twenty rods from the shore, where the
wafft- is five feet deep, is a curious spring boiling up from
the bottom. It is inflammable, when a brand is thrust in-
156 NEW-YORK. *
to it, and proves a powerful emetic when drank. It hks
been named Ether spring.
In Montgomery county is a small rapid stream, which
nms under a hill, the base of which is seventy yards in di-
ameter, farming a most beautiful arch in the rock, as
white as snow. The fury of the water, the roughness of
the bottom, and the terrific noise within, have hitherto pre*
vente^ any person from passing through the chasm.
Ifi Clinton county, is a curious split rock. A point of a
mountain, which projected about 50 yards into lake
Champlain, appears to have been broken by some violent
shock of nature. It is removed from the main rock or
mountain, abcfut twenty feet, and the opposite sides suit so
exactly, that no other proof of their having been once u-
nited is nec^jttry. The point broken off, contains half an
acre, and is^overed with wood.
Antiquities. Near the mouth of Black river, which enters
lake Ontario, are the ruins of an ancient fort ; and near
Sandy Creek are four others. Some of these works are
regularly built, and are almost entire. On these ramparts
of other times, trees are growing two feet in diameter.
In one of them is a well, 14 feet deep, stoned in the usual
method.
Indians. The remains of the Six Confederated Nations,
viz. the Mohawks, Oneidas, Tuscaroras, Senecas, Onoh-
dagas, and Delawares, reside in this state and Canada.
Their whole number is supposed to be about 6000 souls.
lilands. Manhattan, or York island, on which is sit-
uated the city of New York, is fifteen miles in length, and
scarcely one in breadth. It is joined to the main land by
a bridge.
Long Island is 140 miles long, and, on a medium, ten
broad. It is separated from Connecticut by Long island
Sound. It is divided into three counties, viz. Kuig's
Q'leen's. and SniF^ilk. The south side cf the island is flat
land, of a light, sandy soil, bordered on the sea coast with
large tracfs of salt meadow. This joi!, however, is well
calculated for raising grain. The north side of the island is
hilly, and of a strong soil, adapted to tJie culture of grain,
hay. and fruit. A ridge of hills extends from Jamaica to
Souvhhold. Large hv'^rds of cattle feed upon the plain.<i%:id
salt marshes. In IB 10, it contained 48,752 inhabitants.
NEW.JERSEY. 157
Staten Island lies 9 miles southwest of the city of
New- York, and forms Richhiond county. It is 18 miles
in length, and, at a medium, 6 or 7 in breadth, and con-
tained, in 1810, 5347 inhabitants. On the south side Is a
tra-ct of level, good land ; but the island in general is
rough and the hills high. ,
NEW-JERSEY
Situation and Extent. THE state of New- Jeisey lies be-
tween 59 and 41 24 N. latitude ; its length, from N. to
S. being about 160 miles. Its western boundary neatly
corresponds with the meridian of Philadelphia, ftcm wtiich
it extends to nearly one degree of east longitude. 'tv Its
breadth is computed at 52 miles. These dimensions give
the area of about 8320 square miles, equal to 5,324,S00
acres.
Bounifarirs. It is bounded on the east by Hudson river
and the sea ; south by the sea ; west by Pennsylvania ;
north by New-York.
Divisions and Population. This state is divided into 13
counties, and 116 townships.
Counties.
Inhabitants
Counties.
Inhabitants
in 18)0.
in 1810.
Gape May
3,632
Bergen
16,603
Cuniberland
12,(370
Essex
25,984.
Salem
12,761
Middlesex
20,381
Gloucester
19,744
Monmouth
22,150
l^nrlington
2t,979
.Somerset
14,728
Hunterdon
2t,553
Morris
21,828
Sussex
25,549
Total 245,562
Facf of the Country. The counties of Sussex, Morris,
and Bergen are mountainous. The interior country, in
general, is agreei^hly diversified with hills 2nd vallies.
The southern counties, which lie along the sea coast, are
uniformly fl it and sandy.
Bays and Rivers. That part of the state, which borders
on the sea, is indented with a great number of small riv-
O
158 NEW-JERSEY.
-ers and creeks, which, as the country is flat, are navigable
for small craft, almost to their sources.
The most remarkable bay is Arthur KuU, or Newark
bay, formed by the union of Passaic and Hackinsac rivers.
This bay opens to the right and left, and embraces Sta-
ten Island.
Hackinsac river rises in Bergen county, runs a souther-
ly course, and empties into Newark bay. At its mouih,
it is 460 yards wide, and is navigable i5 m.iles.
Passaic is a very crooked river, rising in a large swamp,
in Morris county. Its general course is from northwest
to southeast, till it mingles with the Hackinsac, at tlie
head of Newark bay* The cataract, or Great Fall, in
this river is the greatest natural curiosity in the state. It
is forty yards wide, and falls over a rock, which crosses
the channel, seventy feet perpendicularly, in one entire
sheet.
Raritan river is formed by two considerable streams,
called north and south branches, one of which rises in
Morris, the other in Hunterdon county. It passes by
Brunswick and Amboy, into Newark bay, and helps to
form the fine harbor of Amboy.
Delaware river divides New-Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The following rivers all run into the Delaware : Cesarer,
or Cohansey creek, rises in Salem county, navigable twen-
ty miles. Mulius river, which divides Gloucester and
Burlington counties, navigable twenty miles. Maurice
river, which rises in Gloucester county, navigable fifteen
or twenty miles. Alloway creek, in Saiem county, and
Ancocus creek, in Burlington county, both navigable fif-
teen or twenty miles. 1 here are a great many others, of
less note, navigable short distances.
Mountains. The South mountain, which is one ridge of
the Allegany range, crosses this stafe. This mountain
embosoms such amazing quantities of iron ore, that it
may not improperly be called the Iron mountain The
Kittatinny r'dge passes through this state, north of the
South mountain. Several spurs from these ridges project
in a southerv- dirpction. 7'he noted high lands of Nave-
sink and Centre hill are almost the ooly hills within \he
distance of many mil^s from the sea-coast.
NEW-JERSET. 159
Soil and Productions. New Jersey has all the varieties of
soil, from the worst to the best kind. The good land lies
principally on the banks of rivers and creeks. The bar-
rens produce little else but shrub oaks and yellow pines.
These sandy lands yield an immense quantity of bog iron
ore. in the hilly and mountainous parts of the state,
which are not too rocky for cultivation, the soil is of a
stronger kind, and covered, in its natural slate, -with state-
ly oaks, hickories, chesnuts, &c. ; and, when cultivated,
produces wheat, rye, Indian corn, buck wheat, oats, bar-
ley, flax, and fruits of all kinds, common to the climate.
The orchards in many parts of the state, equal any in the
United States, and their cider is said to be the best in the
world.
The markets of New- York and Philadelphia, receive a
very considerable proportion of their supplies from the
contiguous parts of New-Jersey. These supplies consist
of vegetables of many kinds, apples, pears, peaches, plums,
strawberries, cherries, and other fruits. Cider, in large
quantities, butter, cheese, beef, pork, mutton, and poultry.
Alines. It has already been mentioned, that the moun-
tains of New- Jersey yield immense quantities of iron ore,
and the low grounds are no less productive of that kind,
called bog iron ore. There a^e also several large copper
mines, of great value. Besides these, the state contains
mines of lead, coal, plaster of Paris ; with immense quar-
ries of very valuable stone. A slate quarry has lately
been discovered in Hunterdon county, which yields slate
of a superior quality.
Mineral and other Springs. In the county of Morris, is a
cold mineral -spring. It is frequented by valetudinarians,'
and its waters have been used with very considerable suc-
cess.
In the tovvn of Planover, in the same cjunty, on a ridge
of hills, are a number of wells, which regularly ebb and
flnv, about six feet, twice in every twenty four hours.
The wells are nearly forty miles from the sea, in a strait
line.
In the county of Hunterdon, near the top of Muskonet-
cong mountain, is a noted niedicinal spring, to which in-
valids resort from every quucer. It issues from the side
of a mountain; and is conveyed into an artificial reservoir,
160 NEWJERSEY.
i':--r the convenience of those who wish to bathe In, as well
as to o'"ir.k the waters. It is a strong chalybeate, and
very cold.
Tie: e is a curious sf .ing, about 200 yards from the
south br.inca of Raritan river, from which, even in the dri-
est seasons, a small stream issues, except when the wind
conl:nu.,\s to blow from the northwest, for more than two
days successively, when it ceases to run ; and, if the wa-
ter be taken nut of the cask placed in the ground, it will
remain empty until the wind changes, when it is again fiU-
ed, and flows as usual.
Maniifadur-es. The most important manufactures In
New Jersey, are those of iron and leather. T\\s iron works,
in the county of Morris alone, produce annually about 800
tons of pigs, ,5iO tons of bar iron, and large quantities of
nail rods, sheet iron, and hollow ware. Other parts of
the state are noted for the same manufactures,
Newark is the seat of a considerable shoe manii*"actory,
which employs 200 workmen, and produces luO,()00 pairs
cf slioes aanually. The other articles of manufacture are
steel, nails, paper, flour, and powder. Most of the fami-
lies in the country, make their own clothing.
This state is remarkable for mill seats, 1 100 of which
are now occupied ; 500 with flour mills, and the rest with
saw mills, fulling mills, forges, furnaces, slitting and roll-
ing, paper, powder, and oil mills.
Trade. 1 he trade of this state is carried on almost sole-
ly with and from those two great commercial cities, New-
York on one side and Philadelphia on the other. Amount
of exports in IS 10, 430,267 dollars.
Bridges. There are bridges erected over the Passaic,
Hackinsac, Raritan, and Delaware rivers, on the post read
between New- York and Philadelphia, which greatly facil-
itate the intercourse between those two cities.
Literature and Educahon. Tiiere is a college at Prince-
ton, called Nassau Hall, which has been under the care of
a succession of presidents, eminent for piety and learning ;
and has furnished a number of civilians, divines, and phy-
.sicians, of the iirst rank in America. It has upwards of
100 students, is increasing, and has a library of about 4000
volumes. A theological seminary, with two professors,
lias been established here by the general assembly of the
NEW JERSEY. 161
Presbyterian church, with promising prospect';. There is
also a college at Brunswick, in this state, called Queen's
college ; its charter bears date 1J70. It was established
by the Reformed Dutch church, and designed principally
to be a Thsological Seminary. For a number of years it de-
clined, <f.Al ceased its operations. It is now revived, and
flourishing under the care of Rev. Dr. Livingston.
There ate academies at Trenion, Hackinsac, Orangedale,
EHzabeihtown, Burlington, and Newark.
Beside these, there are grammar schools at Freehold,
Spriijgtield, Morristown, Bordentown, and Amboy.
Cities ami Towns. Trentos is one of the largest towns
in New-Jersey, and the capital of the state. It is situated
on the east side of the river Delaware, opposite the falls,
nearly in the centre of the state, from north to south, iii
lat, HO 15, and about 15' east of tlie meridian of Phila-
delphia.
Burlington city extends three miles along the Dela-
ware, and one mile back at right angles, into the county
of Burhngton, and is twenty miles above the city of Fhi-
ladelphia, by water and seventeen by land,
Perth Amboy city stands on a neck of land, included
between Raritan liver and Arthur Kull sound. Its situ-
ation is high and healthy. It lies open to Sandy Hook,
and has one of the best harbors on the continent.
Brunswick city is situated on the southwest side of
Raritan river, over which a fine bridge has been built, 12
miles above Amboy. Its situation is low and pleasant,
being on the bank of a river, and under a high hill, which
ris-^s back of the town. It is the seat of Queen's college.
Princeton is a pleasant village, of about 80 houses,
52 miles from New- York, and 42 fro.m Philadelphia. It
is the beat of Nassau Hall college. 'Phe college edifice
is of stone, large and handsome. On the right and left
of the college, are edifices, one for a dining hail, the other
for the library.
Elizabethtown borough is fifteen miles from New-
York. Its situation is pleasant, and its soil equal in fertil-
ity to any in the state.
Newark is nine miles from New- York, h h a hand-
some flourishing town, and had, in 1810, 7993 inhabitant;;.
Curiosities. In Monmouth county, on the sid?' o^' a
O 2
/I
162 DELAWARE.
branch of N.ivesink river, is a remarkable cave, in which
are three rooms. The cave is about 80 feet long, and 15
feet broad. Each of the rooms is arched ; the centre of
the arch is about five feet from the bottom of the cave ;
the sides not more than two and a half. The mouth of
the cave is small ; the bottom is a loose sand ; and the
arch is formed in a soft rock, through the pores of which,
the moisture is slowly exudated, and falls in drops, on the
sand below.
DELAWARE. *
situation and Extent. THIS state derived its name from
Lord De la War, who was among the first settlers of Vir-
ginia. It includes the territory formerly denominated the
Three Lotver Counties, annexed to Pennsylvania, lying be-
tween Ion. 74 5Q., and 75 40 W. and between 38 30 and
39 50 north latitude. It is the smallest state in the
Union, except Rhode- Island, being but 96 miles long, and
on an average 24< broad.
Boundaries. Delvvare is bounded east by Delaware
river and bay, and the Atlantic ocean ; south and west by
Maryland ; north by Pennsylvania.
Divisions and Population, This state is divided into 3
counties and 25 townships.
Counties. No. of towns. Population in 1810. Chief towns.
Newcastle S 24,429 Newcastle
Kent 5 20,495 Dover
Sussex 1 1 27,750 Georgetown
25 72,674
Face of the Country. The state of Delaware, the upper-
parts of the county of Newcastle excepted, is generally
extremely low and level. Large quantities of stagnant
water at particular seasons of the year, overspreading a
qreat proportion of the land, and rendering it injurious to
the health of the inhabitants.
Rivers and Creels. The eastern side of the state is in-
dented with a large number of creeks or small rivers, which
I'-cnerally have a short course, soft banks, numerous shoals,
and aie skir-ted with very extensive marshes, and empty
into the river and bay of Delaware. In the southern and
wesiern paits of the state, spring the head v.-a'crv of F')co-
DELAWARE. 168
moke, IVicomico, Nanticoke, Choptank, Chester, Sassafras,
and Bohemia rivers, all failing inio Chesapeak bay, and
sonae of ihem are navigable 20 or 30 miles into the coun-
try, for vessels of 50 or 60 tons
Soil and Bruductions. Delaware is chiefly an agricultural
state. It includes a very fertile tract of country : and
scarcely any part of the Union can be selt-cted better adapt-
ed to the different purposes of agriculture, or in which a
greater variety oF the most useful productions can be so
conveniently and plentifully reared.
Wheat IS the staple commodity of this state. It grows
here in such perfection, as not only to-be particularly sought
by the manufacturers of flour throughout the Union, but
also to be distinguished and preferred, for its superior qual-
ities, in foreign markets. This wheat possesses an uncom-
mon softness and whiteness, very favorable to the manu-
facture of superflne flour, and in other respects, far exceeds
the hard and flinty grain raised, generally, on the high
lands. Besides wheat, this state produces plentiful crops
of Indian corn, barley, rye, oats, flax, buckwheat, and po-
tatoes. It abounds in natural and artificial meadows,
containing a large variety oi grasses. Hemp, cotton, and
silk, if attended to, flourish very well.
Minerah. Among the branches of the Nanticoke river,
are large quantities of bog iron ore oF%n excellent quali-
ty, and peculiarly adapted to the purposes of casting.
Trade and Manufactures. We have already mentioned
wheat as the staple commodity of this stiue. This is man-
ufactured into flour, and exported in large quantities. The
exports are principally from the port of Wilmington. The
manufacture of flour is carried to a higher degree of per-
fection in this state than in any other in the Union,
There are well constructed mills on Red Clay and White
Clay creeks, and ether streams in different parts of the
state, and a celebrated collection of mills at Brandywine,
all of superior dimensions and excellent construction.
These mills are three miles from the mouth of the creek
on which they stand, half a mile from Wilmington, and
twenty-seven from Philadelphia, on the post road from
the eastern to the southern states. They are called Bran-
dywine mills, from the stream on which they are erected.
The quantity of wheat manufactured in these mills, annu-
164 DELAWARE.
nlly is estimated at 100,000 bushels. They give employ^
ment to about "2,00 persons.
Besides the wheat and flour trade, this state exports lum-
ber, Indian corn, barley, oats, flax-seed, salted provisions,
paper, slit iron, snuff, &c.
Public Improvements^ A bridge and causeway, extend-
ing about a quarter of a mile from Lewes to the beach,
over a wide creek and marsh, has lately been built at the
expense of individuals. Canals are making in several
parts of the state. The lighthouse, near Lewes, is a fine
stone structure, 8 stories high.
Literature, 'i'here is no college in this state. At Wil-
mington and Newark academies are established. The leg-
islature have provided a fund for the support of schools
throughout the stale.
Chief Towns. Dover, in the county of Kent, is the seat
of government. It stands on Jones's creek, a few miles
from Delaware river, containing about 100 houses, prin-
cipally of brick. The town lias a lively appearance, and
drives on a considerable trade with Philadelphia. Wheat
is the principal article of export. The landing is five or
six miles from the town of Dover.
Newcastle is thirty-five miles below Philadelphia, on
the west bank of the Delaware river. It was first settled
by the Swedes, aWut 1627. It was formerly the seat ef
government, and contains about 60 houses, which wear
the aspect of decay.
Wilmington, a mile and a half west of Delaware riv-
er, on Christiana creek, 28 miles southward from Phila-
delphia, is the largest and most pleasant town in the slate,
containing upwards of 400 houses, handsomely built upon
a gentle ascent of an eminence, and show to great advan-
tage in sailing up the Delaware. It contains about 2-iOO
inhabitants.
MiLFc.Rj) is at the source of a small river, fifteen miles
from Delaware bay, and 150 southward of Philadelphia.
Duck; Creek Cross Roads is tv.-elve miles northwest
from Dover, and has 80 or 90 houses, which stand on one
street. It carries on a considerable trade with Philadel-
phia, and is one of the largest wheat markets in the state.
Lewi STOWS' is situated a few miles above the light-
house on Cape Henlopen, containing about 1 jO houses.
PENNSYLVANIA.
165
bulk chiefly on one street, which Is three miles long, ex-
tending along the creek, which separates the town from
the pitch of the cape.
Georgetown, fifteen miles west of Lewlstown, is the
seat of justice for Sussex county.
CrtftisTiASABitiDOB Is situated on a navigable creek of
its name ; it was settled by the Swedes, in 1640, and thus
called after tljeir queen.
PENNSYLVANIA.
B'ltuathn and Extent. THIS state received its name from
William Penn, to whom it was granted by Charles [I. in
1681. It i? situated between 'J9 t3' and 42'' north lati-
tude, and between 20' east, and 5 west longitude ; 228
miles long, and 156 broad. The northwest corner of the
state, containing 202,000 acres, was purchased of Congress
by the legislature of the state. Except this purchase, the
state lies in a form of a parallelogram. It contains 4 tjQOO
square miles.
Boundaries. Pennsylvania is bounded east by Delaware
river, which separates it from New Jersey ; north by New-
York, and Lake Erie ; northwest by a part of Lake Erie ;
west by the state of Ohio, and a part ^ Virginia ; south
by Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
Divisions and Population. Pennsylvania Is divided Into
the following 43 counties, viz
Counties. No. inhab
City and county 7
ofPhiIacleIphia.3
Mi)iitgomery
Bucks
Delaware ^
Chester
liancaster
Berks
Northainptoa
Luzerne
Dciupliiii
Northumberland
Wayne
Adams
Allegany
in 1310.
1 1 1 ,200
29,703
32,371
14,734
59,596
53,927
43,156
38,145
13,109
31,883
86,327
4,125
J 5,1 52
25,317
Counties.
Armstrong
Beaver
Bedford
Butler
Crawford
Cumberland
Fayette
Franklin
Green
Huntingdon
Lycoming
Mercer
Mifllin and Centre
Somerset
Venango
No. inhab.
in 1810.
6,143
12,168
15,746
7,346
6,1 78
26,757
24,714
23,083
13,544
14,778
11,006
8,277
22,81:5
11,284
3,060
166
PENNSYLVANIA.
Counties.
No. inliab.
in 1810.
Counties.
Warren
827
Clearfield
Washington
36,289
JefFersoa -
Westmoreland
26,392
Tioga
York
31,958
Potter
Erie
3,758
M'Kean
Cambria
2,117
Indiana
6,214
No. inliab.
in 1810.
875
161
1,687
29
142
Total 810,091
These counties contain G^^ townships, not created by
any special law of the legislature, but by the judges of the
courts of common pleas, on application of a sufficient
number of the inhabitants in any neighborhood.
This stare contained in 1800, 602,5^5 inhabitants ; in-
crease in 10 years, 2'J7>793. The inhabitants are prin-
cipally descendants of English, Irish, and Germans.
There are a few of Scotch, Welch, Swedish, and Dutch
extraction. It is supposed that one fourth of the whole
population are descendants from Germans.
Rivers. The river Delaware mentioned in the description
of New- York, forms the eastern boundary of this state.
Schuylkill river rises northwest of the Kittatinny moun-
tains, through which it passes. After a course of 120
miles in a southern direction, it falls into the Delaware,
seven miles below Philadelphia.
Susquehannah elver runs in such a serpentine course, as
to cross the boundary line, between New-York and Penn-
sylvania, three tinies. After receiving numerous tributa-
ry streams, it falls into the head of Chesapeak bay. It is
more than a mile wide at its mouth, and navigable only
twenty miles, navigation being obstructed by rapids.
The Swetara,. which falls into the Susquehanna from,
tlie northeast, is navigable fifteen miles.
The several branches of Yough.oolieny :iver rise on the
west side of the Allegany mountains. They unite, and
form a large beauLifut river. After a cour.se of thirty or
forty miles, it unites vvivh Monongahcla, which comes from
the southward. I'hese united sircums, :iOon after their
junction, mingle with the Allegany at Pittsburg, and, to-
gether, form the river Ohio.
The Allegany rises west of the Allegany mountains,
and runs 200 miles before its junction with the Mouoaga-
hela, at Pittsburg.
PENNSYLVANIA. 167
The Lehigh rises in Northampton county, and falls in-
to the Delaware, eleven miles northeast of Bethlehem. It
runs seventy -five miles, and is navigable thiity.
Canals. A canal is begun at Norristown, to render the
Schuylkill navigable from Reading, eighty-five or ninety
miles to Philadelphia. Other canals have been projected,
but not yet completed.
Face of the Country and Soil. A considerable proportion
of this state may be called mountainous ; the Great Range
of Allegany mountains passing through it. The principal
ridges of this range, which are in Pennsylvania, are, the
Ktttatinny, or Blue Mountains, which p^iss north of Naza-
reth, and pursue a southwest course. Back of these and
nearly parallel wiih them, are Peters, Tuscarora, and Nes-
copec mountains, on the east of the Susquehanna; and on
the west, Shermon's hills, Sideling hills, Ragged, Great
W-:rrior's, Evil's and Will's mountains ; the great Alle-
gany ridge, which being the largest, gives its name to the
whole range ; west of this, are the Chesnut ridges. Be-
tween the Juniata and the western branch of the Susque-
hanna, are Jack's, Tussy's, Nittiny, and Bald Eagle moun-
tains. The vales between these mountains, are generally
of a rich black soil, suited to the various kinds of grain and
grass. Some of the mountains will admit of cultivation al-
most to their tops. The other parts of the state are gen-,
erally level, or agreeably variegated with hills and vallies.
Botany. Pennsylvania includes the greater part of the
kiads oi trees, shrubs, and plants, that grow within the
UiHced States. Oaks of several species form the bulk of
the woods. Hickory and walnut are more plentiful here,
than in the norchern states, bassafras, mulberry, tulip
- tree, and cedar, are coir.mon and grow to perfection.
Tiie swamp sassafrasr. is fouu' in low grounds ; the twigs
and roots are used both in bd.'.h and decoction, for re-
moving the rheuniaiibm. The cucumb'.i tree grows ve-
ry tall about the western mountains, i'he umbrella tree
is found in some places, sixteen or twenty feet high ; the
bark is smooth, and the leaves, v hich are placed at the
ends of the branches, s'lmf-ti'^nes exceed twelve or fifteen
inches in length, and five or s'x u\ breadth, terminating
in a point at each extieinity : these leaves are in a cir-
cular form, resembling an umbrella ; hence the name*
168 PENNSYLVANIA.
The bark of a tulip tree is esteemed a tolerable substitute
for the Peruvian bark ; but the dog wood, which is fre-
quent in this state, is preferred. Besides many other val-
uable trees and shrubs, are the several species of maple :
of tMese, the scarlet-flowered and sugar maple are the
most useful ; they are common in the northern and west-
ern parts of the state, and larger than the other species,
growing from fifty to sixty feet high, and yield abundance
of sap, for. the making of sugar. The ash-leaved tooth-
ach tree, is found here and in Maryland. The bark and
capsules have an acrid taste, and are used in relieving the
tooth-ach, whence it has got its name. The slirubby bith-
wort grows near Fort Pitt. It thrives in the shade, in
a rich soil ; grows about thirty feet high, and sends off
many twining branches. The roots have a lively aro-
matic taste, and are thought to have equal medicinal vir-
tue to the small Virginia snakeroot. The red berried el-
der is found here. Among the Indians it is called fever
bush ; and a decoction of its wood and buds is highly es-
teemed by them. It would be endless to describe the
beautiful flowering shrubs, and useful as well as orna-
mental plants in this state. Grapes of several sorts are
common : the late kind, when mellowed by frost, make,
with the addition of sugar, good wire. The apples, pears,
plums, and peaches are good At present the cultivation
of the vine is much in vogue in Pennsylvania
Mines. Iron ore abounds in this state. Copper, lead, and
alum, appear in some places. Lime-stone is common, as is
also several kinds of marble. In the middle and western
country, is abundance of coal ; an extensive bed of which
strietches over the country southwestwardly, so as to be
found, in the greatest plenty, about Pittsburgh. There are
also large bodies of coal, on the head waters of the
Schuylkill and Lehigh ; and another bed at Wyoming.
Zoology. The useful quadrupeds, in the new districts, are
deer In great numbers, beavers>otters, racoons, and martins.
Buffaloes rarely cross the Ohio ; and elks seldom advance
from the north. Panthers, wild-cats, beirs, foxes, and
wolves, are not rarej the last do most mischief, especially in
the winter; but the fur and skins of all are valuable. In ihe
thick settlements, rabbits and squirrels are frequent ; also
minks, >and muskrais in the marshes ; partridges aie yet nu-
PENNSYLVANIA. 169
onerous, though the hard winters have destroyed many,and
wild turkeys, in the new settlements ; pheasants and grous
have become scarce ; pigeons, ducks, and wild geese, and a
variety of singing birds are found in their proper seasons.
Manufactures. The manufactures of this state are of nu-
merous kinds. Iron works are of long standing, and their
products increase in quantity, and improve in quality.
The furnaces, forges, rolling and slitting mills, for the man-
ufacture of iron, are many and productive. The other ex-
tensive manufactures are as follows, viz, those of leather,
skins and fur, wood, paper, gunpowder, bricks, earthern
ware, copper, lead, tin wares, pewter, cotton, sugar, to-
bacco, and many others of less importance.
Commerce. The commerce of Pennsylvania extends to
every part of the world, and the exports consist of the pre-
ceding articles of produce and manufacture.
Education and Literature. A seminary is established at
Philadelphia, by the name of The University o{ Pennsyl-
vania ; there is a flourishing colJege at Carlisle, called
Dickinson College ; and another at Lancaster, called
Franklin College, which is little more than nominal. At
Washington, in the western part ot the state, a college has
also been established, and endowed with several thousand
acres of land.
The schools for young men and women, in Bethlehem
and Nazareth, under the Moravians, are perhaps upon the
best establishment of any in America.
There are many private schools, in different parts of the
state ; and to promote the education of poor children,
the legislature has appropriated a large tract of land for
the establishment of free schools.
Literary, Humane, and ether useful Societies. These are
more numerous and flourishing in Pennsylvania, than in
any other of the stales. The names of these improving
institutions are as follows : the American Philosophical
Society, held at Philadelphia for promoting useful knowl-
edge ; the Society for promoting Political Inquiries ; the
College of Physician?, for the promotion of medical, ana-
tomical, and chymical knowledge ; the Pennsylvania
Hospital ; the Philadelphia Dispensary, for the medical
relief of the poor; the Pennsylvania Society for promot-
ing the abolition of slavery, and the relief of free neguxs,
170 PENNSYLVANIA.
.unlawfully held in bondage ; tjie Society of the Unl-ted
Brethren, for propagating the gospel among the heathens,
to be held statedly at Bethlehem ; the Pennsylvanian So-
ciety for the encouragement of manufactures and useful
arts ; a Society for alleviating the miseries of prisons ; a
Humane Society, for the recovering and restoring to life
the bodies of drowned persons ; a Society for the aid and
protection of Irish emigrants ; an Agricultural Society ;
a Society for the aid of German emigrants ; a Marine So-
ciety ; a Charitable Society, for the support of widows and
families of Presbyterian Clergymen ; a Society for the in-
formation and aid of emigrants ; St. George's, St. An-
drew's, and the Hibernian Charitable Societies. Most of
these societies are in the city of Philadelphia.
Cities and Towns. The city of Philadelphia, capital
of the state of Pennsylvania, and, until the year 1801, the
seat of the government of the United States, lies in latitude
39 56' north, upon the vi'estern bank of the Delaware,
which is here but a mile in breadth. It was laid out by
William Penn, the first proprietary and founder of the
province, in \6SZ, and settled by a colony from England.
The ground plot of the city is an oblong square, about 1
mile north and south, and 2 miles east and west, lying
in the narrowest part of the isthmus between the Delaware
and Schuylkill rivers, about five miles in a right line above
their confluence. The number of inhabitaBts within the
city and suburbs, (including the district of Southwark, an4
the compactly built part of the Northern Liberties, which,
to every purpose, but as to their government, are consid-
ered as parts of the city,) amounted, in 1800, to 67811,
in 1810, to about 92,^47. It is governed by a mayor,
jecorder, 15 aldermen, and 30 common council men ;
w^ho have full power to constitute and ordain laws for
the government of the city. The houses for public wor-
ship are as follows : for Friends or Quakers, five ; for
Presbyterians and Seceders, eight; for Episcopalians, three;
for German Lutherans, two ; for German Calvinisis,
one ; for Roman Catholics, one ; for Swedish Lutherans,
one ; for Moravians, one ; for Baptists, one ; for Uni-
versal Baptists, one ; for Methodists, one; and one for
Jews. The other public buildings in the city are, a state
house, and offices : two city court houses ; a county cour^
PtNNSYL^'ANIA. Ill
liouse ; a carpenter's hall ; a philosophical socloLy's hall ;
a dispensary; a hospital, and cflicos ; an alms-house;
two incorporated banks ; a house of correction ; a dra-
matic theatre ; a public ohservatory ; a medical theatre
and elaboratory ; three brick market houses ; a fish mar-
ket ; a public gaol. Wnether we consider the locil sit-
Kation, the size, the beauty, the variety and utility of the
improvements in mechinics and manufactures, or llie in-
dustry, the enterprize, the humanity, and the abilities of
the iiihabltarits of the city of Philadelphia, it merits to be
ranked among the first cities of the United States.
Lancaster, is the largest inland town in the United
States. It is the seat of justice for Lancaster county, and
icands on Conostoga creek, 58 miles northwest of Phila-
delphia.
Carlisle, the seat of justice in Cumberland county,
contained in 180'J, '2000 inhabitants. Here is Dickinson
College.
Pittsburg, on the wester;; side of the Allegany moun-
tains, SiO miles westward of Piiiladelphia, is beautifully
situated on a large plain, which is the point of land be-
tween the Allegany and Monongahela rivers, and a quar-
ter of a mile above their confluence, in latitude 4?0'^ 2^'
north. la 1800, it had 15(55 inhabitants.
Bethlehem is on the Lehigh, a western branch of the
Delaware, fifty-three miles north of Piiiladelphia, inhabited
chiefly by Moravians. The town being in a very pleasant
and healthy situttion, is frequently visited in the summer,
by parties of pleasure, from different parts.
Harrisburg, is a very flourishing place, about 100
mile.s west by north from Philadelphia.
CurlasU'ics and ylnttq-ailies. In the northern part of the
state is a small creek, emptying into Allegany river, call-
ed- Oil Creek. It issues from a spring, on the top of
which floats an oil, similar to that called Barbadoes tar,
from which one man may gather several gallons in a day.
There are several curious caves in this state ; the most
remarkable of which is on the bank oi Swetara river.
On a high hill, near Tioga river, are to be seen the
remains of an ancient fortification. The form of it is cir.
cular, and it is encompassed with an entrenchment, which
i|now the only remaining part. The Indians aie entirely
^"ff
172
OHIO.
ignorant of the origin of these works There is a fortifi*
cation of a similar kind, at Unadilla, in the flat lands, and
they are numerous in the western counties.
The stones, in all parts of the Allegany mountains, are
full of sea shells.
OHIO.
situation, BounJarit's, and Extent. THIS state is part of
the territory, formerly called The Norlhivest Territory, and
lies between 38*^ IC and 42' north latitude, and between
bO" SQf and G5^ 4J' west longitude. Ij is west of Penn-
sylvania, and is bounded south by Ohio river, west by In-
diana Territory ; north by Michigan Territory, and lake
Erie. It is 200 miles long, and about the same in breadth %,
containing, exclusive of the waters of lakes Erie and San-
dusky, 25,013,637 acres.
Divisions and Population. This state was admitted into
the Union, by act of Congress, in 1803. It is divided in-
to 3G counties and 320 towiiships :
twUUIitiCS.
Adams
Athens
Belmont
Butler
Cayahoga
Champaign
Clermont
Ciinton
Columbians
Delaware
Fairfield
Fayette
Franklin
Gallia
Geauga
Guernsey
Green
Hainilton
H-^hland
Population.
9,434
2,791
11,097
1 1,150
1,459
6,303
9,9G5
'J,74
10,873
2,000
11,S61
1,854
3,486
4,181
2,917
8,051
5,870
15,258
5,766
Counties.
JefTersoii
Knox
Licking
Madison
Miami
Montgomery
Muskingum
Pickaway
Portage
Preble
P.03S
Scioto
Stark
Trumbull
Tuscarawa
( Warren
Washington
Total
Population.
17,260
2,149
S,85^
1,603
S,94l
7,722
J 0.036-
7,124
2,99,5
3,304
i5,5i4
3,399
2,734
8,671
S,045
9,925
5,991
230,760
For judicial purposes the state is divided into tii^ee
circuits.
Face of the Country. A few miles back from the Ohio,
in the upper or northern parts of the state, the land is hil-
OHIO. 173
Ij and, in some places, too rough to admit of cultivation.
In some parts of the country dividing the waters of the
Ohio from the lakes, there are tracts, extending several
miles, so flat that the water stands till midsummer. In
some places one can travel for miles without seeing the
earth, and in that distance, he will find the water not more
than from a foot to eighteen inches deep.
Riven. The Ohio, which has already been described,
nearly half surrounds the state.
The Muskingum is a gentle river, 150 yards wide at Its
mouth, and navigable by large batteaux and barges, to the
Three Legs ; a'nd by small ones, to the lake at its head.
The Hockhocking is about twelve rods wide ; navigable
for large boats 70 miles, and for small ones much farther.
The Scioto is passable for large barges for 200 miles, witli
a portage of only four miles to the tjandusky, a navigable
stream that falls into lake Erie. The stream of Scioto
is no where broken by falls : at some places, in the spring
of the year it overflows its banks.
The Little Miami is too small for batteau navigation.
The Great Miami has a very stony channel, and a swift
stream, but no falls, and is navigable for batteaux, for a-
bout 100 miles ; ii interlocks with the Scioto.
Grand river runs northwardly into lake Erie ; its mouth
is seventy yards wide.
Cayahoga empties in at the south bank of lake Erie, 40
miles east of the mouth of Huron.
Sandusky river rises near a branch of the great Miami,
and empties into the southwest corner of Sandusky Lake.
Miami of the lakes falls into lake Erie, at the S.W. corner.
Soil, Productions^ and Commerce Laige level bottoms, or
natural meadows, from 1 to 25 miles in circuit, are found
bordering ilie rivers and variegating the country in the
interior parts These afford as ricii a scii as can be im-
agined, and may be reduced to proper culiivation with,
very little labor.
The country produces all the immediate necessaries of
life in gre<t plenty, and far beyond the present consump-
tion of the inhabitants; ihe lesidue, with many other arti-
cles, such as hemp, cordage, hard waie, whiskey, apples,
cider, and salted provisions, are carried d<;wn the river to
New-Orleans, where ihev jind a ready maiket,
F2
174 OHIO.
The forest trees ai-e, maple or sugar tree, sycmor>
fclack, and white mulberry, black and white walnut, but-
ternut, white, black, Spanish and chesnut oaks, hickory,
cherry, buckwood or horse chesnut, honey locust, elm, cu-
cumber tree,lynn tree, gum tree,iron wood, ash, aspen, sas-
safras, crab apple tree, paupaw or custard apple, a variety
of plum trees, and many kinds of grapes, from which the
inhabitants universally might have a sufficiency for their
own consumption of rich reid^ine. Grapes and hops are
ihe natural productions of the country.
Mines. On the banks of the Hockhocking and Musking-
am are inexhaustible quarries of free stone, and beds of
Iron ore. Coal mines are frequent In the eastern part of
the state. Beds of white and blue clay, are likewise found
here, suitable for the manufacture of glass, cf ockery, and
earthern wares.
Springs. There are salt springs in many parts of the
state, particularly on the Scioto river.
Animals, Innumerable herds of deer and wild cattle
heretofore were sheltered in the groves and fed in the ex-
tensive bottoms that abound in this state, but are now be-
coming scarce. Turkeys, geese, ducks, and other wild
fowl are supposed to be in greater plenty here, than the
tame poultry in any other part of America. The rivers
are well stored with fish.
Literature. The Ohio University is fixed at Athens, on
the Hockhocking river, and endowed with 46,000 acres
of land." The corporation consists of the governor of the
state, for the time being, the president, and not more than
fifteen, nor less than ten, trustees. In Feb. 1809, the
legislature of this state, passed an act establishing the
Miami University^ which has since been fixed in the town
of Oxford, 34 miles N. W. of Cincinnati, Congress, about
the year 1 790, reserved a township of 23,000 acres of land
in the county of Butler, for the purpose of supporting a
University. This township has lately been located.
The officers of this institution are to be a president and a
board of trustees, fo consist of twenty two members, who
are created a body politic. This institution is about to
he organized, and to commence its operations.
Chie/Toivns. Marietta, thechief town in Wuh ngton
ccunty, is a handson^e town, standing on the w^est side of
OHIO. 175
Ohio river, jast above the mouth of the Muskingum. It is
elegantly and commodiously laid out with spacious street*
intersecting each other at right angles. It contains up-
wards of ninety dwelling houses, besides shops, stores, &c.
a gaol, court house, an elegant congregational church,
and academy. Within the limits of this town are those
ancient and curious forts hereafter described.
CHrLicoTHE, the chief town of Ross county, and tlie
seat of governmeni in the state, is on the west side of Scio-
to river, about 100 miles from its mouth, and a few miles
above its junction with Paint creek. The town is laid
out on an extensive plain, and contains about 150 dwell-
ing houses, a gaol, state house, 3 houses for public wor-
ship. In the midst of the town, there is an Indian grave,
the perpendicular height of which is forty or fifty feet.
Cincinnati, on the north bank of the Ohio, opposite
the mouth of Licking river, contains about 300 houses,
two houses for pubUc worship, two banks, and a maiket
house In this town was Fort Washington, which com-
menced the chain of forts, extending to the westward.
Galliopolis is situated nearly opposite the mouth of
the Great Kanhaway, and has about 100 houses ; the
original inhabitants were French people.
Antiquities and Curiosities. The number of oid forts,
found in this western country, are the admiration of the
curious, and a matter of much speculation. They are
mostly of an oblong form, situated on strong, well chosen
ground, and contiguous to water. When, by whom, and
for what purpose, tliese were thrown up, is uncertain.
They are undoubtedly very ancient, as there is not the
least visible difference in the age or size of the timber
growing on or within these forts, and that which grows
without ; and the oldest natives have Josc all tradition re-
specting them.
Under this head we may mention the extensive mead-
ows, or, as the French call them, Prairies^ which answer to
what in the southern states are called Savannas. They
are a rich plain, without trees, and are covered with grass.
Some ol these, in the western parts of this state, and in the
Indiana and Illinois territories, are 30 or 40 miles in ex-
tent. In passing them, as far as the eye can reach, there
is not a tree to be stei;.
J76 MICHIGAN TERRITORY.
MICHIGAN TERRITORY.
THfS territory is bounded S. by the state of Ohio and
the Indiana territory ; W, by the Illinois territory ; N. and
E. by Upper Canada, from which it is separated by a
small part of lake Superior, St. Mary's river, Huron lake
and river, lake Sc. Clair, and Detroit river. The greatest
length from S. E. to N. W. is 500 miles ^ from N. E. to
S W. it is 300. The nurnber of square miles, both of
land and water, is estimated at 1.50,000.
The territory is at present divided into four districts.
In the south is that of Erie ; next lies the district of De-
troit ; next that of Huron ; and in the north, the district
of Michilimakinac.
In 1667 Lewis XIV. sent a party of soldiers to this ter-
ritory to protect the French fur traders. The soldiers,
between that time and ^ 683, built a fort at Detroit, and
another at Michilimakinac, and soon extended theii com-
merce west of lake Michigan to the Indians on the Missi-
sippi. The war in 1756 dispossessed the French of this
territory. It remained in the hands of the British, till the
peace of 1783 gave it to the United States, and a governor
was appointed in July, 1787, for all the territory N. W.
of the Ohio. In 1 796 the fort of Detroit was ceded by the
English to the United States, agreeably to treaty ; and
this fine peninbula was formed into a county, called the
county of Wayne. In 1805, it received the name of the
Michigan territory, was formed into a distinct government,
and a governor appointed over it. The country is im-
proving, and when the lands are put on sale, it is thought
the population will rapidly increase.
The greater part of the inhabitants of this country are
Catholics. The Protestants have no settled minister. The
missionaries of the Methodists have made many converts
among the lower orders of people.
According to the census of 1-810, the population was as
follows.
Erie district 1,340 Huron do. 580
Detroit do. 2,227 MichiUmakinac do.*- 615
Total 4,762
MICHIGAN TERRITORY. 177
Detroit stands on Detroit river, 18 miles N. of lake
Erie, and 10 S. of lake St. Clair. The o1|l town was
vrholly destroyed by fire in 1805. The new town is well
laid oat ; the streets cross each other at right angles, and
the situation is pleasant. It contained in 1810, including
tlie garrison, 770 inhabitants, and 80 dwelling houses.
The fort is of an oblong figure, built with stockades, and
completely cnnimands the garrison.
Detroit and Michilimakinac are both ports of entry in
this territory. The exports from the former, in 1810, a-
mounted to 3C15 dolls, of which only 44- dolls, were ef
foreign produce. No returns were received from the port
of Michilimakinac. The state of Ohio furnishes this coun-
try, with beef, pork, whiskey, cheese, and butter.
The climate is cold and healthy. Winter sets in about
tlie middle of November, and lasts till the middle of March,
without much variation. The general face of the country
is i\.ii. Nothing like a mountain is known. It is estimat-
ed that upwards of 20,000,000 acres of this teiritory are
excellent. The agricultural productions, in 1810, were
20,000 bushels of apples, 10.000 of maize, 12,000 ot wheat,
8000 of oats, 100 of barley, 1308 of buckwheat, 12;5-tO
of potatoes, 3021 of turnips, 1000 of peas, and 1500 bar-
rels of cider.
St. Mary's river, Huron or St. Clair river, and Detroit
river, flow on the northern and eastern !)orders of the ter-
ritory. Detroit river is 28 miles long, and runs in a S. W.
direction 12 miles, and thence due S. 15 lo lake Erie It
is navigable for the largest ships, and is generally from a
mile to a mile and r. half, and in some places thiee miles,,
broad Huron river, in the country west of lake St. Clair,
and running eastwai dly 60 or 70 miles, tails into that lake,
30 miles N. from Detroit.
More than half of lake Michigan, half of Huron and
St. Clair, a part of Superior, and probably apart of Erie,
belong to this territory.
Islands. The island Michilimakinac lies between Michi-
gan and Huron, and is 7 miles in circumference. The
The ground on which the fort stands is 150 feet above the
level of the lake, and 100 yard> finm the shore. The fort
is neatly built, and exhibits a b.Miitiful appearance from
the water. The village is on the shore at the right of ihe
178 INDIANA TERRITORY.
fort, and. consists of about 30 houses. The harbor is deep
and safe. jUn the N. E side of the island, near the shore,
and 80 feet above ihe lake, is an arched rock. The arch
is 20 feet in diameter, at the top and 30 at the base, Near
the centre of ihe island on a plain stands an isolated conical
rock, in rhe form of a sugar loaf, 50 feet in height. It is
perforated in various places, and the h^les are filled with
human bones. The Skull-rock in another part of the
island exhibits the same appearances. I he island is one
mass of limestone, and the soil is very rich. The climate
is cold but healthy. The winter lasts for 5 months with
Xinabated rigor. This island is still a place of rendezvous
for the N. W. traders, their clerks and servants. They
generally assemble here in June and July, often to the
number of 800. There are numerous other islands In the
lakes and rivers.
INDIANA TERRITORY.
THIS territory lies between lat.*37 4.) and 41 50 N.
and between 82 42' and S~j 45 W. longitude. Its length
is about 270 miles, and its breadth about 130. The
number of square miles is not far from '65.000. It
is bounded E. by the state of Ohio ; S. by the Ohio river ;
W. by the Illinois territory ; N. by Michigan territory.
This territory isdivided into 4 counties and 2? townships.
Counties. No. of towns, No; of iiih. ' Chief Towns.
Dearborn 9 7,^'0
Clark G 5,670 Ciarkesville
Harrison 3 3,595 Harrison
Knox 9 7,9i-5 St. Vincennes
Total 27 24,520
This territory, till January, 1801, formed a part of
what was called the Northwestern territory. At this pe-
riod, it was erected by Congress into a territorial govern-
ment with usual powers and privileges.
This territory has a fine soil, adapted to corn, wheat,
rye, oats, cotton, hemp, tobacco, and other articles men-
tioned in. the account of the state of Ohio, Its natura?.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 179
productions are also similar to those of Ohio. If Is water-
ed by several fine rivers. The Wabash emp^fes into the
Ohio, by a mouth 270 yards wide, 1020 miles below Fort
Pitt. It is passable with batteaux 412 miles to Ouiatanon,
and for large canoes 197 miles further.
ViNCENNES is the capital. of this territory, the seat of
government, and the centre of commerce ; it stands on
the bank of the Wabash, 150 miles from its mouth. It
had in J 8 1 0, 893 inhabitants. The fort stands on the east
side of Wabash river.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY.
THIS territory is the western half of what was former-
ly called the territory N. W. of the Ohio, and embraces
the whole of it, except what is included in the state of
Ohi, and the territories of Michigan and Indiana. It
lies between lat. 37 and 49 37 N, and between long. 8.5
45 and 95 6 W. Its length from the Ohio to the northern
line is 870 miles ; its breadth is very unequal. The
whole tract contains about 200,000 square miles, exclusive
of the waters of lakes Superior and Michigan, large sec-
tions of which are included in this territory. It is bound-
ed by Upper Canada on the N. ; on the E. it has lake
Michigan, and the Indiana territory ; on the S. Ohio riv-
er ; on the S. W. and W. the Missisippi, which separates
jt from Louisiana. This territory derives it name from
the river Illinois., an Indian word, signifying a man of full
a^e, in iht vigor of his years. Illinois river is the river of men.
It was a part of the Indiana territory till 1809, when it
was erected into a separate government.
That part of this territory which is settled by white
people, is divided into two counties, viz. St Clair and
Randolph, which are subdivided into 12 townships. The
civilized population of this territory in 1810 was 11,501
whites, 1 8G slaves, and 613 free blacks. Of the whites
6871 were males, and 5121 females. The vale between
the Illinois and Kas.kaskia rivers, is inhabited by French
people, the descendants of the original settlers of this
country.
18D MARYLAND.
Kaskaskia is the chief town in Randolph county and
the established capital of the whole territory. It stands
on the southwest bank of the river, of the same name,
12 miles from the mouth of the river. It contains about
100 houses, and 622 inhabitants. Cahokia, 65 miles north
of Kaskaskia, on the southern side of Cahokia creek, has
71 1 inhabitants Goshen, the capital of St. Clair county,
has 1725 inhabitants.
Fort Massac is a port of entry, and from it was export-
ed foreign articles in the 4th quarter of 1803, to the value
of 17,320 dollars.
Between the Kaskaskia and Illinois rivers, which are 84<
miles apart, is an extensive tract of level rich land, which
terminates in a high ridge, about 15 miles before you
reach the lilinoirriver. The Illinois river is bordered by
fine meadows which in some places extend as far as the
eye can reach ; and the soil of the country generally is of
a very superior quality.
The principal rivers which water this territory are
Missisippi, Illinois, Wabash, Fox, Ouisconsin, Iron,
Chepeway. St. Croix, St. Lewis, Winnipec, Dove, Michili-
makinac, Ramy Island, Vermillion, and Kaskaskia. The
lakes which lie either partly or entirely in the territory,
are Michigan, Superior, Rainy, Woods, White Bear, Red,
Pepin, Peche, Winnebago, and Illinois.
MARYLAND.
Situation and Extent. THE state of Maryland, lies be-
tween 37" 56' and 39^ 44' north latitude, and between the
nr)eridi;in of Philadelphia, and 4^* SO' west longitude. It is
134 miles ionjj: and 110 broad, containing 14,000 square
miles one ioiuth of which is water.
Boundaries. Maryland is bounded on the north by Penn-
sylvania, east by the state of Delaware, and the Atlantic
ocean ; soulh and west by Virginia.
Divisions and Population. This state is divided into nine-
teen counties eleven of which are on the western, and
eight on the eastern shore of the Chesapeak bay.
MARYLAND.
181
Couuiies.
Population.
'Hartford
21,258
Baltimore
75,810
Ann- Arundel
26,668
Frederick
34,437
Allegany
6,909
Washington
18,730
Montgomery
17,980
Prince George
20,589
Calvert
8,005
1 Charles
20,'245
l_St. Mary's
12,7&4
Counties.
Population
^Cecil
13,066
Kent
11,450
6
Queen Ann
16,648
h
Caroline
' 9,45:?
Talbot
14,2:}0
a
u
Somerset
17,195
CI
Dorchester
18,108
1
Worcester
16,971
Total
380,546
The whole number of inhabitants in Maryland in 1800
was 341,54-8, of whom 105,635 were slaves ; increase in
10 years 38,998.
Bays and Rivers. Chesapeak Bay divides this state in-
to eastern and western divisions. This bay, which is the
larejest in the United States, affords many good fisheries,
and is remarkable for the excellency of its crabs,and also for
a particular species of wild duck, called canvas hack. In a
commercial view, it is of immense advantage to the state.
It receives a number of large rivers. From the eastern
shore in Maryland, among other smaller cncs it receives
Pokomoke, Nanticoke, Choptank, Chester, and Elk rivers.
From the north, the rapid Susquehanna ; and from th.e
west, Pacapsco, Severn, P.ifixent, and Potomac, half of
which is in M/l-yland, and half in Virginia. Except the
Susquehanna and Potomac, these are small rivers Pa-
tapsco river is but about 30 or 40 yards w:de at the ferry,
just before it empties into the b ison upim vv'hich Baltimore
stands. The Monocasy is a gencle siveam, which enters
t/ie Potom:ic, fourteen miles from Fredericktcnvn. In gen-
eral it is fordable. Severn is a short, iticonslderable riv-
<-r, passing? by Annapolis, which it leaves to t!ie south,
emptying, by a broad mouth, into tlie Chesapeak.
Patuxent rises in Ann-Arundel county, and runs into
the bay, twenty miles north of tlie mnnih of the Potomac.
Tk.ere are several small rivers, su-h as ilie Wicomico,
Eastern Bianch, and Conegochoajtue, '
Potomac r'vcr fmni the Maryland side
Fac'' ^'f th.- Country i Soil, and Produci'tnns. East f.f the blue
ridge of mcur.tains, which stretches across the western part
of this state, the land, like that in al! the sc.uthern states,
is generally level and free of stones ; the soil must of course
Q
liich empties into
182 MARYLAND.
be similar, and the natural productions not rennarkably
different.
The ground, in most of the counties on the eastern shore,
is covered, in many places, with stagnant water, except
where it is intersected by numerous creelcs. Here also are
large tracts of marsh, which, during the day, load the at-
mosphere with vapor, that falls in dew', in the close of the
summer and fall seasons, which are sickly.
Wheat and tobacco are the most important productions
of the state. Cotton, hemp, and fl.ix are also raised, but
"not in large quantities. Apples and peaches are among
the cultivated fruits ; from both of these brandy is distill-
ed. Among the trees of the forest are several kinds of
oak and black walnut. The woods abound with nuts of
varicus sorts, on wliich vast numbers of swine are fatted.
Mines and Maiiufactures. Mines of iron ore, of a superi-
or quality, abound in many parts of the state. Two stra-
ta, or beds of coal, have lately been opened, within a mile
of the city of Baltimore.
Rye whiskey is manufactured in great quantities in this
btate. From some single distilleries, 12,000 gallons are
produced in a year. In Frederick county are 80 grist-
inills employed in grinding wheat. There are also glass
v.'orks, iron v,-crks, furnaces, distilleries, and paper mills.
Commerce. The trade of Maryland is principally carried
K)i\ from Baltimore, with the other states, with the West-
indies, and with some parts of Europe. To these places,
ibey send annually about 30,000 hogsheads of tobacco, be-
sides larqe quantities of wheat, flour, pig-iron, lumber, and
corn ; beans, pork, and flax-seed, in smaller quantities.
They receive in return clothing for themselves and ne-
trroe.-, and other dry goods, v.'ine.s, spirits, sugar and other
West- India commodities. The balance is generally in
their favor.
Eiluicit'ion and L'l.crnlure. I'hcre are five colleges in Ma-
lyland. Washington college, at Chestertown, and St.
.lohu's college, at Armapolis, together constitute the Uni-
versilv of Maryland. The Methodisti have a college at
ilarford. The Roman Catholics have a college at George-
town, for the promotion of general literature, 'i'here is z
French college at Baltimore, with about seventy students.
There are some other literary institutions of less note. Ev
COLUMBIA. 1S.1
ery neighboihcod has its school, where children are taught
re;'.ding, writing, and arithmetic.
Ciiies and Toivns. Annapolis city is the capital of Ma-
ryland, and the wealthiest place of its size in all America.
It is at the mouth of the Severn river, 30 miles south of
Baltimore. It is a city of little note in the commercial
world. The houses, 350 in number, are indicative of great
wealth. The number of inhabitants does not exceed 'iOOO.
Balt I more has had the most rapid growth of any town
on the continent, and is the third in size, and the fourth
in trade, in the United States. It lies on the north side of
Patapsco river. Th^ situation of the town is low, and
was formerly unhealthy, but the increase of houses, and
the paving and other improvements of the streets, have
rendered it tolerably healthy. The number of inhubit-
UMtsin the town and precincts, according to the census of
1800, v^'as 23,214^; in 1810 they amounted to 46,4-83.
It contains nine churches, a theatre, and a number of oth-
er public buildings. The tonnage of this city in 1810
was 102,4 59.
Fredericktowa i'j a fine, flouii,-.hing inland town, and
contained, in I7:i)7> 2500 inhabitants. Hagarstown is
situated in tlie beautiful and v.^ell ciillivated valley of Con-
egocheagr.e, and carries on a considerable trade with the
western country. Elkton is near the head of Chesapcak
bay, on a small river which bears the name of the town.
It enjoys great advantages from the carrying trade be-
tween 13alLimore and Philadelphia.
COLUMBIA TERRITOPxY.
TKIS territory is ten miles square, and embraces the
city of Washington, Georgetown and Alcxandiia. It was
ceded to the United States, by Maryland and Virginia, for
the purpose of estiiblishing in it the seat of the general
government. It embraces a section of Potomac river, ex-
tending from the southern part of Alexandria, to a point
about five miles above Georgetown, and includes a part of
one of the Patomac canals. This section of the river, from
the Ma: ^ land side, receives ilie Easterji Branch, whicli
bounds ihe city of Washington on the southeast, Tiber,
Reedy, and Rock Creeks ; and from tlie Virginia side,
184. COLUMBIA.
Four Mile Run. Eastern Branch forms a safe and com-
modious harbor, being sufficiently deep for the largest ships
for about four miles above i^s mouth, while the channel
lies close along the bank, adjoining the city. The Pato-
mac is navigable only for small craft, for a considerable
distance from if; banks, next the city.
Washington city appears to contain some important
improvements upoii that of the b."st planned cities in the
v/orld ; combining, in a remarkable degiee, convenience,
regularity, elegance of prospect, and a free circulation of
air. The positions of the different public edifices, and of
the several squares and areas of diuerent shapes, as they
are laid down, were first determined on the most advan-
tagei>usground, commanding the most extensive prospects,
and; from their situfaion, susceptible of such improvements
fis either use or ornament may require. The capitol is
situated on a most beautiful eminence commanding a com-
plete view of every part of the city. The President's
house stands on a rising ground, possessing a delightful
water prospect, together with a commanding view of the
capitol, and the most material parts of the city. The
gr;n-id avenues, and such streets as lead immediately to
public places, are from 130 to IGO feet wide ; the ether
Streets are from 90 to 110 feet wide.
In 180?, this city contained 4353 inhabitants, of whom
S40 were people of color. In J 81 0, the number of inhab-
itan's had increased to 8620. Here are four houses for
p'ablic worship for Presbyterians, one for Roman Catho-
lics, one for Bap.tists, and one for Episcopalians. In the
city, are three market houses. At the navy yard, arc three
large brick buildings, for the reception of naval stores.
Barracks are erected for the marines. At Greenleaf's
Point is a powder iiiagazine and a guard house. Two
bridges are built over Rock Creek, which divides the city
from Georgetov/u The public offices occupy two build-
ings, each about 450 feet from the President's house.
Georgetows stands on the bank of the Patomac, IGO
miles from its entrance into the Chosapeak, and four from
Washington city It contains about 250 houses, and
4948 mhabitants,
A'.cxANDRiA stands on the south bank of the Patomac,
and contained in 1800, about 500 houses, and 5030 in-
habitants; in 1810, 7227.
VlROmiA.
IS^
VIRGINIA.
Situation and Extent. THIS is the largest of the United
States, extending iiG miles in length, by a breadth of 224-
miles, and containing an area of 70,000 square miles. It
lies between 36" and 41 north latitude, and between the
meridian of Philadelphia, and S** west longitude.
Boundaries. Bounded north by Maryland, part of Penn-
sylvania, and Ohio ; west by Kentucky ; south by North-
Carolina ; east by the Atlantic ocean.
The following are the divisions, and number of inhab-
itants in each^ according to the census of ISIO.
Counties.
Noj inhabitants.
Counties. No
. Inhabitants-
Accomac
15,743
Greenbrier
5,914
Albemarle
18,268
Gransville
6,858
Amelia
10,594
Giles
3,745
Amherst
10,548
Halifax
22,133
Augusta
14,308
Hampshire
4,784
Bath
4,837
Hanovor
1 5,082
Bedford
16,148
Hardy
5,525
Berkely
11,479
Harrison
9,958
Botetourt
13,301
Henrico
9,945
Brooke
5,843
Henry
5,611
Brunswick
15,411
Isle of Wight
9,186
Bucking^ham
20,059
James city
4,094
Campbell
17,001
Jefferson
11,851
Caroline
17,544
Kanhawa
3,866
Charles city
5,186
King and Queen
10,98R
Charlotte
13,161
King George
6,454
Chesterfield
9,979
King William
9,285
Cumberland
9,992
Lancaster
5,592
Culpepper
18,967
Lee
4,694
Cabell
2,7 1 7
I^oudon
21,338
Dinwiddie
12,524
Louisa
1 1 ,900
Elizabeth city
3,608
l>unenburg
12,265
Es^ex
9,376
Madison
8,381
Fauquier
22,689
Matthews
4,227.
Fairfax
13,111
Mecklenburg
Middlesex
18,453
Fluvanna
4,775
4,414
Frederick
22,574
Mouongahela
12,793-
Frr.nklin
10,724
Monroe
5,444
Gloucester
10,427
Montgomery
8,409
Goochland
10,203
Mason
1,931
Grayson
4,941
NaD8mond
10,324
Q2
185
VIRGINIA.
Counties. No.
inhabitants.
Counties. No,
inhabitant
New-Kent
6,478
Russei
6,316
Norfolk county
13,679
Slienandoah
13,646
Northampton
7,474
Southampton
13,497
Northumberland
8,308
Spotsylvania
13,296
Nottoway-
9,278
StafFord
9,830
Nelson
9,684;
Surry
6,855
Ohio
8,175
Sussex
11,362
Orange
12,323
Tazewell
f.,007
Patrick
4,695
Warwick
1,8S5
Pendleton
4,.'i39
Washington
12,136
Pittsylvania
17,172
Westmoreland
8,152
Powhatan
8,072
Wood
3,0S6
Prince Edward
12,4C9
Wythe
8,356
Princes* Ann
9,498
York
5,187
Prince William
11,311
City of Richmond
9,735
Prince George
8,050
Norfolk borough
9,193
Randolph
2,854
Petersburg
5,668
Richmond county
6,214
Rockbridge
10,318
Total ^Uy^rW
974,62
Rockingham
1 2,7-53
A_
There were in Virginia, in 1800, 534,396 free inhabi-
tants, and 34-5,796 slaves.
Face of the Country. '1 he whole country below the head
of the tide waters, about 100 miles from the sea, is level,
and, from various appearances, seems to have been once
washed by the sea. It is intersected, in all directions, by
salt creeks and rivers, the heads of which form swamps
and marshes, often covered with water. The mountain-
ous regions commence about fifteen miles from the sea ;
and the mountains are disposed in ridges, one behind a-
nother, running nearly parallel with the sea coast.
Rivers and Canah. The Potomac rises in the Allegany
mountains, and has two principal branches, called the
North and South rivers both of which are navigable ma-
ny miles above their junction. About 80 miles further
down, the Potomac is joined by the Shenandoah, after
which it runs a southeast and south course to its estuary
in Chesapeak bay. The distance from the capes of Vir-
ginia to the termination of the tide waters, in this river, is
nearly 300 rniles. It is navigable for ships of the greatest
burden nearly that distance. It is 7^-mileswideatitsmouth.
The Shenandoah rises in Augusta county, and, after a
northeast course of 200 miles, joins the Patomac just be-
fore the passage of the latter through the Blue Ridge. It
is navigable 100 miles.
VIRGINIA. 187
The Rappahannoc rises ia the Blue Ridge, runs souih-
eastwardly 120 miles, and enters the Chesapeak between
Windmill and Stingray points. It is navigable 110 miles.
James river is formed by the junction of Jackson's and
Cowpasture rivers, and falls into the Chesapeak. It is
navigable for vessels of 125 tons, to Richmond. Near
this town, the navigation is obstructed by falls, round
which is a canal.
Appamattox is a large branch of James river, navigable
a considerable distance. A company is incorporated for
the purpose of making it navigable from Petersburg near-
ly to its source.
Nansemond river rises in Great Dismal Swamp, and
empties into James river. The Rivanna, another branch
of James river, is navigable for boats to Charlottesville.
York river, at Yorktown, affords the best harbor in the
state, for vessels of the largest size.
The Great Kanhawa, which empties into the Ohio, is a
river of considerable notes The Little Kanhawa affords
a navigation of ten miles only.
Mountains. The Allegany mountains, in their several
ridges, pass in a northeast and southwest direction through
this state. The height of these mountains has never been
estimated with exactness. They divide the waters of the
Atlantic from those of the Missisippi.
Soil and Productions. The soil of Virginia is various;
above the mountains, it produces large crops of wheat,
rye, oats, barley, buckwheat, Indian corn, flax, and hemp.
This country has aLo excellent meadows, which yield large
crops of grass. Between the Blue Ridge and tide water.
Is the tobacco country. Between the tide water and the
sea, the principal productions are Indian corn, oats and
peas. South of James river, cotton is raised in sufficient
quantity for home consumption. The southeastern coi^n-
ties produce cider and apple brandy in large quantities,
and export some of it. In some counties, they have plen-
ty of exquisite brandy, distilled from peaches, Vrhich grow
in great abundance upon the numerous iivs of the Ches-
apeak. Caves among the mountains have lately been
discovered, which yield salt petre, in such abundance,
that 500,000 pounds of it might be collected from them
annually.
188 VIRGINIA,
Horned, or neat cattle, are bred in great numbers in the
western counties of Virginia, where they have an extensive
range, and mild winters wiihout any permanent snows.
They run at large and multiply very fast.
The Virginians, being fond of pleasure, have taken great
pains to raise a good breed of horses, and have succeeded
in it beyond any of the states. Horse racing has a tenden-
cy to encourage the breeding of good horses, as it affords
an opportunity of putting them to the trial of their speed.
They are more elegant, and will perform more service
than the horses of the northern states.
Mines and Minerals. Virginia is thought to be the most
pregnant v/ith minerals and fossils of any state in the U-
nion. On the Great Kanhawa, are mines of lead, the ore
of which is sometimes mixed with earth and sometimes
vfith rock. Copper, iron, black lead, coal, marble, lime-
stone, &c are found in this state. Crystals are common.
Some amethysts and one emerald have been discovered.
Medicinal and Salt Springs. The most efficacious of these
are twd springs in Augusta, near the sources of James riv-
er, where it is called Jackson's river. They rise near the
foot of the Warm Spring mountain. One is distinguish-
ed by the name of the Warm Spring and the other of the
Hot Spring. The waters relieve rheumatisms. Other
complaints, of very different natures, have been removed
or lessened by them. It i-alns here four or five days in
every week.
On Potomac river, are medicinal springs, much more
frequented than those of Augusta ; but their powers are
less. Salt springs have been found in Greenbrier. By
digging, plenty of very strong salt water is lound. Near
Kanhawa court house, there is a salt spring, from which
considerable salt has been made.
* Manufactures and Commerce. The people of Virginia are
more attached to agriculture than to commerce or manu-
factures. They probably, hov/ever, manufacture three
quarters of their own clothing, There are considerable
manufacture^of cast and wrought iron, and also of lead ;
beside which, there are few others of consequence.
Tobacco and flour are the most important articles of
commerce in Virginia. Those of less consequence, are
VIRGINIA. 189.
tar, pitch, inrpentlne, corn, lumber, cotton, pit-coal, iron,
brandy, whiskey, and horses
Education. There aie three colleges in this state.
William and Mary, at Williamsburg ; Hampden Sidney,
in Prince Edward county ; and W^ashington college, at
I^exington. There are also several academies ; one at
Alexandria, one at Norfolk, one at Hanover, and others
in other places.
Chiif Towns. There are no townships in this state, nor
any towns of consequerice, o\vir;g probably to the inter-
section of the country by navigable rivers, which brings
the tiade to the doors of the inhabitants, and prevents the
necessity of their going in quest of it at a distance.
Norfolk contains 9183 inhabitants. This borough
will probably soon become the emporium for all the trade
of Chesapeak bay and its waters ; and a canal of 8 or 10
miles, which has been cut. will probably bring to it that
of Albermarle sound waters.
Richmond is the present seat of government, and stands
on the north side of Jarrres river. It contained, in 1810,
9735 inhabitants. The public buildings are an Episco-
pal church, state house, court house, and gaol. It had a
theatre, which in December, 1811, was burnt during dn
exhibition, and with it the governor of the state, and about
100 others, of the most respectable citizens
Petersburg, twen y-five miles south of Richmond, on.
the south side of Appomattox river, contains 5688 inhabi-
tants. It is very unhealthy, being shut from the access
cf the winds by high hills on every side. The celebrated
Indian queen, Pocahontas, from whom descended the
Randolph and Bowling families, formerly resided at this
place.
Williamsburg, sixty miles eastward of Richmond,
consists of about 200 houses, going fast to decay, and has
about 1500 inhabitants.
YoRKTowN, on the south side of York river, contains
about 700 inhabitants. It was rendered famous by the
capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, on the 19th of
October, 1781, by the united forces of America and
France.
Fredericksburg is on the south side of Rappahannoc
river, 110 miles from its mo.uth.
190 VIRGINIA.
Mount Vernon, the celebrated seat of the late Presi-
dent Washington, Is pleasantly situated on the Virginia
bank of the Potomac, where the river is nearly two miles
wide, and about 2S0 miles from the sea.
Curiosities. The description of all the natural curiosities,
in Virginia would fill a volume. Only the most noted
will here be mentioned.
In the low grounds of the Great Kanhawa, seven miles
above the mouth of ,lk river, is a hole in the earth of the
capacity of 30 or 40 gallons, fri'^i which issues constantly
a bituminous vapor, in so strong a current, as to give to
the sand about its orifice the motion which it has in a boil-
ing spring. On presenting a lighted candle ox torch with-
in eighteen inches of the hole, it flames up in a column
of eighteen inches diameter, and four or -five feet in height,
which sometimes burns out in twenty minutes, and at oili-
er times has been knou-n to continue three days, and then
has been left burning. The flame is unsteady, of the den-
sity of that of burning spiriis, and smells like burning pit-
coal. Water sometimes collects in the bason, which is re-
markably cold, and is kept in ebullition by the vapor. If
it be fired in that state, the water soon becomes so warm
that the hand cannot bear it, and evaporates wholly in a
short time.
There is an extraordinary spring, in the western part of
Virginia, called the Burning spring, it w^s known along
time to the hunters, who frequently encamped by it, for
the sake of obtaining good water. Some of them arrived
iate one night, and, after making a five, took a brand to
light them to the spiing. On their coming to it, some
fire dropped from the brand, and in an instant the water
was in a flame, and so continued ; over which they could
roast their meat as soon as by the greatest fire. It was
left in this situation and continued burning for thr'ee
months, without internjission. The fire xvas extinguished
by smothering it.
There are two springs high up the Potomac, one of
which has about the same degree of heat, as blood running
from the veins. The other issuing from the same toun-
tain, a little farther off, is as rematkable for its coldness,
as the first is for its heat, and diirers from common springs
in as many degrees,
VIRGINIA. 191
The inention of uncommon springs leads to that of sy-
phon fountains. 1 here is one of these near the North
hiountain on the stream of which is a grist mill, which
grinds two bushels of grain, at every flood of the spring.
Another, 17 miles from the Hot springs, intermits once in
every twelve hours.
After these may be mentioned the Natural well, in
Frederick county j it is somewnat larger than a common
well ; the water rises in it as near the surface of the earth
as iq(|thc neighboring artificial wells, and is of a depth as
yet unknown. It is said there is a current in it tending
sensibly downwards. In the lime stone country, there are
many caverns of very considerable extent. The most not-
ed is called Madison's cave, on the N. side of the Blue
ridge. It is in a hill of about 200 feet perpendicular
height, the ascent of which, on one side, is so steep, that
a biscuit may be pitched from its summit into the river
which washes its base. It extends into the earth about
300 feet, branching into subordinate caverns, and at length
terminates in two diiFerent placcs; at basons of water of
unknown extent, and which appear to be nearly on a level
with the water of the river. The vault of this cave is of
solid lime stone, from 20 to 50 feet high, through which
the water is continually exuding. This, trickling down
the sides of the cave, has encrusted them over in the form
of elegant drapery ; and diipping from the top of the
vault, generate on that, and on the base below, stalactites
of a conceal form, some of which have met and formed
massive columns.
Another of these cave; is in the county of Frederick, on
the top of an extensive ridge. After descending 30 or 40
i'eet, as into a well, the cave extends nearly horizontally,
400 feet into the earth, preserving a breadth of from 20 to
50 feet, and a height of from 5 to 1 2 feet.
At the Panther Gap, is what is called the Blowing cave.
It is in the side of a hill, and emits constantly a current of
air of such force, as to keep the weeds prostrate to the dis-
Uincc of 20 yards before it. This current is strongest in
dry, frosty weather, and in long spells of rain, weakest.
There is anodier blowing cave in the Cumberland moun-
tain. It is not constant, and a fountain cf water is&ues
from it.
192 KENTUCKY.
Near the Kanhawa, there ii a remarkable cave, extend-
ing entirely through the base of a high mountain, the dis-
tance of upwards of two miles. Persons have passed from
one side of llie mountain to the other, through this sub-
terraneous passage. The earth on the bottom of this
cave, is strongly impregnated with nitre ; and salt pelre,
in any quantity, may be made from it.
There a-e several natural bridges in Virginia, which are
sublime curiosities. The most remarkable is over Cedar
creek, a branch of James river. The channel, ovtr which
it stands, is on the side of a high hill. At the bridge, it i.s
200 feet in depth, 4-5 feet iu breadth, and 90 feet at the
top, which of course determines the height and length of
the bridge, which runs completely across. Its breadth is
60 feet, and its thickness, at the summit of the arch, 40
feet. It is a solid rock of limesiPne, covered with a deep
coat of earth, which gives grov/th to several large trees.
On anoiher branch of James river, is a remarkably beau-
tiful cascade, called the Falling Spring. The sheet of wa-
ter, which is 1 2 or 15 feet broad, falls over a perpendicular
rock, 200 feet high Between this sheet and the bottom,
people may walk across, untouched by the falling water.
Remains of ancient fortifications are thickly scattered
through the western parts of this state, embracing from 2
to 10 acres each.
The passage of the Potomac through the Blue ridge
is one of the most stupendous scenes imaginable; and is
worth a voyage across the Atlantic. Yet here, as in the
neighborhood ot the Natural Bridge, are people who have
passed their lives within half a dozen miles, and have nev-
er been to survey these monuments of war between rivers
and mountains, which must have shaken the earth itself
to its centre.
KENTUCKY.
Bmndarles. SENTUCKY is an interior state, lying
west of Virginia, which forms its eastern bramdary, aiid
to which it forn)eily belonged ; south it I.as the slate of
Tenr.p?-see ; west It has Cumberland river, and noi tlnvest
the Ohio river.
KENTUCKY.
l96
Extent. Kentucky is 250 miles long, and 200 broad,
extending from 8 to 15 west longitude, and From 36 30'
to 39^ 30' north latitude, containing 50,000 square miles.
Divisions and Population. This state is divided into 5^
counties.
Coimties.
Population.
Counties.
Population
Adair
6.011
Harden
7,531
Barrin
11,286
Hopkins
2,964
Boone
8,008
Jessamine
8,377
Bracken
f),706
Jefferson vg,-
Knox *
^ 13,399
Breckenridge
3,430
5,875
Bourbon
18,000
l^ivingston
3,674
Butler
2,181
Lewis
2,357
Bullet
4,311
Lincoln
8,676 '
Clarke
11,519
Lo^'an
12,123
Ca&ey
3,285
Mason
12,459
Campbell
3,473
Mercer
12,630
Christian
1 1 ,020
Madisoti
15,540
Cumberland
6,191
Muhlenhurg'
4,181
Clay
2;398
Montgomery
12,975
Caldwell
4,268
Nicholas
4,898
Estle
2,082
Nelson
14,078
Fayette
21,370
Ohio
3,792
Franklin
8,013
Pulaski
6,897
Fleming
8,947
Pendleton
2f,061
SFloyd
3,485
Rock v.astle
1,731
GalUtin
3,307
Scott
12,419
Greenup
2,369
Shebby
14,877
Green
6,735
Wayne
5,430
Grayson
2,301
Washington
18,248
Gerrard
9,186
Warren
11,937
Henry
6,777
Woodford
9,650
H<iTrison
7,752
Henderson
4,703
Total
406,51 1
Face of the Country, This country generally lies on a
bed of limestone, commonly eight feet below the surface,
except in vallies, where the soil is thinner. Along the
banlcs of the Ohio the land is hilly ; but in general it is
agreeably diversified with vallies and gentle ascending hills.
Rivers. The Ohio washes the northwestern side of
"Kentucky in its whole extent.
Sandy, Licking, and Kentucky rivers rise near each
other in the Cumberland mountains and fall into the Ohio.
Licking river runs 100 miles, and is 100 yards wide at
its mouth. Kentucky river is very crooked, and after a,
course of 200 miles, falls into the Ohio by a mouth 150
yards wide.
R
!9t KENTUCKY.
Salt river rises from four different sources, and empties
into the Ohio.
Green river pursues a western course of J 50 miles, and
falls into the Ohio by a mouth 80 yards wide.
Cumberland river, after rolling round the mountains in
Kentucky and Tennesee 450 miles, passes into the Ohio.
Soil and ProJuct'tons. The land on the banks of the riv-
ers is extremely fertile, and covered with timber, where it
is not cleared for agricultural purposes. Among the
trees are the sugar maple ; the coffee tree, which pro-
duces a seed similar to coffee ; the papaw ; thehackberry
and cucumber trees, which last bear a fruit resembling the
cucumber ; the honey locust, black mulberry, wild cher-
ry, the buckeye, and the magnolia. Such is the variety
and beauty of the flowering shrubs and plants which grow
spontaneously in this country, that at certain seasons the
u'ilderness appears in blossom. The accounts of the fer-
tility of the soil almost exceed belief. Wheat, rye, bar-
ley, and almost every kind of grain and cultivated vege-
table, are produced in luxuriance. Vineyards are plant-
ed in various parts of the state, and promise to be produc-
tive. Some cotton is raised, but is seldom brought to
perfection.
Minerals, Iron ore abounds in Kentucky. Copperas
and alum are also found here ; but our information on
this subject is very imperfect.
Salt Springs. There are five noted salt springs, or licks,
in Kentucky, some of which supply the country wilh salt.
The water is more strongly impregnated with salt than
lliat of the ocean.
Manufactures. There are few manufactures In this state,
except articles for domestic use. Iron and salt are the
principal. Considerable quantities of sugar are made
from tlae sugar trees. Paper and oil mills, and some val-
uable tanneries are erected in different paits.
Literature and Education. While Kentucky belonged to
Virginia, the legislature of thai state made provision for
a college. Another has since been established at Lex-
ington under the direction of a president, two professors
in the literary departments, three medical professors, and a
professor of law. It has a library of 3000 volumes, and a
TENNESSEE. 105
jwiilosophical apparatus, Sclioo!s are established in the
towns, and handbomely supported.
Chief Torvns. Frankfort, on the north bank cf Ken-
r.icky r!ver,1n \yashingtcn county, is the place where the
legislature and supreme couits hold Jicir sessions, and is
u flourishlnsj place.
L^xiNG I o><, on the head waters of Elkhorn river, Is tha
Targest town in Kentucky ; it has several manufactories,
five places for public woishtp, a court house, and a col-
leq^e before mentioned.
LovTsviLLE, seated near the rapids In Ohio river, is a
port of entry, and a place of considerable trade.
Curtoshhs. There are caves in Kentucky of several
miles in length, under a fine lime stone rock, supported by
curious arches and pillars.
Springs that emit sulphurous matter have been found
in several parts of the country. One is near a salt sgnn^^',
in the neighborhood of Boonsborough. There are three
springs or ponds of bit'?men near Green river, which do
not form a stream, but empty themselves into a common
reservoir, and when used in lamps, answer all the purpo-
ses of the best oil. Near Lexington are found curious
sepulchres full of human skeletons. A man near Lexing-
ton having dug five or six feet below the surface of the
ground, came to a large flat stone, under uhich was a
well of common depth, regularly and artificially stoned.
At the bottom of the falls in the Ohio, is a small rocky
island, overflown at high water, which, is remarkable for
its petrifactions. Wood, roots, and fish bones are found
petrified ; also a hornet's nest, a bird, and several fish.
TENNESSEE.
FORMERLY was the western part of Nortli Carolin?,
and was ceded by that state to the United States in 17^-9.
It was admitted into the Union as one of the states, in 1 796.
SUuatkn and Extent, Tennessee lies between '55 and 86
30' north latitude, and between 6" 3(/ and 15 30' v.-est
longitude ; 400 miles long, and 104- broad ; containing
'Jl-iOOO square miles.-
196 'TENNESSEE.
Boundaries, It Is, bounded north by Kentucky and Vir-
ginia ; east by North-Carolina ; south by Georgia and
the Missisippi Territory ; west by the Missisippi, wliich
separates it irom Louisiana.
Divisions ami Population. Tennessee is divided into five
districts, Washington, Hamilton, Mere, Robertson, and
Winchester, and 58 counties.
In 1 800 Tennessee had 105,602 inhabitants, of whom
13,584 were slaves; in 1810, '261,7'^7. of which 44^535
were slaves. The inhabitants chiefly emigrated from
Pennsylvania, and that part of Virginia that lies west of
the Blue Ridge. The ancestors of these people were gen-
erally of the Scotch nation ; some of whom emigrated lirsL
to Ireland and from thence to America. A few Germans
and English are intermixed.
Rivers. The principal rivers are the Missisippi, Ten-
nessee, Cumberland, Holston and Clinch. The tract call-
ed the Broken Ground, sends immediately into the Missi-
sippi, the Wolf, Hatchee, Eorked Deer, Obrian and Reel-
foot, which are from 30 to 80 yards wide at their mouths.
There are several smaller ones, and innumerable creeks,
some of which are navigable. There is hardly a spot in
this country, which is more than 20 miles from somenav-
jgable stream.
Mountains. The chief mountains are Stone, Yellowj
Iron, Bald, and Unaka, adjoining to one another, from
the eastern boundary of the state, and separate it from
North-Carolina ; their direction is nearly from northeast
to southwest. The other mountains are Clinch and Cum-
berland. It would require a volume to describe the
"mountains of this state, above half of which is covered
with those that are uninhabitable. Some of the-e moun-
tains, particularly the Cumber land or Great Laurel Ridgtv
are the most stupendous piles in the United States.
Soil and Productions. The soil is luxuriant, and will af-
ford every production, the growth of ary of the United
States. The usual crop of cotton is SOOibs. to the acre,
and of corn from 60 to 80, and sometimes 100 bushels.
It is asserted, however, that the lands on the small rivers
that empty into the Missisippi, have a decided preference
:o those on Cumberland river, for the production of cot-
ton, rice, and indigo. Of trees the general growth iv.
poplar, hickory, black and white walnut, all kinds of oaks,
buckeye, beech, sycamore, black and honey locust, ash,- j
hornbeam, elm, mulberry, cherry, dogwood, sassafras,
papaw, cucumber tree, and the sugar tree. The low
lands produce canes, some of which are upwards of 20
feet high, and so thick as to prevent any other plant from
growing.
Of herbs, roots, and shrubs, there are Virginia and Sen-
eca snakeroot, ginseng, angelica, spice wood, wild plum,
crab apple, sweet annise, red bud, ginger, spikenard, wild
hop and grape vines. The glades are covered with wild
rye, wild oats, clover, buftaloe grass, strawberries and
pea vines.
Mints and Minerals. Iron ore is abundant in the dis-
tricts of Washington and Hamilton. Gold and silver
mines arc said to ba known to the Indians, but none have
been discovered by the white people. Ores and springs
strongly impregnated with sulphur, are found in various
parts. Saltpetre caves are numerous.
Trade. This country furnishes all the valuable articles
of the southern states. Fine waggon and saddle horse?,
beef cattle, ginseng, deer skins and furs, cotton in great
quantities, hemp and flax, which are transpoittd by land;-
also iron, lumber, pork, and flour, exported down the
Mifsisippi.
Educalkn and LU':raiure. The inhabitants have paid
great attention to the interests of science ; beside private
schools, there are three colleges established by law ; Creen-
villc in Green county, Biount at Knoxville, and Washing-
ton in the cntuity of that name. The college in Green
county is flourishing under the direction oi a President and
Vice President. Here is likewise a " Society for promot-
ing Useful Knowledge." A taste fur literature is daily
increasing.
Ch;,fTGtv!r. Knoxvillk, bcautifiiliy situated on l!:c
llolsvon, is the seat of government in this state. It has
518 inliabltants.
Nashville is the place where courts -arc held for Me-
re district. It has two houses for pubh'c wo: ship, an a-
cademy, and 3 i'5 inhabitants.
JONESBOROUGH IS liK* SC'.lt of lilC Cv'-KtS ll^ld \\\ Was]^'-
R 2
inglon district. There are iew other towns of any- not
ia the state.
CurhsU'u's and /Inllquitus. The Enchanted Mountain^ so
called, about two miles south of Brasstown, is famed for
the curiosities on its rocks. There are on several rocks a
luimber of impressions resembling the tracks of turkeys,
bears, horses, and human beings, as visible and perfect as
they could be made an snow or sand. The latter were
remarkable for having six toes each ; one only excepted.
By this we must suppose the originals to have been the
progeny of 'I'itan or Anak. One of these tracks was very
large, ilie length of the foot 16 inches, and the distance of
the extremes of the outer toes 13 inches. One of the horse
tracks was likewise of an uncommon size, the transverse
and conjugate diameters, were 8 by 10 inches ; perhaps
the horse which the Great Warrior rode. What appears-'
the most in favor of tjieir being the real tracks of the an-
imals they represent, is'"the circumstance of a horse's foot
having apparently slipped several inches, and recovered
again, and the fignies having all the same direction, like
the trail of a company on a journey. It it be a lusus na-
ture, she never sported more seriously. If the operation
of chance, perhaps there never was more apparent design.
If it were done by art, it might be to perpetuate the re-
membrance of some remarkable event of war, or engage-
ment fougi-.t on the ground. The vast heaps of stones
near tlie place, suppos<.d to be tombs of warriors slain in
batile, seem to f^vor the supposition. The texture of the
rock is soft. The part on which the sun had the greatest
influence, and which was the most indurated, could easily
be cut with a knife, and appeared to be of the nature of
the pipe stone. Some of the Cherckees entertain an o-
pinion that it always rains when any person visits the
place, as if sympathetic nature v.-ept at the recollection of
tlie dreadful catastrophe, which those figures were intend-
ed to commemorate.
The country contains many cascades and caverns.
-Some of the caves are dry and abound with nitrous earth.
In others are found a vastvaiiety ot stalactites and other
petrifactions ; and in some, the adventurous visitar.t of
these dark recesses is stopped in his progress by a subter*
rancan brook or creek, which crosses the cavern.
NORTH- CAROL IN A.
1^9
- Indians. The Cherokee nation of Indians inhabit partly
ia Tennes-ce and partly in the Mtssisippi Territory. They
have been a numerous and waihke nation; but by con-
tinual wars, in which it has been their destiny to be en-
gaged with the northern tribes, they are reduced to about
1000 fighting men.
Under the instruction and wise management of the Rev.
Gideon Blackburn, a missionary, this nation is already far
advanced in the arts and manners of civilized .life.
NORTH-CAROLINA.
Extent. THIS state extends from S3 .TO to 36 30
north latitude, and from 1'^ to S^ wtst longitude ; 450
miles long and 180 broad. Containing 4,000 square
miles.
Boundaries. Bonn Jed north by Virginia; east by the
Atlantic Ocean ; south by Soudi Carolina ; west by Ten-
nessee.
Dl-vlilons and Populatkn. This state is divided into 62
counties ; each cou!ity is subdivided into towns
counties.
Moore
H.ivwood-
Eeaufort
Cabarras
Gates
Surry
Frr-.nklin
Washington
Curri'.uc
Green
Granville
Buncombe
Randolph
iMontgoniery
Burke
KiijjcconiLe
Beriie
W:irren
Columbus
Rutherford
Duplin
Rockingham
H.obtson
No. inhabitants,
6,367
2,780
7,03
6,158
5,9oo
10,3GS
lO.lCS
:3,464
6;9S.'5
4,867
] 5,576
9,277
io,n2
8,4!0
J 1 ,007
12,423
I J,21S
I I ,(X)4
3,022
J .-^,202
7,8G3
10,316
7,523
Counties.
Martin
Craven
Brunswick
Camden
Pitt
New-Hanover
Samp'-on
Carteret
Jones
Tyrel
Perquimons
Richmond
Halifax
Chatliam
Eiadcn
Wake
Stokes
Pa.^quotank
Cumberland
.V'orihampton
Wilks
A.ih
Lenoire
No. inhabitants.
5,987
12,376
4,778
5,347
9,169
11,465
6,520
4,823
4,968
3,364
6,052
15,620
12,997
.5,671
3 7,086
11,645
7,674
9,382
13,082
.'^,054
3,694
5,573
200
NORTH-CAROLINA.
Counties.
No. inhabitants.
Counties.
No.
inhabitant
Wayne
3,687
Johnson
6,867
Iredet
10,972
Chowan
5,297
Guildford
1 1 .420
Rowan
21,543
Anson
8,83 1
Hertford
6,052
Onslow
6,669
Hyde
6,029
Ciswell
H,757
Lincoln
i6,359
Person
6,642
Mecklenburg
14,272
Nash
7,268
20,1.^5
Total
Orange
555;500
Norih-Carolina contained, in 1800, 478,103 inhab-
itants; in 18!0, 563,526; viz. 361,283 free persons,
202,21-3 slaves. Increase in 10 years 85,4'23.
Face of thi Ccnntry. The sea coast of this state is uni-
formly level, and is principally covered with swamps and
forests. Sixty or eighty miles from the sea the country
rises into mountains.
Bays and Ccpcs. Albemarle sound is a kind of inland
sea, 60 miles long and 10 or 12 broad.
Pamlico sound is from 10 to 20 miles broad, communi-
cating with the Atlantic ocean by several small inlets, ihe"
cliief of which is Ocrccoc inlet, between Ocrecoc island
and Core Bank.
Core sound lies south of Pamlico, with which it has a
communication.
Cape Halteras, in latitude 35 \5', is surrounded with
dangerous bhoals and sand hanks
Cape Look-out is soutli of Cape Hatteras, opposite Core
Sound.
Cape Fear is remaikable for a dangerous shoal, called,
from its form, the Frying Pan. This shoal lies at the
entrance of Cape Fear river, in lat. 33" 32'.
Rh'crs. Chow.^n river is formed by the conf?ience of
Mcherrin, Notaway, and Black rivers, all of which rise in
Virginia It falls into Albemarle sound by a mouth
ih:eo miles wide.
Roanoke is a long rapid river, formed by Stanton river
from Virginia, and Dan river. It is navigable only frtr
shallops, and empties by several mouths into Albemarle
sound.
Pamlico or Tar river opens into Pamlico sound. It is
Tiavigable to Washington, 4-0 miles.
Ncuse river rises in Hillsborough, and after a winding
ourse of 500 miles faljs into Pamlico sound, by a mouth
NORTH CAROLINA. 201
flinc miles wide. It is navigable for large vessels to New-
bern, 70 miles.
Trent river from the southwest, fells into the Nense at,
Ne\vbeinand is navigable 12 miles above the town.
Cape Fear or Clarendon river opens to the sea at Cape
Fear. It is navigable for large vessels to Wilmington.
Haw and Deep rivers are its main branches.
Yadkin river originates among the Blue Ridges in Vir-
ginia. It is joined by the Uwharre ; the united streams
lake the name of Fedee river, and pass into Synth Carolina.
There are several other rivers of less note, among which
are Pasquotank, Perquimons, Little, Alligator, &c. which
flow into Albemarle sound. All the rivers of North-Car-
olina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, are navigable by any
vessel that can pass the bar at their mouths.
Sivamps. G.^eat Dismal Swamp is en the dividing line
between this state and Virginia. It covers 140,000 acres,
and has a lake in the middle, about 7 miles long, called
Drummond's Pond.
There is another swamp in Currituc county, south of
Albemarle sound, which is also called Dismal Swamp,
supposed to contain one of ihe most valuable rice estates
n America. In the centre is a lake II miles long and T
broad.
Soil and PrGiluctlons. The soil on the banks of the rivers
is fertile. Interspersed through the other parts are glades
of rich swamp and ridges of oak land, of an excellent soil.
Wheat, rye, barley, oats, flax and tobacco grow well in
the back country ; Indian corn and pulse of all kinds in
every part of the state. Cotton and hemp are considera-
bly cultivated. The forests in the low country universal-
ly consist of pitch pine, much superior to that of the north-
ern states, yielding pitch, tar, turpentine, and various kinds
of lumber. No country produces finer white and red oak
than the hi'ls of North-Carolina. The swamps abound
with cypress and bay trees ; the latter is an evergreen and
is food for cattle in the winter. The misleto is common
in the middle country. It is a shrub different from all
otliers, never growing out of the earth, but on the tops
of trees ; the roots run under the bark, of the tree, apd in-
corporate with iL
203 NORTH-CAROLINiak
The principal wild fruits are*p'iumsi strawberries, black*
- berries and grapes, from which a tolerable wine is madci
The country is gea^aliy covered wiili herbage and a
?pecies of wild grass It abounds with medicmal plants^
The rich bottom lands are overgrown with canes which
afford excellent food for cattle.
Mini's. il'ie county of Cab?,rras contains a gold mine,
which has furnished the mint of the' United Slates, with
virgin gold. The extent of the mine has not yet been as-
certained.
ATineral Springs. In several counties are mineral sprinps
of great medicinal virtue. They are impregnated chiefly
with sulphur, nitre, and the aerial acid, and are powerful
in removing cutaneous and scorbaiic complaints, and cor-
recliiiir inditjestions.
Maiiufaciures. Excellent iron is manufactured in this
state. Other manufactures are yet in their infancy.
Commerce. The produce of the back country is chiefly-
carried to South-CaroHna and Vnginia. The middle
counties generally trade at Fayetteville, the principal in-
land town. The exports from the lower parts, consist
ot tar, pitch, turpentine, rosin, corn, lumber, furs, tobac-
co, po) k, lard, tallow and wax. Their trade is chiefly to
the West-Indies and the northern states.
Fuhl'ic Improvements. A company is iiicorporated by the
concurring laws of this state and Virginia, to make a nav-
igable canal from the head of Pasquotank to Elizabeth
river, tJirough Gieat Dii^mal Swamp.
Individuals of Newbern have made a navigable canal
from the lake in the other dismal swamp to the head of
Skuppernong river, 5j miles.
Education. The geneial assembly of the state incorpo-
rated 40 gentlemen, five from each district, as trustees of
the University of North-Carolina. This university is
established at Chapel Hill, in Orange county ; it has a
professor of sciences, a professor of languages, ihiee tutors,
and 100 student-.
There are several very good academies ; one at War-
renton, one at Fayetteville, &c. '*
Cities and Chief 2'oivns. The city of Raleigh is the
.seat of government. The legislature of the state has ap-
propriated large sums for the purpose of erecting public
NORTH-CAROLINA. 203
buildings. In 1800, the city contained cnly about 81
kouses, but the number has since much increased.
NEWBt RN is the largest town in t^ state. It stands on
a sandy point of l.ind, formed by the c<influence of the
Neuse and Trent rivers, and contains 2467 inhabitants.
Eden TON stands on the north side of Albemarle sound,
containing l.;0 indifferent wood houses, with a few hand-
some buildings, and has 1302 inhabitants.
Wilmington is a town of SOO houses, and 1689 inhab-
itants, standing on the east side of the eastern branch of
Cape Fear river, 34- miles from the sea.
Hiti-sBOROUGH is a pleasant inland town, 180 miles
northwest from Newbern, with ^T^ inhabitants.
Salisbury Is agreeably situated near Yadkin river,
with 645 inhabitants.
Fayettevills, the largest inland commercial town in
the state, is on the west side of Cape Fear river, which is
navigable to this place, and has 1656 inhabitants.
Halifax, on the banks of the Roanoke; Washing-
ton, in the county of Beaufort ; Greensville, so called
after Gen. Green, in Pitt county; and Tarborough in
Edgecomb county, are the other chief towns.
Curiosities. The Arrarat, or Pilot Mountain, draws the
attention of every curious traveller, in this part of the
state. It i's discernible at the distance of 60 or 70 miles,
overlooking the country below. It was anciently called
the Pilot, by the Indians, as it served them for a beacon,
to conduct their routes. On approaching it a grand dis-
play of nature's workmanship, in a rude dress, is exhibited.
From its broad base, the mountain rises in easy ascent,
like a pyramid, near a mile high, to where it is not more
than the area of an acre broad ; when, on a sudden, a
Tast stupendous rock, having the appearance of a large
castle, with its battlements, erects its perpendicular height
to upwards of 300 feet, and terminates in a flat, which is
generally as level as a floor. To ascend this precipice,
there is only one way, which, through cavities and Bssuics
of the rock, is with some diflicuty and danger effected,
when on the summit, the eye is entertained with a vast
delightful prospect of the Apalachian mountains, on the
north, and a wide extended level country below, on he
sbatii ; vhik the streams of the Yadkin and Dan, on the
204>
SOUTH-CAROLINA.
right and left hand, are discovered at several distant pli-
ces, winding tlieir way, through the fertile low grounds,
towards the ocean. ^
SOUTH-CAKOLINA.
ISxient. SOUTH-CAROLIN A extends from thirty-
two to thirty-five degrees north latitude, and from four
to nine degrees west longitude ; 200 miles long and 125
broad, containing 24,000 square miles.
Boundaries. Bounded no-rth by North- Carolina ; east
by the Atlantic ocean ; south and southwest by Georgia.
In form this state nearly resembles a triangle, which ex-
tends along the Atlanti<: ocean more than 200 miles ;
-Georgia on the south, and Ncrth-Carollna on the north,
approximate to eacJi other aboiit 300 miles from the sea-
coast, so as nearly to foriti an angle inclosing the whole
state.
Divisions and Popu/aflan. This state is naturally divided
into what is termed Upper and Lower Country. Its civil
divisions are the following 28 districts, the subdivisions of
which are, in some, called p. rishes in others counties.
Districts. No. inhabitants.
Districts.
No.
inhabitants.
Charleston
C;:,i7d
Lancafter
6,318
Chester
11,479
Edgefield
23,I0
Spartanburgli
14, 2.'-) 9
Georgetown^
15,679
Laurens
J 4,982
Horry
5
4,349
Marlborough^
4,966
Barnwell
12,280
Darlington V
9,047
Abbeville
21,156
Chesterfield J
5,564
Ker.<;haw
9,867
Union
1Q,995
Greenville
JS.ISS
Fairfield
11,857
Sumpter
19P54
Pendleton
22,897
Beaufort
25,887
Newberry
13,964
York
10,032
Marion
8,884
Richland
9,02'?
Lexington "y
6,641
Colleton
26,359
Vi'illiamsbiir^n C
O angeburgh j
6,B71
13,229
Total
415,115
Face of the Country. The whole state to the distance
of 100 miles from the sea, is low and level, almost without
a stone, and abounds with swamps and marshes. Abofit
14 miles west of Charleston, is a tract of high land.
SOUTH-CAROLINA. 205
called The RiJge, beyond which the land continues risirgj
from hills to mountains, to the western terminating point
of the state.
Jjays and Harbors. The only harbors of note, are those
of Charleston, Port Royal, or Beaufort, and Georgetown.
Charleston harbor is spacious and convenient, formt-d 'uy
the junction of Ashley and Cooper rivers. Winyau Bay
is formed by the union of Pedee and several smaller rivers,
and communicates with the ocean, twelve miles below
Georgetown.
Rivers and Bridges. The river Savannah washes the
whole extent of this state, from nortluvcst to southeast.
The EdistG rises in two branches, from the ridge already
mentioned, in the interior of the state.
Santee is the largest and longest river in the state. It
empties into the ocean by two mouths, south of George-
town. A.bout 120 miles from the mouth, it branches in-
to the Congaree and Wateree. The latter is also called
the Catabav.'.
Pedee river rises in North Carolina, wliere it is called
the Yadkin, and falls into Winyau bay, at Georgetown.
The rivers of a secondary size, are Wakkama, Black
river, Ashley, Cooper, Ashepoo, and Combahee.
Over Ashley river, at Charleston, was completed a
bridge, in 1810, 2100 feet in length, and including the
causeway, nearly a mile, SO feet wide. The principal ar-
chitect was Mr William Mills, of Massachusetts. Anoth-
er w.is built over the Congaree, which has been carried
avv.iy by a flood.
Soil and Prodiicfions. The soil is of various kinds, well
suited to the production of grain, nasture, and timber. In
the low country is cultivated Indian corn, and in the back
eountry, tobac. -i, wheat, rye, barley, oats, hemp flax, cot-
ton and silk. They have oranges and figs, a few lime
and lemon trees, pomegranates, pears, and p e;)c])es. 1 he
wster melon is r.ii'.ed here in ptrftctvui. This st.ite pro-
duces a great variety of medicinal he)bs, and roots, and
uncommon trees, too numerous to be noticed in ihis wc^rk.
The whole country is overrun with spontaneous grapes.
Minerals and Fossils. This cf)Untiy abounds with pre-
cious ores, ^uch. as ^oid, siher, lead, and biack lead, top-
per, and iron. 1 here are likewise to be found pellucid
206 SOUTH-CAROLINA.
stones of different hues ; rock crystal, pyrites, petrified
iubstances, coarse cornelian, marble beamifully variegat-
ed, vlireous stones, and viireous sand ; red and yellow
ochres, pottei's clayof a most delicate texture, fuller's earth,
and a number of dye-stuffs ; likewise an abundance of
chaik. crude alum, sulphur, nitre, vitriol, and along the
banks of rivers large quantities of marie maybe collected.
Manufactures. In the middle and .upper districts, the
people manufacture tlieir ov.n cotton and woollen cloths,
and mosL of iheir implements of husbandry. The manu-
faeture of indigo is important and productive. Large
quantities of iron are made in some parts.
Commerce. The principal articles exported from this
slate, are rice, cotton, tobacco, skins of various kinds,
pitch, tar, rosin, turpentine, myrtle wax, lumber, naval
stores, cork, leather, pink root, snake root, ginger, &c.
In the most successful seasons, there have been 140,000
barrels of rice exported. Formerly, 1,300,000 pounds of
indigo were exported in one year from this state. None
is now cultivated. Cotton has laken its place.
Pul'ic Improvements. Under this head, beside the bridg-
es already noticed, may be mentioned a canal, uniting the
Santee with Cooper's river, 21 miles long, of vast utility.
Other canals are in forwardness, designed to connect
tlie Edisto with the Ashley, and the Savannah with the
Edisto.
A road from Soutii-Carolina to Knoxville in Tennessee,
icross the mountains, is opening under the patronage ot
the legislatures of the two states.
Customs and Manners. The Carolinians are generally
affable and easy in their manners, and polite and attentive
\o strangers. The ladies want the bloom of the north, but
^ave an engaging solcness and delicacy in their appear-
vmce and manners.
Hunting is the most fashionable amuscmient in this state.
A-t this, the country gentlemen are extrem.ely expert, and
with surprising dexterity pursue their game through th-e
woods. Gaming is more uisccuntenarced among fash-
ionable people in this, than in any of the other southern
states. T\\ ice a year statedly, a class of sportive gentle-
man, in this and the r.e-gliboring states, have their hcrte
races.
SOUTH-CAROLINA. 207
Likraiare and Education. Literature has not made such
rapid advances in this, as in the northern states. Many
gentlemen now send their sons to New- England for their
education.
There are several useful literary institutions in Charles-
ton, one at Beaufort, and several others in different parts
Oi the stale. Three colleges have lately been incorporat-
ed by law ; one at Charleston, one at Wiiinsborough, the
other at Cambridge. Tiie Mount Sion college at Winns-
borough is supported by a respectable socieiy of gentle-
men, who have long been incorporated. This institution
flourishes, and bids fair for usefulness. The college at
Camlirldge is no more than a grammar school. That
the literature of this st;ite might be put upon a respectable
footing noihhig is wanted hut a spiiitof enterprise among
its wealthy inhabitants. S outh-Camlina college is estab-
libheJ at Columbia, whicli is a respectable thriving insti-
tution, patronized by the state, who gave 50,000 dollars
toward erecting buildings, and 6000 dollars per annum
lor the support of the faculty.
Charltjl!i and other S'.cielh's. These are the Orphan House,
South Carolina Mount Sion, Library, and St. C^^cilia So-
cieties a society for the relief of the widows and orphans
of clergymen, two Bible societies, one at Charleston, the
other at Beaufort, a Missionary society, aMedicil society,
a Musical society, and a society for the ir.formation and
assistance of persons emigrating from foreign countilcs,
and the South-Carolina Agricultural society. At Beau-
fort on St. Helena are several chaiitable societies, design-
ed principally for the education of poor children.
Citii's and Toivns. 'Vhe city of Charleston, much the
largj,t in the state, stands on the point of land formed bv
the cor.fluence of .Ihhley and Cooper rivers. It contains
2-l-,71 1 inhabitants, and in point of numbers, ranks as tl;e
fifth city in the United States. The public buildings aio
an exchange, state house, theatre, ar.mory, p^or house,
3 churches for Lpiscop.ilians, 2 for Congregatlonalists, V,
for Prcbbyterians, 1 for Baptists, 2 for German Lutherans,
2 for the Methodists, 1 for French Protestants, 1 for Oua-
kers, 1 Roman Catholic Chapel, and a Jewish synagogue.
Charleston is divided into thirteen wards, wiiich choo.?f
as many wardens, from among whom the citi'/cr.': e!ecl a:.
208 SOUTH-CAROLINA.
Intendant of the city. 'Die Intendant and Wardens form
the city council, who have power to make and enforce by-
laws fur the regulation of the city.
Beau FORT, on Port Royal Island, is a pleasant little town
of about 120 houses. Tlie Episcopalians, Congrcgarion-
alisis, and Baptists, have each a house for public worship,
iiere is a Library society, who have above 1000 well se-
lected books. Here is a colletje and grammar school,
i ne tunds of the college amount to about 7i),000 dollars.
Columbia, the seat of government stands just below
the junction of Saiuda and Broad rivers, on the Conga-
ree." The puf)lic offices liave, however, in some instances,
been divided, for the accommodation of the inhabitanio
of the lower counues, and a branch of each retained in
Ciiarieston. Thi: college aJdi importance to this place
Camden", on the Wateree, northwest of Santee hills, is
regularly built, upon a good plan ; but a small part of it
only is yet executed.
PiTRYsBu?,G is a hilly village, 17 miles above Savann:fh,
Oil the north bank of tlie river of the same name.
Jack SON BOROUGH, Orangeburg, Winng borough, and
C^MB^iuGE are all inconsiderable villages of from 'SO to
(jO it '.veiling houses.
Indims. I'he Catabaws are the only nation of Indians
in this state. They have but one town, called Catabaw,
:5'tuated on Cata'.jaw river, which contains about \50 in-
habitants, of whom 150 are fighting men.
hlavAs. Tlie sea coast is bordered with a chain of fine
i,aa isl.md::, aronnd which the se.i flows, opening an excel-
lent in'and n^.vigation for the conveyance of produce to
market. The principal of these are Bull's, Dewee's, and
.S^iliivan's islands, which form the north part of Charles-
ton harbor. James, John's Wadmelav/, Port Royal, St.
Helena, Laly's, Paris, and the Hunung Islands, five or
si\ in number, Hilton's iriead, Plnkney's, Bull's, Dawfus-
kies, and som^^ smaller islands
The soil of these islands i: -incrally better adapted to
the culture of cotton, than th- main, and less suited to rice.
The natural gtowih is the live oak, which is excellent for
ship timbers ; and the palmetto, or cabbage tree, the utilir
ty of vvliich in the construction of forts, was experienced
durin": the late war.
GEORGIA.
i09
GEORGIA.
Extent. THE'State of Georgia, so called in honor oi
King George II. of England, extends from 31 to 35''
N, latitude, and from 5 to 10 40' W. longitude, 260
miles long, and 250 broad.
Boundaries. It is bounded east by the Atlantic ocean ;
south by Florida ; west by the Missisippi territory j noith
and northeast by South-Carolina.
Divisions and Population. That part of the slate wliich
has been laid out in counties, is divided into four districts,
Eastern, Middle, Western, and Southern, which, in 1810,
were subdivided into 38 counties.
Counties.
Population.
Counties.
PopulatioB.
Wayne
61<J
Clarke
7,628
Camden
3,941
Jackson
10,569
Glynn
3,417
Franklin
10,815
M'lutosh
3,739
Elbert
12,]5G
Liberty
6,228
Lincoln
4,555
Bryan
2,827
Wilkes
14,887
Bulloch
2,30.5
Walton
1 ,026
EfTiiigham
2,586
Jones
8,597
Chatham
3,540
Randolph
7 573
Columbia
11,242
JVIorjran
8,369
Warren
8,7 25
Greene
1 1,629
Jefferson
6,11 I
Putnam
16,079
Burke
10,858
Baldwin
6,356-
Scrivca
4,447
Wilkinson
2,154
Washington
9,940
Laurens
2,218
Montgomery
2,954
TeU'air
744
Tatnal
2,206
Pulaski
2,098
Richmond
6,189
Twiggs
8,405
Hiincciclc
13,330
Ojjlethorpe
12,'297
1
'otal 452,433
Face of the Country. The eastern pai t of the state is per-
fectly level, witliout a hill or stone. Fif.:y miles from the
sea, the land is moie uneven. I he ridges rise one above
another into hills, and the hills successively increase in
height, till they finally terminate in mountuns. That
vast chain of mountains, which commences with the Katts
Kill, near Hudson river, i;i t!u- stat^ of Nev/-York, known
by the name of tlie Allegany and Apalachain mountain';-
S 2
210 GEORGIA.
terminates in this state, about 60 miles south of its north-
ern boundary.
Rivers. Savannah river divides this state from South-
Carolina. It is formed principally by the Tugulo and
Keowee, which spring from the mountains It is navi-
gable for large vessels to Savannah, and for boats to Au-
gusta.
Ogechee river, south of the Savannah, is smaller, and
nearly parallel with it in its course.
Alatamaha has its source in the Cherokee mountains,
near the head of Tugulo ; thence it descends through the
hilly country, with all its co:laieral branches, and winds
rapidly among the hills 250 miles, and then enters the flat,
plain country, by the name of the Oakmulge ; thence,
meandering ISO miles, it is joined on the east side by the
Ocone, which likewise heads in the lower ridges of the
mountains. After this confluence, hijving gained a vast
acquisition of water, it assumes the name of Alatamaha,
when it become* a large, majestic river, flowing wiih gen-
tle windings through a vast plain forei:t, nearly 100 miles,
and enters the Atlantic by several mouths.
Turtle river. Little Sitilla, or St. lUe, Great Sitilla,
Crooked river, and St. Mary's, form a part of the southern
boundary of the United States. St. Mary's river has its
source from a vast lake, or rather marsh, called Ouaquaph-
anoqua, and fl )ws through a vast plain, and pine forest,
about 150 miles to the ocean, with which it communi-
cates between the points of Amelia and Talberi's islands.
and is navigable for vessels of considerable burden ninety
miles.
Lakes and Sivamps. The lake, or rather marsh, called
Ouaquaphanoqua, lies between Flint and Oakmulge riv-
ers, and is 180 miles in circumference. It is 60 miles long
from east to west, and 40 broad. From it issues the St.
Mary's and Juan's rivers.
Sixteen miles from the mouth of Broad river, on its S.
side, is Goose pond, a tract of about \^Q acics, covered
with living water about two feet deep. It di^^.charges in-
to the river, and is fed by two springs
Soil and Productions. These are not matei sally different
from those of South-Carolina. RicC;, cotton, tobacco, silk,
corn, potatoes, oranges, figs, pomegranates; ^;c. are pro-
GEORGIA. 2U
Juced by culture. Cotton and rice are the staple com-
modities.
Medicinal Springs. In the county of Wilkes, is a medic-
inal spring, which rises from a hollow tree. The inside
of the tree is covered with a coat of matter, an inch thick,
and the leaves around the spring are incrusted with a sub-
stance as wliite as snow.
Cobb's mineral springs, in the county of Jefferson, are
famed for their medicinal virtue, and are much frequent-
ed. Thirty or forty houses, or cabins of logs, are built
for the accommodation of visitants.
Commerce and Manufactures. The chief articles of export
are rice, tobacco, sago, lumber of various kinds, naval
stores, leather, deer skins, snakeroot, myrtle and bees wax,
corn and live stock. The planters and farmers raise large
stocks of cattle. In return for the enumerated exports,
are imported West-India gocds, teas, wines, various arti-
cles of clothing, and dry goods ol all kinds ; from the north-
ern states, cheese, fish, poiatf^s, apples, cider, and shoes.
The people in the lower counties manufacture none of
their clothing, either for themselves or their negroes. For
their wearing apparelar.d husbandry utensils, they are de-
pendent on their merchants, who import ihem from Great-
Britain and the northern states.
Education. The literature of this state, which is yet in
its infancy, is commencing on a plan which affords the
most fialteri'g prospects. A seminary, with ample and
liberal endowments, is instituted and organized at Athens,
near tlie centre of the state. An academy in each county
is also to be supported from tlie same institution, under
the general superinlendance and direction of a president
and board of trustees, appointed for their literary ac-
complishments, from the different parts of the state, in-
vested with the customary powers of corporations. The
institution, thus composed, is denominated The University
t>f Georgia.
Societifs. There is a medical society in this state, called
the Georgia Medical society, a Bible society, Female Asy-
lum, Union society, for the eduration of orphan male chil-
dren, an Agricultural society, and a pubiic library.
Chief To'wns, Milledg t vi lle, che seat of government,
is ii> Baldwin county, on the b. W. bank of tlie Ocone,
212 GEORGIA.
160 miles N. N. W. of Savannah, containing 124G inhab-
itants.
Savannah is the largest town in the state. It stands
on a sandy bluff, 40 feet above low water mark, on the S.
side of Savannah river, 18 miles from the bar. It is reg-
ularly built in the form of a parallelogram, and had, in
1810, 2490 white inhabitants, 2 i 95 slaves, 330 free blacks ;
in all 5215. It has eight places for public worship, a
Presbyterian, Episcopal Lutheran, Baptist, Roman Cath-
olic, one for the blacks, who have a church of 1400 com-
municants, and a Jewish Synagogue.
Augusta, on Savannah river, 144 miles from the sea,
and 127 northwest of Savannah, has 2476 inhabitant;*.
Sun BURY is a small sea-port town, 40 miles south ward
of Savannah, and has a safe and convenient harbor.
Brunswick, in Glynn county, at the mouth of Tur-
tle river, at which place this river empties itself into St.
Simon's sound. Brunsvvick has a safe and capacious
harbor.
Frederica, on the island of St. Simon, is the first town
that was built in Georgia, and was founded by General
Oglethorpe.
Athens is the seat of the University of Georgia, and
capital of Clarke county, near Louisville.
Curiosities. One of the greatest curiosities in this stale
is the bank of oyster-shells in the vicinity of Augusta, 90
miles from the sea. Oyster-sbells are found here in such
quantities, that the planters carry them away for the pur-
pose of making lime, which they use in the manufacture of
indigo. There are thousands of tons still remaining.
The circumstance of these shells being found in such quan-
tities at such a distance from the sea, can be rationally ac-
counted for in no other v/ay, than by supposing that the
ocean formerly flowed near this place, and has since, from
some unknown cause, receded to its present limits. It is
generally believed that all the flat country in the southern
states and Florida, was once covered by the ocean.
On the banks of Little river, in the upper part of the
state, are several curious and stupendous monuments of the
power and industry of th'j ancient inhabi'cants of this coun-
try. Here are also traces of a large Indian town.
MISSISIPPI. 213
Ifuilans. The Muskogee or Crsek Indians inhabit the
middle prirt of this state, and are the most nuinerous tribe
of' Indians of any within the limits of the United States.
Their whole number is about 2 ),000 souls, of whom be-
tween 5 and 6U00 are gun men. They are a hardy, saga-
cious, polite people, extremely jealous of their rights.
They are settled in a h!ily,but not mountainous country.
The soil is Iruitful in a high degree, and well watered, a-
boundin'jj in creeks and rivulets, irom whence they are
called the Creek In.dians.
Tiie Choctav.'s, or Flat Heads, in/iabit a very fine,
and extensive country, between the Alabama and Missi-
sippi livers, in the western part of this st'ate. I'his nation
bad, not nrianf years ago, 43 towns and villages, contain-
inar 12,123 sOiils of which 4', Oil were fifrhtint^ men.
file Chickasaws are settled at the head waters of the
Tombekbee, Ivlubile, and Yazoo rivers, in the northwest
corner ol the .-tate. They have seven towns. The num-
ber of souls w. this nation has been reckoned at 1725, of
which 575 are hghling men.
lilanJs. i'he chief islands on the coast of Georgia are
Skiddaway, Wassaw, Ossabaw, St. Calherine's, Frederica,
Jekyl, Cumberland, and Amelia. The latter is wahin the
bounds of East Florida. On Cum erland island, is the
splendid and deiightful seat of Mrs. Miller, widow of the
celebrated General Greene. i'hese islands are surround-
ed by n ivigable creeks, between which, and the main
land is a large e.xtent of ,salt m-irsh, fronting the whole
state, four or five miles in breadth, intersected with creeks
in various directions. The islands have an excellent soil,
which yields, by cultivation, large crops of cotton, corn,
and potatoes.
THE MISSISIPPI TERRITORY
LIES west of the stale of Georgia, and is bounded oa
the north by Tennessee ; west by Missisippi river, which
separates it from Louisiana ; south by West Florida. Of
this territory, the legislature of Georgia sold, in 1795, a-
bout tv.'enty-two miiliqris of acres, to four different compa
214 MISSISIPPI.
nies. The lands have since been sold by the original pur-
chasers, chiefly in the middle and eastern states. In 1796,
the legislature of Georgia declared the laws of the preced-
ing year, null and void ; and ordered the act, authorising
the sale of the Western Territory, tOQ;ether witli all the
records relating to it, to he formally burnt, which was done
in presence of the legislative body.
This territory, now erected into a disLinct government,
is divided into 1 1 counties, v.'bose population, according
lo the census of IfilO, w.is as follovvs :
Counties.
Population.
Counties.
Populi'.tion.
Adams
10,002
Jeireraon
4,001
Ealdwin
1,427
Washington
2,920
Amite
4,750'
Warren
1,1 14
Claiborne
3,102
Wnyiie
1,253
Franklin
2,M6
Wilkinson
5,0G8-
Madisoa
4,699
Total 40,352
A considerable portion of the territory is inhabited by
tlie Creek, Cliickasiiw, and Ciioctaw Indians, mentioned
in thie description of Georgia.
It is intersected by a great number of rivers, running in
every direction, the principal of which, are the Yazoo and
Loosa Chitto, which fall into the Missisippi ; Pearl, Pas-
cagoula, Mobile, Alabama, Tombekbee, Escambia, and
Chatta Hatcha, which empty into the Gulf of Mexico ;
and the Tennessee, which falls into the Ohio.
The soil produces in great abundance, Indian corn, rice,
hemp, flax, indigo, cotton, pulse of every kind, and pas-
turage ; and the tobacco made here is esteemed preferable
to any cultivated in any other parts of America. Hops
grow v/ild ; all kinds of European fruits arrive to great
p.'rfcction.
The climate is healthy and temperate ; the country de-
lightful and well watered ; the prospects beautiful and
extensive, variegated by many inequalities and fine mead-
ows separated by innumerable copses, the trees of which
are of different kinds, but mostly of walnut and oak.
The rising grounds, which are clothed with grass and oth-
er herbs of the finest verdure, are properly disposed for the
culture of vines ; the mulberry trees arc very numerous,
and the winters sufficiently moderate for the breeding of
silk- worms.
LOUISIANA. 215
Clays of different colors, fit for glass works and pottery,
are found here in great abundance ; and also a variety of
stately timber, fit for house'and ship building, &c.
Natchez, on the east bank of the Missisippi, is the
capital of this territory, and including St. Catharine's,
contained in 1810, 151 i inhabitants: of these, 833 were
slaves. Jefferson, In Washington county, contained 437
inhabitants. Shamburg and Steele, in this county, were
equally populous Coles Creek, and Bale Palrre, in the
-county of Pickering, Sandy and Second creeks and Homo
Chitto, in Adams county, are the best settled parts of this
new country.
On the head waters of the Mobile are found oyster-
shells. They are of an astonishing size, and in such
quantities as to forbid the idea of their being carried there
from the sea, which is 300 miles distant. The Chicka-
saws say they were there when their fathers came into the
country. They use the shells in making earthen ware.
LOUISIANA.
THE boundaries of Louisiana are not settled ; its ex-
tent, of course, cannot be ascertained. It is estimated,
however, to contain nearly a million square miles.
Divisions. Louisiana is divided into two governments,
the slate of Louisiana., and the territory of Louisiana.
The state of Louisiana comprehends,
1. The country between the Pcrdido on the E. the
Missisippi on ihe W. the Ibberville and the gulf on the S.
and the Missisippi territory on the N.
2. The island of Orleans, which is the tract of land
lying between tlie Missisippi on the S. W. and the Ibber-
ville and lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain, on the N. E.
The Ibberville is a bayau or arm of the Missisippi, vihich^
loaves It on the E. 20S nnles from its mouth, according to
tlie course of the river, and flows through lakes Maurepas
and Ponchartrain, to the gu'f of Mexico. The island
stretclics from K. S. K. to W. N. W. in a straight Ijnc,
about IGO mills. U^ brendth varies from 6 to 25 mile?.
216 LOUISIANA.
3. All the territory W. of theMissisippi and S. of lati-
tude 33.
The territory of Louisiana comprehends all the country
W. of the Missisippi and N of latitude 33.
The former is bounded N. by Louisiana and Missisippi
territories ; E. by the Missisippi and the Perdido ; JS. by
the gulf of Mexico ; and W by -Mexico.
The latter has Mexico on the W. ; the state of Louisi-
ana on the S. ; the Missisippi, which separates it from the
Missisippi territory, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois ter-
ritory, on the E. ; and unexplored regions on the N.
Rivers. Louisiana is watered by Red river, the Arkan-
sas, St Francis, and the Missouri, with a vast number of
smaller streams, which fall into these, or the Missisippi.
Climate. During the winter the weather is very change-
able. In summer it is regularly hot. The climate ''aries
in proportion as it extends northward. The southern
parts, lying within the reach of sea breezes, are not scorch-
ed like those countries under the same latitudes in Africa,
and its northern regions are colder than those of Europe
in corresponding latitudes, with a wholesome serene air.
Soil and Produelions. The soil of Louisiana in many parts
is rich and fertile beyond description. In its natural state
it is covered with mulberry, locust, sassafras, walnut,
hickory, dog-wood, oak, ash, &c. with grape vines run-
ning up almost every tree. The face of the country is
interspersed with large prairies, pjoducing grass, flower-
ing plants, and strawberries ; and with cane swamps of a
hundred, and some of a tliousand acres. To judge of the
produce to be expected from the soil of Louisiana, when
cultivated, we must turn our eyes to Egypt, Arabia Fe-
lix, Persia, India, China and Japan, all lying in the same
latitudes.
Minerals. Above the Nachitoches is a rich silver mine.
Lead, and iron ore, pit-coal, marble, slate, and plaister of ^
Paris are found.
CGtnmerce. The exports of Louisiana are sugar, cotton,
indigo, rice, furs and peltry, lumber, tar, pitch, lead, flour,
horses, and cattle.
From Jst January to 30th September, 1804, the exports
fwm New- Orleans amounted to 1,600,362 dollars.
SPANISH AMERICA. 217
Population. The number of inhabitants in this immense
country, exclusive of Indians, was reckoned in 1800 at
about 60,000 of whom about 13,000 were slaves. In
1810 the whole population was 97j4'01.
The number of militia was about ten thousand men.
The inhabitants of Louisiana are chiefly the descendants
af the French and Canadians. There are many English
and Americans in New-Orleans.
Learning. There are a few private schools for children.
Not more than half of the inhabitants are supposed to be
able to read and write. In general the learning of the
-inhabitants does not extend beyond those two arts.
Chief Towns. New-Orleans is the capital of Louisia-
na It stands on the eastern bank of the Missisippi river,
ninety. five miles from its mouth, and has great advantages
for trade. Before the late cession of Louisiana, to the
United States, the inhabitants were principally of Trench
extraction The officers of government and the troops
were entirely Spanish. Intermixed with these are now a
great number of Americans. The inhabitants amount to
SijSa^, of u'hom K^BS-l- are slaves.
There are also a number of Indians, which are wretch-
ed outcasts from the Tunica, Alibama, Chittemachcs, and
Atacapas tribes, residing in the vicinity of the town.
They go chiefly naked, and exhibit daily the most disgust-
ing scenes of riot, intoxication, and debauchery. New-
Orleans, in tlie licentiousness of its morals, rivals the cor-
ruptions of the old world.
St. Lou.s is a village of 200 houses, beautifully situat-
ed on the Missisippi, li miles below the Missouri, in lat.
38 18 N. Considerable settlements are made on the
banks of the latter river for several hundred miles. This
town and its districts contains 5667 inhabitants.
St. Genevieve, 73 miles below St. Louis, is the store-
house of the mines in its neighborhood. Population, with
its district, 4620.
SPANISH AMERICA.
ALL the southern part of the North-American c
ent belongs to Spain, by whom it was conquered and
T
218 FLORIDA.
onized soon after the discovery of the New World. This
immense territory is bounded on the souib by the isthmus
of Darien ; on the west by the Pacific ocean ; north by
unknown regions ; east by Louisiana and the gulf of
Mexico. It extends in a direction nearly northwest and
southeast from 9 to 40 north latitude, and spreads between
the 5th and 50th degrees of west longitude.
In describing the Spanish dominions of North- America,
It will be proper to consider them in two grand divisions,
Florida and Mexico.
FLORIDA.
IN consequence of Louisiana becoming a part of the
United States, Florida is cut off from the other Spanish
provinces. It lies east of the Missisippi, and south of the
state of Georgia, being limited on the east and south by
the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Its length is
about 600 miles ; its medium breadth not more than 150.
It is yet undetermined whether that part of it, denominat-
ed West Florida, is included in the boundaries of Louisia-
na, as purchased by the United States, or not. Admitting
it to be decided in favor of the purchase, the extent above
mentioned will be much contracted.
Among the rivers that fall into the Atlantic, St. John's
and Indian rivers are the principal. Seguana, Apalachi-
cola. Chatta Hatcha, Escambia, Mobile, Pascagoula, and
Pearl rivers, which were noticed in the preceding account
of the United States, run through Florida into the Gulf
of Mexico.
The climate of Florida is not materially different from
that of the southern part of the United States.
The soil is various ; but that which is least fiuitful pro-
duces two crops of corn in a year. The forests abound
with wood of almost eveiy kind : white, red, and live oak,
laurel magnolia, pine, hickory, cypress, and cedar. Some
of the live oaks aie from 12 to 20 feet in circumference,
and contain a prodigious quantity of timber. The lauiel
rnolia is generally 100 feet high, and some are higher,
flowers are on the extremity of the braaches, large.
MEXICO. 219
white, and expanded like a rose ; they are from 6 to 9
inches diaiieter, and have a most delicious fragran.e.
St. Augustine, the capital of East Florida, is situated
on the sea coast, of an obiong figure, and intersected by
four streets, which cut each other at right angles. The
town is fortified.
The principal town in West- Florida is Pensacola. It
lies along the beach, and, like St. Augustine, is of an ob-
long form. The bay on which the town stands, forms a
rery commodious harbor.
MEXICO.
UNDER this name is included all the remaining Span-
ish provinces in North America, which are divided into
Old Mexico, containing the audiences of Galicia, Mex-
ico, and Guatemala, which are subdivided into 22 prov-
inces.
New-Mexico, containing the audiences of Apacheira
and Sonora.
California, a peninsula, on the western side of the con-
tinent, being almost surrounded by the Pacific ocean.
That part of the sea which flows between the peninsula
and the main land is called the gulf of California.
Climate. The climate of this extensive country is vari-
ous. The maritime parts are hot, and for the mosi part
moist and unhealthy. Lands: which are very high, or
very near to high mountains, which are perpetually cover-
ed with snow, are cold.
Mountains and Rivers. The land is in great part abrupt
and monntamous, covered with thick woods, and watered
with large rivers. Some of these run into the gulf of Mex-
ico, and others into the Pacific ocean. Among the hist
are those of Alvarado, Coatzacualco, and Tabasco. A-
mong the latter is the river Guadalaxara, or Great river.
Several of the mountains in Mexico are volcanoes.
Lakes. There are several lakes, which at once embel-
lish the country, and facilitate its commerce. The iakes
of Nicaragua, Chapallan, and Pazaquaro, are amon g d .e
largest. The lakes Tetzuco and Chalco occupy a fflvt
part of the vale of Mexico, which is the fincft tracToi
220 MEXICO.
country in New-Spain. The waters of Chalco arc sweet,
those of Tetzuco are brackish. A canal unites them. The
lower lake (TetzAico) was formerly 20 miles long and 17
broad, and, lying at the bottom of the vale, is the reservoir
of all the waters from the surrounding mountains. The
city of Mexico stands on an island in this lake
Minerals and Mineral IVatcrs. The mountains of Mexi-
co abound in ores of almost every kind, and a great va-
riety of fossils. There are en ire mountains of loadstone,
and among others, one very considerable, between Tcoil-
tylan and Chilapan, in the country of the Cohuixcas.
In this country are interspersed many fountains of dif-
ferent qualities. There are many nitrous, sulphureous,
vitriolic, and aluminous mineral waters, f some of v.'hick
issue So hot, th^t in a short time any kind of fruit or ani-
mal food may be boiled in them.
There are also petrifying waters, v/ith which they make
little white smooth stones, not displeasing to the taste ;
scrapings from which, taken in broth, or in gruel made of
Indian corn, are most powerful diaphoretics, and are used
with remai kable success in various kinds of fevers.
Botany. However plentiful and rich the mineral king-
dom of Mexico may be, the vegetable kingdom is still
more various and abundant. Dr. Hernandes describes,
in his natural history, about 1200 medicinal plants, natives
of that country. The fruits of Mexico are pine-apples,
plums, dates, water melons, apples, peaches, quinces, ap-
ricots, pears, pomegranates, figs, black cherries, v/alnuts,
almonds, olives, chesnuts, and grapes. The cocoa nut, va-
nilla, chla, great pepper, tomati, the pepper of TobaSco,
and cotton, are very common with the Mexicans. Wheat,
barley, peas, beans, and rice have been successfully culti-
vated in this country. With respect to plants which yield
profitable resins, gums, oils, orjuices, the country of Mex
ico is singularly fertile.
Zoology Of quadrupeds there have been transportedin-
to this country horses, asses, bulls, sheep, goats, hogs, dogs,
and cats, which have all multiplied. Of the quadrupeds
that from time immemorial have b^en in the country, some
; >mmon to both the continents of Europe and Ameri-
ome peculiar to the new world, others natives only of
cingdom of Mexico, Tlie ancient quadrupeds, com
MEXICO. 221
g.iinon to Mexico and the old continent, are lions, tigers
' wild cats, bears, wolves, foxes, the common stags, and
white stags, bucks, wild goats, badgers, pole cats, weasels,
martens, squirrels, rabbits, hares, otters, and rats. It is said
there are 200 species of birds peculiar to this kingdom.
Population. 'l"he population ot all Spanish North-Amer-
ica, before the cession of Louisiana, was computed at
about 7,000,000, of whom the aboriginal Indians were
4,000,000.
Government. The ciyl government of Mexico is admin-
istered by tribunals called audiences. In these courts the
viceroy of the king of Spain presides. His employment is
the greatest trust and power -his Catholic Majesty has at
his disposal, and is perhaps the richest government entrust-
ed to any subject in the world. The government of this
country is now, (181:5) in an unsettled state.
Religion. The Spaniards have introduced here their
forms of religion, as well as of government. The church-
es, chapels, and convents are very numerous, and richly
ornamented. The priests, monks, and nuns, of all orders,
make a fifth of the white inhabitants, both heie and in
other parts of Spanish America.
dues. Mexico is the oldest city in America, of which
we have any account ; its foundation being dated as far
back as 1325. It is situated in the vale of Mexico, on sev-
eral islands, in lake Tetzuco, in north latitude '9 '^G.
This vale is surrounded with lofty and verdant mountains,
and formerly contained 40 eminent cities, besides villages
and hamlets. Concerning the ancient population of this
city, there are various opinions. The historians, most to
be leiied on, say that it was nearly 9 miles in circumier-
ence ; and contained upwards of 00,000 hotibcs, contain-
ing each from 4 to 10 inhabitants. By a late accurate enur
meration, made by the magistrates and priests, it appears
that the present number of inhabitants exceeds 200,000.
The buildings are of stone, and the public eaitices, es-
pecially the churches, are rnagaiiicent. 'l^he city contains
immense wealth, and, though inland, carries on exienbive
commerce wilh Europe, boulh- America, and the East- In-
dies by means ol La Vera Cru/. on liie cast, and Ajgl^ul-
co on the west. The Spanish inhabitants of Mexico are
clothed in silk, their nats bc-lng adorned wilh behsot poid
T 2
i222 MEXICO.
and roses of diamonds ; even the slaves have bracelets and
necklaces of gold, silver, pearl, and gems. The ladies
are distinguished for beauty and gallantry.
The city of Mexico is celebrated for its floating gaw^
dens, which are made of willows and marsh plants, forni--
ed into a platform, and twisted so firmly together, as t'
support a coat of earth. They are about 8 rods long and
3 wide, and their elevation from the surface of the lake is
less than a foot. On these floating gardens are cultivated
herbs and flowers of every description.
La Vf.RA Cruz is the grand port of Mexico, and the
natural centre of the treasure that is transported from A -
merica to Spain. It is situated on the gulf of Mexico, in
the eastern extremity of the province of Los Angelos, 215
miles southeast of the city of Mexico. Most of its houses
are built of wood. The nu:nber of its Spanish inhabitants
is about 3000, It was near this place that Cortes land-
ed, in 1518, when, being determined to conquer or die,
he sunk the ships that transported him thither.
AcAPULCO is on a bay of the Pacific ocean, 220 miles
.southwest of Mexico. It is the chief port on that sea, and
is dcfevided by a castle. It is a mart for all the merchan-
dize from the Philippine Isles, and at certain seasons is
thronged with merchants from all parts of Spanish A-
merica.
GuADALAXAR.*, the Capital of the province of the same
name, is a htrge and beautiful city, built in 1531. Il is an
episcopal city, and has 30,0U0 inhabitants.
Theie are many other large cities in Spanish North-
America, among which are St. JagOiChiapa, St. Andero,
Durango, St. Fe, and St. Juan, the chief town on the
peninsula of California.
History. The empire of Mexico was subdued by Cortes,
in the year 1521. With 600 men, 18 horses, and a few
field pieces, he conquered its emperor, Montezuma, the
most poweiful monarch of the New world. Th-is unfor-
tunate prince was afterwards killed by his own followers,
in attempting to mitigate their rage for the insults he had
received from the Spaniards.
Me v^as succeeded by his nephew Guatimozin, who, for
a while, made a vigorous opposition to the assaults of Cor-
res. After a noble defence, he was also taken priscier j
SOUTH-AMERICA. 223
but not till he had previously caused all his treasures to be
thrown into the lake. Being put to the torture to make
him discover his riches, he bore, with invincible fortitude,
the refined cruelties of his tormentors. While extended,
with one of his chief favorites, on a gridiron, over burning
coals, his fellow suffc-rer, overcome by the violence of the
pain, turned .* dejected eye towards his master, as if to
implore his permission to reveal the secret. But the indig-
nant prince reproached his weakness by asking liim, " Am
I reposing on a bed of flowers ?" The affectionate minis-
ter persevered in dutiful silence, and died. Cortes, asham-
ed of a scene so horrid, prolonged the life of the royal vic-
tim, fjr new indignities. He was afterwards hanged.
SOUTH-AMERICA.
THIS division of America is an extensive peninsula,
joined to the northern division by the Istl;mus of Darien.
Extent. South-America extends from about the l'2th
degree north, to the 5ilh degree of south latitude, with-
out including the island of Terra del Fuego ; making a
length of about 4G0() miles. Its extreme breadth is 3:J40
miies. From this extent, however, it diminiihes bo:h ways.
Toward the southern extremity, it is veiy narrow.
Climate. The climate of South-America has great va-
rieties. In the southern parts the innabitanls experience
s-ivere fiosts, and almost perpetual winter. la the torrid
zur.e, the mountains aie so lofty, that the greatest incon-
venience is the extreme cold of the mountains, and the
moisture of the plains. The provinces coiitiguous to the
equator are subject to excessive heat, and to violent storms
of rain, thunde.'^, and lightning.
Face oj the Ccuntry. 'I'he face of this country is over-
spread wich mighty rivers, which flow through immense
tracts of verdure and fertility. Tlie sea cast is very lit-
tle broken by gulfs or inlets, except such as are formed by
the rrcuths of the rivers. Though a country of spacious .
plains, its mountair.s me die most lofty on the globe ; and
its volcanoes, which are numerous, are terrible and sub-
.line.
224 SOUTH-AMERieA.
Mountains. The most extensive chain of mountains is
the Andes, which may be traced the whole length of JSouth
America, from north to south, 4600 miles. Chimborazo,
the highest point in this chain, nearly under the equator,
is 20,2s>0 feet above the level of the sea, and 5000 feet
higher than any mountain in the eastern hemisphere. Ca-
tapaxi, a volcano, 25 miles southeabt of Quito, is 18,600
feet in height.
There are other remarkable chains of mountains, beside
the Andes, which ran from west to east. The first is tiiat
of the Northern Coast, between nine and ten degrees of
north laiiiude. Ihe highest points of this chain, are 14
or 15,000 feet above the level of the sea. Several of its
summits are covered with perpetual snow, and often pour
down torrents of boiling sulphureous water.
The second range, or that of Parima, between three
and seve degrees north latitude, is but little known. It
stretches from the Andes east towards Popayan, forming
numerous cataracts in the waters of the Oronoko.
The third chain, or that of Chiquitos, unites the Andes
of Peru and Chili with the mountains of Brazil and Para-
guay. The highest summits are betv/een 15 and 20 de-
grees south latitude.
Lakes. South-America has no inland seas, and but fevr
lakes, and those are small compared with the immense
Jakes of North-America. In Amazonia and Brazil, there
are none Titicaca, in Peru, is the most important piece
of water in South- America ; its figure is oval, its circum-
ference about 240 miles, and its depth 70 or hO fathoms.
Rivers. The river Amazon, called also the Maragnon,
is the largest river in the world. A number of rivers
which rush down with amazing impetuosity from the east-
ern declivity of the Andes, unite in a spacious plain, and
form this noble river. In its progress it runs 3300 miles
from west to east across South America, and falls into the
Atlantic ocean under the equator, by a mouth 150 miles
broad. 'It is inteispersed with a vast number of islands,
which are too often overflowed to admit of culture. Some
of the rivers, which fall into it, are very broad and deep.
The chief of these, from the south and southwest, proceed-
ing from the mouth westward, a; e Uragua, Paratina, Ma-
deira, Purus, Yula, Yuiacina, Ucayal. From the north
SOUTH-AMERICA. ns
and northwest, progressing from its month, are Parima,
Negro, Yupura, Issa, and Napo. It received the name of
Amazon from Francis de Orillana, who was deputed in
1516, to explore the courses of this river. He penetrated
to a considerable distance, and fought several nations of
Indians, till his passage was opposed by a band ot female
warriors, armed with bows and arrows.
The second river in size is the Rio dela Plata, or River
of Silver. It flows into the Atlantic ocean between
/Capes St. Anthony on the south, and St. Mary on the
north, which are about 1.50 miles apart. At some dis-
tance above the mouth of this, as vvell as of the Amazon
river, the shore cajmot be seen from the middle of the
^stream.
' It is chiefly composed of nvo great streams, the Parana
and Paraguay. The navigation is dang-emus. ihe wa-
ters are of a petrifying quality, and are said to be a spe-
cific against rheums and defluctions.
The Oronoko, or Oronoque, including its windings,
takes a course of ISiSO miles, and preset ves the freshness
of its waters twelve leagues from the mouth of that vast
.and deep channel within which it was confined. It may-
be considered however as having many mouths, formed by
the islands that lie before its opening towards the ocean.
This river is remarkable for its regular risinsj and falling,
once a year. It begins to swell in April, continues rising
tor five months, and, during the sixth, remains at its great-
est height. From October It begins gradually to subside
till March, throughout the whole of which it remains in
a fixed state of its greatest diminution. These alternate
changes are regular and invariable.
The other rivers of South America, belong more to par-
ticular districts, in the description of which they will be
noticed.
Botanyy Zoology^ and Mineralogy. The plants and ani-
mals of ' America, exhibit the same generic and spe-
cific dih .es from those in the old world, that were
mentionei. m the account of the northern portion ot this
continent, but are still more numerous and luxuriant m
. growth, in consequence of the gieatei warmth f the cli-
mate. In a general view, it may be remaikt-d hat there
jciisis in South-America several animals which bear a simi-
226 TERRA FIRM A.
larlty to kinds in the old world, but are inferior in size;
Thus, the cantiel has a representative in the llama j the hip-
popotamus in the tnpiir ; the lion in the puma, or cougar ;
the leopard, in the jaguar. It is affirmed, however, that
the South-American tiger is as large and formidable as
any heast of prey whatever. Monkeys are extremely nu-
merous and various in the American forests, and there is
a great variety of the squirrel, weasel, and opossum tribes.
The splendor of the plumage of the birds is only rivalled
by that of the birds of India. The serpents and alligators
;f its streams and marshes are of enormous magnitude.
In metallic treasures, it is well known to surpass every re-
gion, that of Mexico perhaps excepted.
D'.vliiont. The whole of this extensive country, except
that occupied by the aborigines, was lately divided into
colonial govemraents, belonging to Spain, Portugal, Hol-
land, and France. The possessions of Holland and France
have fallen to England. Some of the provinces of Spain
have declare d themselves independent, and others are in a
state of revolt, and if Spain is subdued will certainly be-
come independent. Portugal is removed to Brazil, and
the province has become, and probably will continue to be,
the principal country.
The Spanish territories are divided Into viceroyaltles,
audiences, provinces, governments, departments, and mis-
sions, or parishes, established among the Indians. The
cnumcratior: of them is unnecessary. The grand divisions
are three viceroyaltles; that of New. Granada, on the
north ; of Peru, including Chili, on the west ; and b
Buenos Ayres, on the southeast.
TERRA FIRMA, or CASTILE DEL ORO,
The northernmost province of South- America, is 140O
miles long, and 700 broad, situated between the equator
and 12^ N. lat. and between 15 . and 7 W. Ion. It is
bounded on the E. by the Atlantic ocean, and Surinam ;
S. by Amazonia and Peru ; W. by the Pacific ocean ;
and N. by the province of Vcraguay, in North-America,
and the gulf of Mexico, here denominated the North sea.
Name and Divisions. It is called Terra Firma, because
H'^O <^!
TERRA FIRMA. 227
it was the first part of the continent discovered by Colum-
bus. It is divided into the provinces of Terra Firma
proper, or Davieo, Carthagena, St Martha, Venezuela,
Cumana, Paria, New- Granada, and Popayan. The prov-
ince of Daricn is a narrow isthmus that joins North and
South- America, but is generally reckoned a part of the
latter. It lie* in the form of a crescent about the great bay
of Panama, in the South sea, and is 400 miles long. The
breadth is usually called 60 miles from noith to south,
but it is only 37 miles broad from Porto Bello to Panama,
the two chief towns of the province.
Bays and Rivers. On the sliores of the Pacific ocean
are the bays of Panama and St. Michael. In the North
sea are Porto Bello, Sino, and Guiana.
The principal rivers are the Darien, Chagre, Santa Ma-
ria, Conception, and Oronoko. A particular description
of the last has already been given.
Climate^ Soilf and Productions. The climate here is ex-
tremely hot and sultry during the whole year. From the
month of May to the end of November, the season called
winter by the inhabitants, is almost a continued succession
of thunder, rain, and tempests ; the clouds precipitating
the rain with such impetuosity, that the low lands exhibit
tlie appearance of an ocean. Great part of this country is
of consequence almost continually flooded ; and this, to-
gether with the excessive heat, st) impregnates the air with
vapors, that, in many provinces, it is very unwholesome.
The soil is very different, the inland pans being extremely
rich and fertile, and the coast sandy and barren. It is im-
possible to view, without admiration, the perpetual ver-
dure of the woods, the luxuriance of the plains, and the
towering height of the niountains. This country produces
corn, sugar, tobacco, and fruits of ail kinds.
The desert of Los Llamos, like the Sahara of Africa,
is a prodigious tract of barrenness. For 2000 square
leagues the level of the country does not differ five inches.
No vegetation cheers this plain of sand ; st rpents and rep-
tiles are the only inhabitants the traveller meets, for sev-
eral days.
Chief fowns. Carthagesa is the principal sea port
town in Terra Firma. It is situated on the Atlantic o-
cean, in north latitude 10** 31'. Ihe bay on which i(
2-28 PERU.
stands is seven miles wide, from north to south ; and soi.
smooth, that ships are no more agitated than on a river, J
The town and its suburbs are fortified in the modern style.
The streets are straight, broad, and well paved. The
houses are principally brick, and one story high. This
city is the residence of the governor of the province of
Cartbagena ; and of a bishop, whose spiritual jurisdiction'
extends over the whole province. There is here also a
court of inquisition.
Panama is the capital of Terra Firma Proper, and is
situated in north latitude 8 45', upon a capacious bay tO"
which it gives its name. It is the great receptacle of the
vast quantities of gold . and silver, and other rich mer-
chandize, from all parts of Peru and Chili ; here they are
lodged in store houses, till the proper season arrives to
transport them to Europe. *
PoRTO Bello is situated close to the sea, on a decliv-
ity of a mountain, which surrounds the whole harbor.
The convenience and safety of this harbor is such, that
Columbus, who first discovered it, gave it the name of
Porto Bello, or the fine Harbor, in north latitude 9 SS\
PERU
LIES south of Terra Firma, an4^ stretches along the
shore of the Pacific ocean, 1800 miles. It is bounded
south by Chili, east by the Andes, a grand natural limit,
separating it from vmazonia. h lies between the equa-
tor and ti5" south latitude, and spreads between 15^ east
and 6" west longitude, though its breadth is in no place
more ihan 500 miles.
Dii-htons. Peru is divided into three provinces, Quito,
Lima, and Los Charcos.
Rivers. The Amazon rises among the Andes in Peru ;
but directs its course eastward, through Amazonia. Most
of the rivers of the Andes run into the Atlantic, and can
hardly be considered as belonging to Peru. There are no
streams of consequence in the ^hole extent of Peru, that
fall into the Pacific ocean.
Climate. According to the local disposition of the coun-
try, its higher low situation, we find in Peru all the vaw-
PEIIU. " '22^
ciics of icnipcratnrc, from the extreme of heat to Uiat of
cpld. The plains are temperate, the beaches and villics
arc hot, ami the mountuhis are covf red with eternal snow
and ice, while their bowels are fliniin;^ wiih fire. In
bOnne parts of Peru, it never rains, which defect is sup-
plied by a g-entle dew, widch falls every night. Other parts
are visited by dreadful tempests, thunder, and iigiuninir.
S'oi/ and Productions. The inlaud parts are fertile, but
the sea coast is barren.
This country produces fruits peculiar to the climate,
and most of tiiQse in Eui'opc. Tlie culture of maize, of
pimento, and cotton, which was foinid established there)
has not been neglected ; and that of wheat, barley, cassa-
va, potatoes, sugar, and of the oUve'and vine, is attended
to.
./Iniinala. The most remarkable animals in this country
aie the Peruvian sheep, called llamas and vicunnas. The
llama, in several particulars, resembles the camel, as in
the shape of the ijcck, head, and some other parts; but
has no bunch, is muc'n smaller, and is cloven footed. Its
upper lip is clelt, like that of a hare, ihroup;h which, when
enraged, it spits a venomous juice, that inflames the part
on which it falls. The wool, with which it is covered, is
of dlfl'erent colors, but generally brown. These animals
are generally docile, so that the Indians use them as beasts
of burden. TiKirf]c;sh is esteemed preferable to mutton.
The vicunna resembles the llama \n shape, but is much
smaller, and its woal shorter and finer.
Mines. Nature never clTered to the avidity of man-
kind, in aiy country on the globe, such rich mines as those
of Peiu. Tl.crc are several gold mines, but those of sil-
ver are fo\md all over the country. Those of Potosi are
the most cc!ebrat<;d.
Cities and Tovjns. The city of Lima is the capital of
Peiu, and of the whole Spanish empire in South-America.
It is seated in a delighiigl valley, two leagues from the
fja ; and is two n'iles long, a;.d one broad.^iii,T;htre arc
mariy magnificent tdifices, part;cularIy,c|iUrches, iii Lima.
It is SAid to coniair. St.OOO inliahiiants, who are immer.se-
Jy rich. AH travellers speak with anmzcmcnt of the dec-
(jralions (f gold, silver, and precious stones, which load
the walls of the churches.
U
*
230 CHILI.
Cusco, the ancient capita! of the Peruvian empire, lies
in a mounlainous country, at a distance from the sea, and
has long been on the decline, but is yet a very considera-
ble place.
Quito is next to Lima in population, if not superior to
it. It is like Cusco, an inland citv.
CHILI
EXTENDS along the Pacific ocean, from the south-
ern boundary of Peru, in latitude 24 degrees south, to the
45lh degree, being 1460 miles. Its breadth is about 234
miles. Chili has Paraguay and Tucuman east, and Pata-
gonia south. It contains 378,000 square miles. To this
must be added Cuyo, or Cujo, east of the Andes, 406
miles long and 402 broad, containing 163,000 square
miles.
Climate and Soil. The climate of Chili is one of the
most delightful in the world, being a medium between
the intense heat of the torrid, and the piercing cold of the
frigid zones. There are few phices in this extensive
country where the soil is not exuberantly rich. Chili is
the most opulent kiigdom in America.
./Ordinal and Vt^L-table Productions. The horses and
mules of Chili are in great esteem. Oxen, sheep, and :
goats are faiuned in the luxuriant pastures. The coasts
abound with many excellent fish ; there are also vast
numbers of whales and sea wolves.
The soil produces Indian and European corn, hemp,
grapc, and all ether fiuits. The European fruit trees <
are oljliged to be propped, to enable them to sustain the
weight of the fruit. Oiange trees are in bloom, and bear
fruit tiirougi out the year. The inhabitants press a kind
of mu^^cadine wine from the grapes, which far exceeds any
thing of the kind made in Spain.
Mines. Mines of -gold, silver, copper, tin, quicksilver,
iron, and lead aliound in this counuy. Vast quai.tities of
gold are washed down from the mountains by brooks and
torrents ; the annual amount o! which, when manufaclur-
c^j is esiiinated at bo less than 800,000 dollars.
)|
1
BUENOS AY RES. 231
P ofiulation and Militia. In 1778, ihe iiuJjibcr of white
inhabilanis in Chiil was reckoned at 80,000 ; negroes
140,000 ; besides Aborigines, more nunnerous than both.
This r.umber has since much increased. The militia, in
1792, amounted to 1 5,856 men. Those Indians wh.o arc
not subject to the Spanish yoke, are very honest in their
commercial transactions ; they live in small huts. They
are brave and warlike, and all tlie attenipts of the Span-
iards to subdue li.cm liave proved ineffectual.
ToTjns. St. Jago, the capital of Cliili, and llie scat of
{government, is 90 miles Iron) the ocean, and 21 iVom tl.c
Andes. It is a large, handsome place. It contained, in
1776, 46,000 inhabitants, which have since iixreased, and
trades largely with IJiitnos Ayrcs. '1^'iie inhabitants are
said to be remarka!)iy polite and hoy^pilablc. Valpakai-
so, th.c port of St. JuLjo, is the most commercial ciiy ju
Chili, lat. 33 3 S. Conception is the second city in
rank in Ciiili. It had 1J,000 inhabitants, in 1776.
Valdivia stands between the rivers Callacallcs and
Portcro, where they fall into the South sea. It was built
!:y the Spar.iards, in 155 1, and is one of the largest cities
in Chili.
The chief town in the province of Cuyo is St. John
1)E FitOXTIEP.A.
BUENOS AYRES
IS an iidand country, bounded north by Amazonia,
cast by" Brazil, south Ijy Pata.ijonia, and west by Cliili ami
Peru. It extends from 12 to 37 S. hit. 1500 miles long,
and 1000 broad. 'J'his exter.sive country has been called
by various names While attached to Peru, it was call-
ed the province of CharcuH. It has since been called
Parciguuui and La J-'lu'a, a name which it t(?ok from the
river La PI ua At present the most common name is
the viceroyaity of L'ucjiofi yii/ren.
Divisions. It is divuicu into six provinces, Paraguay,
Parana, Gmra, Ui'aii;na, Tucuman, and Rio dc la Piata.
Tvn'fTv. The country iswaicrc'd by iiinutnerabie streams
and rivers,, wh.icii form the grand river La Plata, already
described,
23'J GUIANA.
Climate., S/il, and Produce. From the situation of tlili
couiitty, soii/e parts of it are extremely hot, from the al-
most venical influence of the rays of the sun ; while oth-
er parts arc- pleasant and delightful. But the heat is in
some measure abated by the gentle breezes, which gen-
erally bes^in about nine or ten o'clock in the morning, and
continue the greatest part of the day. Some parts of the
country are very mountainous ; but in many others, arc
extensive and beautiful plains, where the soil is veiy rich,
producing cotton, tobacco, and the valuable herb called
Paraguay, together wii!i a variety of fruits. There arc
also rich pastures, in which are bred such herds of cattle,
that it is said the hides are the only part exponcd ; while
the flesh is left to be devoured by ilie beasts of the wil-
derness.
Paraguay sends annually ir.to the kingdom of Peru,
1500 or 2000 mules. They travel over dreary descris
j'or the distance of S or 900 leni^ucs. The province ( 1'
i'ucuman furnisp.es to Potosi, ai.nuaily, 16 or '8,00.0 ox-
en, and 4 or 5000 horses, brongiu foiih and reared upoa
its own territory.
C/t!'/ Tovj?2.'}. BvExos Ayres is the capital of this
couniiy. lis silUalion, on the river La Plata, is htalihy
and pleasant, and the air temperate. It is regularly built.
The nund)cr of iuhabitanls is about oO,0\0. One side nf
the town is defended by a fortress, wIlIi a garrison of six
or seven lumdred men. The town stands 180 miles from
the sea. The access up the rivir is very difficult.
Monte Video stands on a bay of t!iC sam^name, on
the north side of t!)e river La Plata, 20 leagues above its
mouth. It lies cast of Hucnos Ayres, and has its nauie
from a mountain which overlooks it.
GUIANA.
THK extensive country of Guiana, or Carribiaka,
stretches along the coast of the Atlantic ocean, from iha
mouth of the river Oronoko, to Cape North, at the mouth
of the Amazon river, between 2 and o of north latitude,
and between J 2 and 25 of east longitude.
Divisions. The western part of this country, called Sur-
GUIANA. 233
iiiara, belonged lately to the Dutch ; the middle part to
the French, whose capital was Ca\ennb, and fvom which
the whole territory received its name. The eastern parts
were disputed by the French and Dutch, but the principal
places in the country have lately been taken by, and are
now in possession of, the English.
Guiana is now divided into five districts, called Esse-
QUEBo, Demerara, Berbisch, StJRiNAM, and Cayenne.
The tour first receive their names from rivers, which run
through them, and the last from the city of Cayenne, in
France.
Climate and Seasons. In the months of September, Oc-
tober, and November, the climate is unhealthy, particu-
larly to strangers. A hundred miles back from the sea
is a hilly country, a pure, dry, wholesome air, where a
fire sometimes would not be disagreeable. The seasons
were formerly divided into rainy and dry ; but owing,
probably, to the country being more cleared, and a free
passage opened for the circulation of the air, this distinc-
tion has in a great measure ceased.
Rivers. A number of fine rivers pass through this^
country ; the principal of which are Essequebo, Surinam,
Demerara, Berbisch, and Canya. Essequebo is 21 miles
wide at its mouth, and is more than 300 miles in length.
Surinam is a beautiful river, three quarters of a mile wide,-
navigable for the largest vessels 1 2 mites, and for small
Tesscls sixty or seventy miles further, hs banks, quite
to the water's edge, are covered with evergreen "and man-
grove trees, which render the passage up this river vei^y
delightful. The Demarara is about two miles wide at its
mouth, opposite to the fort. This river is navigable for
vessels that can pass the bar, upwards of 100 miles.
Soil and Productions. The land along the sea coast is
low and marshy, and subject to inundations during the
rainy seasons. The soil is extremely rich, producing cot-
ton, sugar, tobacco, Indian corn, ginger, indigo, rice,
fruits, coffee, and other necessaries of life. In the woods
are many species of durable timber, and others highly val-
uable for ornamental purposes. This country has never
experienced hurricanes, those dreadful scour.e:cs of the-
Wcst-Indies ; and droughts, from the lowncss of the land,.
U 2
r
^3* GUIANii^
it has not to fear ; nor has the produce ever been desttdjr* *
ed by insects, or by the blast.
j4ni?nal.i^ Ser/ient^,is^c. The woods abound with plenty
of deer, i:ares, and rabbits, a kind of buffalo, and two spe-
cies of wild hogs, one of which (the peccaiy) is remarka-'
ble for i>a'.ir 5^ something resembling the navel on its back.
T iic Moods are infested with several species of tigers,
but with no other ravenous or dangerous animals. The
rivers are rendered dangerous by alligators. Scorpions
and tarantulas are found here, of a large size and great
venom, and other insects without number, some of them
very dangerous and trouWesome ;. the torporiiic eel also,
tlie touch of which, by means of the bare hand or any con-
ductor, has the effect of a strong electric shock j. serpents
also, some of which are venomous, and others, as has.
been asserted by many credible persons, arc from twenty-
five to fifty fiiet long. In the woods are monkeys, the
sloth, and parrots in all their varieties ; also, some birds
of beautiful plumage, among others, the flamingo, but
few or no singing birds.
C/iicJ' Towns. Paramaribo, situated in lat. 6 north,
on Surinam river, four leagues from the sea, is the print
cipal town in Surinam. It contains about 2000 whites,
ne half of whom are Jews, and 8000 slaves. The houses-
are principally of wood ; some few have glass windows^
but generally they have wooden shutters. The streets
are spacious and straight, and planted on each side with.
range and tamarind trees.
Demaraha, at the mouth of the river of the same;,
name, contains about 1800 white inhabitants.
Cayenne is the principal settlement in the district of
that name ; it is on an island near the coast It contain*
i200 white inhabitants, exclusive of the garrison.
Aboriginals. The most considerable of the Indian na*
tions of Guiana are the Garibbees, the Arvaques, the Yaos,
and the Galibis. The Charaibes, or Caribbees arc en-
terprisingj and so cautious of surprise, that they post out
45uards and centinels, with as much care and art as the
Europeans. They arc said to have been formerly canni"
bals. The Galibis are a pacific people ; they manufac-
ture hammocks and cotton beds, and are very ingenious.
Such as are aeav the Europeans have leamt to handle fire.*
BRAZIL. 235
iwna. The Charaibes, in the West-Indies, are thought
to derive their origin from these nations. The Charai-
bes of Guiana still fondly cherish the tradition of Sir
Waher Raleigh's alliance ; and to this day preserve the
English colors, which he left with them at parting about
200 years ago.
BRAZIL
COMPREHENDS all the Portuguese settlements in
America, and is situated between the equator and 35 de-
grees south latitude. A line drawn from the mouth of
the Amazon to the mouth of the La Plata, not far from
the 1.5th degree of E. longitude, would nearly correspond
with its western boundary, from which it extends east-
ward to about 40 degrees east. Its length, from north to
south, is 2500 miles ; its breadth, 700 It is surrounded
en all sides by the mouths of the rivers Amazon and La
Plata and the Atlantic ocean, except the west, where it is
bounded by Amazonia and the Spanish possessions.
Divisions, It has three grand divisions ; the northerir,
which contains eight provinces or captainships ; the mid'
die wiiich has five ; and the southern, which has three j-
in all sixteen provinces.
Bays, Hnrborsy and Rivers. These are the harbors of
Pernambuco, All Saints, Kio Janeiro, the port of St. Vin-
cent, the Harbor of Gabriel, and the port of St. Salvador.
There is a great number of noble streams, which unite
with the rivers Amazon and La Plata ; beside others,
which fail into the Atlantic ocean.
Climate.) Hail, and Productions. The climate of Brazil
is temperate and mild, when compared with that of Afri*-
ea ; owing chiefly to the refreshing wind, which blows
continually from the sea. The air is not only cooi but
chilly, through the night ; so that the natives kindle a tire
every evening in their huts. As the rivers in this countiy
annually overflow their banks, and leave a sort of slime
upon the land, the soil, in many places, is amazingly rich.
The vegetable productions are Indian corn, sugar canes,
tobacco, indigo, hides, ipecaquanha, balsan>, Brazil wood j
2S5 BRAZIL.
the last is of a red color, hard and dry, and is chieffy used
in dying, but not the red of the best kind. Here is also
the yellow fustic, of use in dying yellow : and a beautiful
kind of speckled wood, made use of in cabinet work.
Here are five different sorts of palm trees, some curious
ebony, and a great variety of cotton trees. "^
This country abounds in horned cattle, which are hunt-
ed for their hides only, 20,000 being sent annually into
Europe. There is also a plenty of deer, hares, and other
game. Among the wild beasts found here, are tigers,
porcupines, janouveras, and a fierce animal somewhat
like the greyhound ; monkeys, sloths, and the topirassoUi-
a. creature between a bull and an ass,, but without horns,
and entirely harmless ; the flesh is- very good, and has
the flavor of beef. There is a numberless variety of fowl,
wild and tame, in this country.
Mines. There are gold mines in many parts of this
country, which have been wrought with considerable
profit to the government. There are also many diamortU
mines, which have been discovered here ; they are of all
colors, and of almost every shade.
Commerce. The trade of Brazil is very great, and in-
creases every year. Thty import 40,000 negroes annu-
ally. The exports from Brazil are diamonds, sugar, to-
bacco, hides, drugs and medicines ; and they receive in
return, woollen goods of all kinds, linens, laces, silks, hats,
lead, tin, pewter, copper, iron, beef, and cheese. They
also receive from Madeira a great quantity of wine, vine-
gar, and brandy ; and from the Azores, 25-000/. worthof
other liquors.
Chief Towns. St. Salvador is the capital of Brazil.
This city, which has a noble, spacious, and commodious
harbor, is built on a high and steep rock, havins^ the sta
on one side, and a lake forming a crescent on the other.
The situation makes it, in a manner, impregnable by na-
ture ; and they have besides add^d to it very strong forti-
fications. It is populous, magnificent, and beyond com-
parison, the most gay and opulent city in all Brazil.
Rio Janeiro is a rich and populous city, having many-
elegant churches and other buildings, situated within a
large bay, and containing 200,000 inhabitants.
Religicn, Roman CaihoUu
AMAZONIA. 237
JVatives. The native Brazilians are about the size of
the Europeans, but not so stout. They arc subject to
fewer distenopers, and are long lived. They wear no
clothing.
History, life. The Portuguese discovered this country
in the year 1500, but did not plant it till the year 1549,
uhcn thty took possession ot All Sahits Bay, and built
the ciiy ot" St. Salvador, which is now the residence of the
vic^ loy a-nd archbishop. The Dutch inviulcd Brazil, in
1623, and subdued the northern provir.ccs ; but the Poitu-
guesc, ai^reed, 1661, to pay the Dutch 8 tons of gold to re
iiiiquish tiicir interest in tliis country, Avhich was accepted.
Tl'.c Por'ui^uese remained in peaceable possession of all
Bi r:z;l, till about the ( nd of 1762 ; wh.cn the Spanish gov-
eriiincnt of Buenos Ayres, hearing of a war between Por-
tu:^ai and Spain, took, after a month's siege, the Portu-
guese ficntier fortress, called St. Sacrament ; but, by the
f.caiy of peace, it was restored. In 18G7, the regent and
K.yal family of Poitugal emigrated to Brazil, where Uve
Pcriugucse monaixhy is now established.
AMAZONIA.
THIS large country has never been perfectly explored
by any European nation. It is supposed to be about 14\J0
miles long, and 900 broad ; situated between the equator
and 20 decrees south latitude. It is bounded riorth by-
Ttrra Firma, and Guiana ; east by Brczii ; south by Pa>-
aguay ; and west by Peru. It receives its name from
the river Amazon, which, with its innumerable branches,
waters the whole territory.
The air is cooler in this country than could be expected,
considerir.g it is situated in the middle of the torrid zone.
This is partly owing to the heavy rains, which occasiou
the rivers to overflow their banks one halfof th.e year, aiid
partly to the cloudiness of tie weather, which obscures
the sun a great part of the time he is above the horizon.
During the rainy season, the country is subject to dread-
I'ul storms pi thunder and lightning.
The soil is extremely fertile, producing cocoa nuts, pine
apples, bananas, plantains, and a great variety of tropical
238 PATAGONIA.
fruits ; cedar, red vood, pak, ebony, log vrood, sugar
canes, cotton, potatoes, balsam, honey, 8cc. The woods
abound 4vith tigers, wild boars, and game of various kinds;
the rivers and lakes with fisli The crocodiles and water
serpents render fishing a dangeroos employment.
The natives of Amazonia are of a good stature, have
handsome fcatuies, long black hair, and copper complex-
ions. They spin and weave cotton cloth, and build tlicir
houses with wood and clay, and thatcli them with reeds.
Their arms arc darts and javelins, bows and arrows, witli
targets of canes or lish skins. The several nations are
governed by their chiefs, or caciques.
In reading the history of Souih-Amcrica, it is pkasing
to I'eflcct that ai!y part of ii has escaped the ravages of
European conquerors. Amazonia vc-.r.ains unt^ubdued ;
and tlie oiiginal inhabitants still enjoy their native fiee-
dom and indcpct;dence.
PATAGONIA.
THIS country Is less known tlian any other part of
Souih-Amci ica. It lies south of Paraguay and Chili, and
is bounded east by the Atiamic occau ; sotith it is divided
from Terra del Fucgo by the stiaiis of Magellan, leading
into the Pacific ocean, whieh limits it on the west.
The climate is much colder in i!iis country than in the
north, utidcr the same parallels cf.latiiude. It is almost
impossible to say what tne soil would produce, as it is not
cultivated by tb.e natives. The northern parts are cover-
ed with wood ; but. towards the south, there is not a sin-
gle tree large enough to be of use to mechanics. There
are good pastures, which feed incredible numbers of
horned cattle and liorses.
There are some rivers and bays on the coast of this
country, but they are little known.
Patagonia is inhabited by a variety of Indian tril)es, a-
mong which are the Patagons, from whom the country
takes its name ; the Pampas and the Cossores. They all
live upon fish and game, and what t!ie earth produces
spontaneously. Their huts are tliatched, anB, notwith-
standing the rigor of the climate, they wear no otKer
SOUTH-AMERICAN ISLANDS. 239
clothes than a mantle made of seal skin, or the skin of some
beast, and that they thiow oft' when they are in action.
They are exceedingly havciy, brave, and active, making
use of their arms, which are bows and arrows headed with
flints, with amazing dexterity. They always bury their
dead on t!ie eastern shores, lookii;g towards the country
oitiieir fatJicrs. They arc supposed to have emigrated
oiigmally from Africa.
The Spaniards once built a fort upon the straitsof Mag-
ellan and left a garrison in it, to prevent any other Euro-
pean nation from passing that way into the Pacific ocean ;
but most of the men perished by hunger, ". iicnce the place
obtained tlic name of Port Famine ; since that fatal event,
no nation has attempted to plant coloui' s i.. Patagonia.
As to the reliiyion or government of tnc Paiagonitins,
we have no certain information. Sf>me have reported
that they believe in invisible powers, both good and evil ;
aiid that they pay a tribute of gratitude to the one, and
deprecate the wrath and vengeance of the other.
SOUTH-AMERICAN ISLANDS.
THE Falkland Isles lie near the straits of Magellan,
a little to the northeast of the utmost extremity of South-
America, between 31 and 53 S. lat. and between 21*
and 2.5 of E. Ion. They were discovered by Sir Richard
Hawkins, in 1594 ; the chief of the two islands, he called
Hawkins's Maidenland, in honor of queen Elizabeth.
J'he soil of these islands is bad, and the shores are beat by-
perpetual storms. A British settlement was made here,
of which they were soon after dispossessed by the Span-
iards, 1770. The Spaniards now send criminals from
their settlements on the continent to these inhospitable
bliorcs.
Terra del Fueoo, or Land cf Fire, lies at the south-
ern extiemity of South-America, IS separated from the
main on the uorih, by tlie straits of Magellan, and conuins
about 42)n(,0 square miles. Ii consists of several isl:.n Is,
which receive tl is ramc oh account of the vast fires and
smoke which t e first discovert rs of tin m perceived. The
island of hilalen Land les oii the eabt of the principal isl-
240 SOUTH- AMERICAN ISLANDS.
and. They are all barren and mountainous ; but there
have been found several sorts of trees and plants, and a
variety of birds on the lower grounds and islands, that are
sheltered by the hills. Here are found winter's bark, and
a species of arbutus, which has a very well tasted red
fruit, of the size of small cherries. Plenty of celery is
found in some places, and the rocks are covered v,'ith ve-
ry fine muscles. A species of duck is here met with ;
also geese and falcons. The natives are of a middle stat-
ure, with broad, fiat faces, high cheeks, and flat noses.
They are clothed in the skins of seals. The villages con-
sist of a few miserable huts, in the form of a sugar loaf.
The only food seems to be shell fish. Though these coun-
tries are only in latitude 56 degrees south, they are cold-
er than Lapland in 70 degrees north.
Georgia. To the eastward of Terra del Fuego, in lat-
itude 54 degrees south, and about 39 30 east longitude,
is a cluster of barren islands, called Southern Georgia.
One of them is between 50 and 60 leagues in length. It
is a dismal region, the land of ice. The vales are desti-
tute of shrubs ; coarse grass, burnet, and linchen are the
only vegetables.
ChiLoe, 1 50 miles long, and 2 1 broad, is separated from
the coast of Chili by a narrow sea, forming a bay. It is
between 42 and 44 degrees south latitude. The island
produces all necessary provisions. Ambergris, in great
quantities, is found on the coast. It has an indifferebt
fort, called Chocas. Castro, the chief town, stands be-
tween two brooks) with a small castle, which commands
the harbor. I'he houses are few and scattered.
Juan Fernandes is situated in the Pacific ocean, 530
leagues west of the continent, latitude 33 degrees south,
longitude 4 degrees west. It is supposed to have been
inhabited by a Spaniard, whose name it retains, although
long since abandoned by him and his nation. It is more
remarkable for having been the residence of Alexander
Selkirk, a Scotchman, whose life and adventures furnish-
ed materials for the celebrated novel of Robinson Cruscc.
The harbor is in Cumberland bay, on the north side of the
island. It is represented by iliose who have visited it, as
an earthly paradise. On the .southwest is a small isle,
WEST-INDIES. 2il
^.alled Goat Island, and a rock, called Mokkey Key,
almost contiguous to it.
Massafueko, called by the Spaniards the Lesser Juan
Fernandes, lies 22 leagues west by south of the last men-
tioned island ', on the north side is good anchorage for
shipping.
WI?ST-INDIES.
IN that immense gulf, which flows between North and
South-America, lies a multitude of islands, which at the
lime of their first discovery, were called the West-India
islands, on the supposiiion that they extended so as to
form a connection v/ith those of the East-Indies. The
fallacy of the supposiiion was soon discovered ; but the
name is still retained, to prevent confusion in geograph-
ical accounts of the islands. They lie in Ihe form of a
semicircle, and stretch almost from the coast of Florida
to the mouth of the river Oronoko, in South-America.
The climate in ail the West-India islands is nearly the
same, allowing for these accidental differences which the
several situations and qualities of the lands themselves
produce. As they lie within the tropics, and the sun goes
quite over their heads, they would be continually subject-
ed to an extreme and intolerable heat, if the trade winds
did riot blow in upon them from the sea, and refresh tho
air, in such a manner, as to enable them to attciio their
Qonceras, even under the meridian sun. On ih-^ other
hand, as the night advances, a breeze begins to be per-
ceived, wliich blows smartly from the hind, as it were
from the centre, towards the sea, to all poihis of the com-
pass at once.
The rains make the only distinction of seasons in the
West-Indies ; the trees aic always green. They have no
(old, no frost, no snows ; the storms of" hail are, however,
very \iolent when ilicy happen.
The gravid .staple conuuodity ol' the West-Indies is su-
gar. The juice of the sugar cane is the most lively, ex-
iccllent, and t!'c kast cloying sv/cct in nature.
The islands of the West-Indies are generally distributed
by navigators, iir.o four ciubtcrs, called The i3^\iiAMASi
W
342 WEST-INDIES.
The AxTiLLEs,Thc Virgin Isles, and The CAnrnREES.
The Aniiilcb are sometimes divided into two classes, tle-
liOJDinattd TheGRp:ATand Little Antilles. AlUlicse
islands, except Hispaniola, which is independent, belong
to Great-Britain, France, Spain, and Denmark. As the
usual distinction of Eiu'opean possession is fleeting and
uncertain, we shall consider the principal of these islands,
in their order, iVom LiOrlh to south.
THE BAHAMA ISLANDS,
CALLED by the Spaniards LrcvYos, lie between S3
and 27'' of N. I'at. and between 2 L. ai;d 6 W. Ion. e.nd
tornprchend all the isles to the north of Cuba and His-
paniula. They are about 500 in number ; some of them
arc only locks ; others are very low and narrow, or little
bi'-ots of land almost on a level with ilie water ; but 12 of
(.hem arc large and fertile. Five or.ly are inhabited, viz.
Providence, Harbor, Cat, Eleuthra, and Exuma. Tuik's
island has about 500 men on it during the salt season, but
most of tr.cm return to tlie (jthcr isles. The piiiu ipul isl-
and, which has given its name to il^e whole cluster, is
Cireat Baliama, whose ^iu'.aticji, is about 20 lea;.:ucs from
the coast of Florida, from which it is separnt'-d by the
strait of Daiiama, or gulf nf Floiida. Auibergris is found
on the coasts of these islands. The inhabitants catch great
3iuml)cr& of green tuitle. The only article cultivated for
cxportaiion is cotlon. 'j'lu y produce great quantities of
dyihg- V. cods, and some lignumvitse and mahogany, 'i'heir
cliiei c(;mm.erce consists in furnishing with provisions
such ships as are driven in by bad weather.
One ci ilKsc isK;i:('s, Ciuau'jhani, or Cat Island, is cele-*
l.ratcd as beir.g tl.e first ^ pot of t!;e new world descried
by Coiunibus, wi o, as a n.emcrial of deliYerar.cc, gave it
the appellation of Si.. Sa)\ ador. These islands Avere then
full oi inhabitants, \vh:0 were sin^plc and miid, ar,d lived
liap])y in the midst of plenty. 'I'hcse Unfortunate people
were transported to tb.c miiits of St. Domingo, after the
Sj.aiiiards had destroyed tl:C inhabiiar.ts of thai large isl-
and ; so tliat iou; teen years aft( r their discovery, not a
person was left on one of the Balian.as. Ch.aries II. after-
.ar(h 5!,T\lcd thcrntothe propiieto:.': of Carolina, who
WEST-INDIES. ei-5
built the town ot Nassau, on the island of riovklcncc,
M-hich is now tlie scat of governmciit. The SijaiTuids
and Americans c:ip'.ured these is'.ur.cis, diirinp; ihc Amcr-
ican war, but they were retaken, in 1782, and arc still ul>
ject to Great-Biitain.
THE ANTILLES.
TO the soiuh'.varcl of the Ilahamas lie ilie AniilicK, ex-
tendinej froin 18 to 2-i clcp;rcea norih Uiiiiiulc. 'Vhc mo:-;t
remarkahlc of ihcm aie Cuba, Jamaica, llis'^j.ti.ioia, rant
Pui to Rico.
Cuba i:i the most valuable island of all tl^.c S^KUiih!!
Wesl-Indies, and is sl.u.ued between 20 ai^d '23 chr^rec-
norlh Ir.iitndc, and bcf.VL t.n 1 degree cast and 10 degi'ee';.
vest loni^iiude ; 100 luilcs sou'Ii (if cap:; Fio'.ida. 1: i ;
nearly 700 miles in leiv^t'.i, ain! abtnil 70 i:; !;'.'La;l',h. A
chain of hiils rui^s ti.rov!L;h t!ie mi^idic of l';e ida;.d fron^
cast to west- It prcduves ail the comn'.odi;!^ i known in
the Wcst-Indics, particularly yinijcr, lotipj pepper, ar.d o!.!>
cr spices, cassia, ti.-.tula, mastic, aloes, tobacco, and sui^ar.
'i'ht princip;d pait of the plantations are on tiiC beautiful
plains of Ilivt.niia, and arc cuhivaleil by about 23,000
blives. Tlic other inhabitants ainomit to about 30,000.
The course of the livers is too short to be of any conse-
quence to navit^i' io;-. ; but there arc several ^ood ha'. bor;i
in the island, which belong to the prir.cipal towii-, IL-.van-
na, St. Jaqo, Santa Cruz, and La 'i'l inidad. 'i"hei-e arc
a vast r.umh'cr of small isks round this i.oblc island, the
ciiannels separating; which, as well as the livers in the
island, abound with iish. In the woods ai'e sotne very val-
uable trees, particularly cedars, so large, it i , sa"d, tliat
canoes nradc of ih.ern will hold 50 men. The hills arc
rich in mines, and in some of the Jivers tiiere is gold dust,
lice are also fuur.tains of biiumen.
liavanna. the capital of Cuba, isaplace of grcatstrength
and importance, coiitaining 2000 houses, and a number oi
church.es and convents.
Tills island was discovered by Colnnd)us, in 1492. It
was taken possession of L/ the Spaniards, in ijll, v.d.o
soon extermii-.ated t!ic mild and peaceable iiauves, to th^c
amovirt of 500,000.
214 WEST. INDIES.
Jamaica, belonging lo Great-Britain, and one of the
THost valuable appendages lo tb.at crovvn is 30 leagues
south of Cuba. The ceiurc of the iblantl is in lat. 18 \2
north, and Ion. 1 36 west ; it is 150 miles long, and, on a
medium, 40 broad.
This island is intersected with a vldge of steep rocks,
from whieh isbue a VuSt nund)er of small livers of pure,
wholesome water, wb.ich fall down in cataracts, Init nono
are navigable for marine vessels. Ti;e Blue Mountain
Peak rises 7431 feet above the level of the sea. Sug?r is
the greatest and most valuable production (>f tr.is island,
it produces also cocoa, ;^'inger, pimento, <;r as it is called,
Jari'.aica pepper, and vidgarly allspice ; the wild cinna-
mon ; the iTiachineel, v.'liosc fruit, though uncommonly de-
lightful to 'he eye, cor. tains one of the worst poisf s in i;:i-
ture ; llie cabbage tree, reniarkable far its hcighl, and for
the hardness of its wootl, which, v. hen dry, is inconuptiblc,
iind hardly yields to any kind cf tool ; the palma, affurd-
Ing oil, much esteemed by the negroes, both as food and
liiedicine ; th.e soap tree, whose berries un.^wer all the
purposes of washu-.g ; the mcmgrove and oiivc bark, useful
lo tanners ; the fustic, redwood, and logwocd. Jamaica
can boast of a botanical garden, containing Cr.e rarest col-
U'Ction of curious trees and plants perhaps in th.e world.
This island was originally a part of the Spanish cmpirc
J!i America. It was reduced uiider the British dondni-^i^,
iu 1656, and ever sin.ce has been subject to Grcat-Briti.ia.
h is subject to earthquakes and huiricancs, which have
iione it incredible damage. Kingston is the capitrd, and
< ontains 1660 houses, beside negro huts and ware-houses.
It is a place of great trade and opulence.
HisFAxioLA, or St. Domi.ngo lies at th.e entrance of
the gulf of Mexico, betv.'cen \7 and 2i degrees north lat-
itude, and between I and 8 degrees cast longitude ; 450
miles long and 150 broad. Th-e face (^f the country pre-
sents an agreeable variety of h.ills, vallies, woods, and riv-
ers. It is extremely fciaile, producing sugar, cotton, indi-
;,'.o, tobacco, ir.aize, ar.d cassava loot. The European cat- ,
lie arc so multiplied here, that they run wild in the woods. \
The two great chains of mountains, which extend from j
I'ast to west, and their numerous spurs, give rise to innu- ;
'iucriible rivers, repel the violence cf the winds, vaiy the ;
WEST-IMJIES. 243
temperature oi \he air, and multiply the resources of hu-
man industry. They abound with excellent timber, and
mines of iron, lead, copper, silver, gold, some precious
stones, and mercuiy.
Hispaniola was the cradle of European power in the
new world. Columbus landed on it the 6th of December,
1492. The natives called it Hayti, signifying high or
mountainous land ; it was also called Quisgueya, tl-at is,
great conntry, or mother of countries. Others say it had
the name oi Bohioy which means a country full of habita-
tions and villages. Columbus called it His/iOJiiola, or Lit-
tle Spain, which name the Spaniards still retain, though
St. Domingo is the name commonly used by other nations ;
so called from St. Domingo the capital, which was thus
named by Columbus, in honor of his father. When the
Spaniards discovered the island, there were on it, at least,
a million of happy inhabitants, who were reduced to 60,000
in the short space of 15 years ! It formed 5 kingdoms, each
governed by caciques. The names of these kingdoms were
Maqua, Marien, Higuay, Maguana, and Xaraguay. The
Spaniards had possession of the whole island, for 120
years, when tliey Avere compelled to sliare it with the
Frencli. About the year 1793, an insurrection began a-
mnng the negroes, which, after the most horrid scenes of
bloodshed and cruelty, has terminated in the expulsion oi
the French from almost all parts of tlic island, and the es-
tablishment of a government, administered by r.egroes.
A negro chief, named Dessalincs, has assumed the litlo
of Emperor of Hayti, and the island is nov/ chiefly under
his control.
The principal Frencli town was Cape Franrcis, v/hich;
before its destruction, in 1793, contained 8'JUO people.
The city of St. Domingo, at the same time, contained
20,000.
PoHTo Rico, belonging to Spain, is 20 leagues E. S.
E. of St. Domingo, 100 miles long, and 40 broad. Th.e
lands arc beautifully diversified Vriih woods, valleys, and
phiins, and are very fruitful, yielding the same produce
as the other islands. Gold, which first induced the Span-
iards to settle here, is i.o iouf^er found.
The capital town, whicii is called Porto Rico, is on p
'jUiall island, joined to the muhi isle by a c?usevav, exf^nf'-
^v 2
246 WEST-INDIS.
ing across the harbor. It is large and well built, the see
of a bishop^ and so well defended as to be almost impreg-
nable.
THE VIRGIN ISLES
ARE a groiip of small islands, extending over a space
of about 24 leagues from east to west, and 16 from north
to south, and nearly approach the east coast of Porto Rico>
They belong to seveial European powers, but chiefly to
Great- Britain and Denraaik.
THE CARIBBEES
EXTEND in a semicircular form, from thcf island of
Porto Rico, the easternmost of tiie Antilles, to tlic coas^
of South-America. The sea, thus enclosesl l>y the maiu
land and the isles, is eallcd the Caril^bcan sea ; and ita
great channel leads northwestward to tlie liead of the guif
of Mexico, through the sea of Honduras. The chief of
these islands are Santa Cruz, Sambuca, Anguilla, St.
Martin, St. Bartholomew, BarLuda, Saba, St. Eustatia, St>
(>hristophtr, Nevis, Antigua, Montscirat, Guadaloupc,^
Deseada, Mariagalante, Dominico, Mariinico, St. Vin-
cent^ Rarbadocs, and Grenada. These are classed into
WiNSWAHD and Lkkward IstES, by seamen, with re-
gard to the usual courses of the ships from Old Spain, or
the Canaries, to Carthagena, or New-Spain, and Poito
Bello.
Barbadoes, belonging to the English, is the most
easterly ol all the Caribbees, and one of the most popu-
lous spots on the earth. Its extent is not more than 20
xniles by 13, yet it contains 16,000 whites, and 6009
blacks.
Martinique is the residence of the governor of all the
French West-Indies. Guadai.oupe, which also belongs
to the French, is the largest of the whole group.
Trinii>ai>, though not one of the Caribbees, may be
^opeily noticed in this place. It lies near the coast of
Terra Firma, .36 leagues long and 18 or 20 broad. Be-
side the products, common to the West-Indies, this island
iias a remarkable lak^e of pe|roleun> or fossil oil, v/bicl*
EUROPE. 21-7
affords a valuable object of exportation, as being the best
preservative of the bottom of ships, fi cm the worms which
are so destructive lo them, in the West-Indies and other
warm climates. Trinidad was settled by the Spaniards,
but has been ceded to England.
EUROPE.
Extent. EUROPE is much the smallest of the four
grand divisions of the globe. Its length tVom the rock of
Lisbon, in 10 degrees west, to the Uialian mountains, in
60 degrees east longitude from Greenwich, is about 3300
miles. Its breadth from cape Nord, in Danish Lapland,
latitude 72 degrees, to cape Matapar in Giccce, ladiude
36 degrees north, is about 2350. It contains 2,500,000
square miles.
Jiciaidaries. Europe is bounded on the cast I^y Asia ;
south by the Mediterranean, vviiich separates it ft om Afri-
ca ; west it has the Atlantic ocean, which contains the
most westerly European isle, that of Iceland ; north it is
limited by the Arctic ocean, embracing the remote isk
of Spitzbcrgen and Xova-21cn)bia, or the New Land, the
most northern land yet discovered.
Climate. Though great diversiiics of climate undoubt-
edly exist in Europe, yet the extreme of cold only is felt.
The heat is in no part comparable to that of the tonid
zone, from which even its most southern provinces aie far
distant. It lies principally in the northern temperate
zone ; a small portion extends beyond the arctic circle.
Seas. Of the waters which indent and peninsulate the
shores of Europe, the principal is the Mediterranean sea,
2000 miles long, which separates it from Africa on the
south. On the northern side of this sea, are two extensive
gulfs ; that of Venice, sometimes called the Adriatic, and
the Archipelago. Prom the Archipelago, a strait railed
the Hellespont conducts to the sea c:f Marmora ; and an-
other, styled the strait of Constantinople, leads from that
to the Euxine, or Black sea. The strait of Cafia ccu~
xiccts the Eux-ine with the sea of Azof^
24.3 EUROPE.
The Baltic is an inland sea in the northwest part of Eu-
rope, formed by the coasts of Russia, Denmark, Sweden,
and Germany. The Baltic opens from the Atlantic ocean
by a gulf pointing northeast, called the Scaggerac, and af-
terwards passes south by the strait called Gattegat, to the
east of which is the sound of Elsineur, where all vessels
pay a tribute of courtesy to Denmark. The length of the
Baltic, from southwest to northeast, is more than 200
leagues ; its breadth varies from 25 to 50 leagues. To the
northeast the Baltic spreads into two extensive branches,
called the gulfs of Bothnia and Finland. Tides are un-
known in this sea, and the waters have an uncommon
freshness. It is usually frozen three months in the year.
The White sea is a bay of the Arctic ocean, indenting
the northern shores of Russia.
The German sea is a part of tlie Atlantic ocean, wash-
ing the western shore of Germany. Another portion of
the Atlantic, called the British channel, flows between
France and the British isles.
The bay of Biscay is between cape Ortegal, in Spain,
and the French island of Ushant.
Islands. The islands of Europe will be described un-
der the respective countries to which they belong.
Rivers. The most considerable rivers are the Volga^
the Danube, the Dnieper, the Rhine, and the Elbe. These,
as well as others, smaller in size, but equal in utility, will
be noticed under the respective countries through which
they flow.
Mountaiiis The most elevated Kiountains of Europe
are the Alps. Next to these are the Pyrennees, and the
extensive ridge, which divides Norway from Sweden.
The Carpathian mountains and the Appenines ar-e of in-
ferior extent and height.
Inhabitants. The number of inhabitants in Europe,
according to Hasael, is 179,665,000.
Governments. Modern Europe scarcely affords an ex-
ample of any kind of government but of monarchies ; some
of which are limited, others absolute and despotic. Most
of the countries, formerly denoiPiinated republics, have
been transformed into absolute monarchies, or military
despotisms.
litii^kn. The Christian religion is established throu;h='
EUROPE. 249
out every part of Europe, except Turkey, and may be
comprelicp.dcd under three general denominations: 1st,
the Greek church ; 2d, the Koman catholic ; and 3d,
Protestantism ; which last is a'^ain divided into i^utheran-
ism and Calvinism, so called from Lnihor and Calvin, the
two distinguished reformers of the 16th century.
General Historu. Europe was anciently peopled l)y
Cells in the west and south ; by the Fins in the northeast ;
and by the Lapps, or Laplanders, in the northern extrem-
ity. The Scythians, from Asia, peopled a considerable
part of Europe. Tlic Sarmatian, or Sclavonic tribes, the
ancestors of the present liu-isians, Poles, Sec. were likt'
wise from Asia. The Moors, from Africa, peopled
Spain at a very early period.
Though Europe is the least extensive quarter of the
globe, ytt it may lie considered as the principal in every
thing relating to p.K\n in society ; niildness of air, fertility
of soli, producing all the necessaries and most of the lux-
uries of life ; and in the beauty, strength, courage, and
v.i'jdom oi its inhabitants. Here ib.e arts of utility and
ornament, and the sciences, both military and civil have
been carried to the vrreatest perfection. If we except the
earliest ages of the world, it is in Europe that we find the
greatest vaiicty of character, government, and manners,
and from whence we drav/ the greatest numbers of facts
and memorials, bcih for our entertainment and instruc-
tion.
TI?c languages of Europe are derived from the six fo'-
lowing : The Greek, Latin, Teutonic or Old German,
the ('eltic, Sclavonic, and Gothic.
Lur(jpe has su!)ilued to its subjection a great part of the
other divisions of the world. It governs all that part oi"
liic American continent which has been peopled from Eu-
roj)e, the United States excepted. It possesses almost all
the islands which have been discovered in the three greui.
oceans, the Pacific, the* Atlantic, and the Indian. It gives
laws to more than half Asia, to the greater part of the
coast of Africa, and to several inteiior coimtries of con-
siderable extent ; so that nearly half the inhabited world
bows to Europe.
550 LAPLAND.
LAPLAND.
Situation. AT the northern extremity of Ei;rope lies
the country of the Laplanders, extending from the North
cape, in lat. 71 30 to the White sea, uiider the Arctic
circle; 450 miles long, and 3G0 bread. Part of L::pJand
belongs to the Danes ; aiiothcr part to the Swedes ; ?.nd
a third to tlie Russians. Swedish Lapland conip;ci:cnds
all the country from th.e Baltic to tlic mouiitains wiich
separate Norway from Sweden. The Russian pui t lies
to the east, and bosders on the White sea. Dani-ili Lap-
land lies north of Norway.
Climate. The v. inters here arc extremely cold. Snow
often covers the ground four or five feet deep 'ihe
heat, for a short lime, is also excessive. Duriiig soniC
nionths in the summer, the sun luvr sets ; and for ii;e
same space in wi;;ter it ricver rir.cs. Yet the inl:jd;ltants
arc so well assisted by tuilight, tliat tiicy are not compel-
led to leave their employments on account of darkness.
General Jp./iearance and Prcdvcti'j7i-i. The country is
full of rocks and mounlains, fens and morasses, barren
heaths and saridy deserts. Tlicrc aie, however, some
lakes, containing islands which foi'm pleasant habitaiions ;
and are believed by ttie natives to be the terrestrial para-
dise ; even roses and other flowers grow wild on titeir
borders in the i^ummcr. The banks of lakes and rivers
produce pine, fir, biich, and otl.cr trees, witb. some whole-
some Ijerries and vegetables. The mountains are said to
be rich in rock ciystais, purple amethysts, topazes, load-
stone, cjuicksiivcr, native cinnabar, Sec. Cojjper and lead
iViines have been discovered aiid woiked to advantage.
The most remarkable animal of thisecuintry is the rein-
deer, which nature seems to have provided to solace the
Laplander for the privation of other comforts of life.
These creatures provide for then^selves both summer and
%vinter, feeding on grass, leaves, and moss. Tiie Lap-
landers make:'use of this animal in travelling. Its flesh is
their chief food, and its skin their clothing. It supplies
its owner with a bed ; with good milk and cheese. Of
the intestines and tendons are m.ade thread and cordage;
and the bones and horns are offered to idols.
DENMARK. 251
Inhabi'alitSt Manners, and Cuslorns. The inliabitants
of this country are a singular race of men, about 4 feet
hisjli, and iil sl^.aped, their heads too large in proportion to
iheir bodies. Th.cy are said to enjoy remarkable health
and longevity, someiimes living more than 100 years, and
frequently to 80 or 90, cheerful and active. They arc
clotncd with skins of the rein-deer, ov undressed sheep-
skins, with the wool inwards. Their anius. nients are
shooting with bows and arrows, and wrestling. Tliey have
some religio'is seminaries instituted by the king of Den-
inaik ; but are mostly pagans, and arc said to be addicted
to vnagic, and invoke demons, whom they commission to
annoy their cncniics. They live in huts from 20 to 30
feet in diameter, and 6 high, covered with briers, bark of
birch, or old skins of beasts. Marriages among them de-
])cnd wholly on the pleasure of the parents, Avho pay no
regard to the inclinations of their children. In general,
they acknowledge the king of Sweden for t':cii- sovereign,
tliough some of them pay tribute to the Danes and Rus-
sians.
The Lapp<5 were originally one people with the Finns.
Their language has now some afTmiiy to the Finnish.
They are said to have a genius for poetry ; of which the
Orra Moor and Rein Deer Song in the Spectator, trans*
laied from two songs in the Laplandic tongue, are proofs.
DENMARK.
2',xic7:t. THE countries constituting the kingdom of
Denmark extend from about 54 20 N. lat. to the northern
cxtiemity of tiie European continent, being about 1400
miles long, by a medial breadth of 150 miles.
JJivJaion^-. Before giving a general description of the
kingdom of Deijmark, it will be proper to take a separate
view of the several countries which compose it. Tnese
arc
1. Di'.NMATiK proper, including the islands at the entrance
of tl.e Baltic.
2. Ti.c kingdom of Norway.
3 . 1 c i: 1. A N u .
4. 'J i.i: Fi:uno Isles, and some other;; in the Arctic and
Atlantic oceans.
252 t)ENMARK.
Denmark Proper consists of a small peninsula, c:;-
tending about 220 miles to the uorthward of lat. 54 20 ;
and the islands of Zealand, Funen, Laland, Falster, and
some smaller isles, containing 1,548,000 inhabitants. The
peninsula is bounded on the souil^ by Germany ; on the
ivest by the Atlantic ocean ; north and east it is washed
by the Scaggerac and Cattegat, which form the entrance
into the Baltic sea. This peninsula forms the provinces
of Sleswick and Jutland.
All this territory, together with the dutchy of Holstcin,
in Germany, which belongs to Denmark, is generally flat,
and the soil sandy. The air is rendered foggy by the
neighborhood of the seas and lakes, of which the country
is full ; but it has no considerable river. During winter,
their harbors are frozen. I'he land is fertile, producing a-
bundance of grain of all sorts. The pastures are rich and
give sustenance to multitudes of horses and horned cattle*
Norway is bounded on the south by the entrance to the
Baltic, before described ; w'est and north by the Atlantic
ocean ; cast it is separated from Sweden by a chain of
mountains, collectively denominated the Norwegian Alps.
The most southern point of Norway is called the Naze,
in latitude 57 30, from which it reaches to the North
Cape, lat. 7 1 20. Its breadth is from 30 to 280 miles. It
is divided into 4 governments, Aggerhuys, or Christiana,
Christiansand, Bergen, and Drontheim, and contains
912,000 inhabitants.
The climate of Norway is variable. At Bergen the
winter is moderate ; in the north and eastern parts the
cold is intense, from October to April. Norway abounds
in lakes and rivers ; the former are so large that they ap-
pear like inlets of tl)e sea. It is also full of mountains and
forests, which furnish rnasts, planks, beams, and boards,
and are exported to all part^ of Europe. The principal
forest trees are pine and fir.
Bears, lynxes, and otlier wild animals, harbor in the for-
ests and mountains. Here is als^ the Icttmnng, a species
of rat. Sometitnes they issue from the viuges in multi-
tudes, destroying every thing in their way.
Norway is rich in mines of silver, copper, iron, lead and
cobalt. Marble and other useful stones abound. The
magnet is found in iheir iron raiacs. It has some rich
BENMARK. -253
pastures, but does not produce com sufficient for the in-
habitants.
Iceland, an island in the Atlantic ocean between 64'
and 67 degrees north latitude, and between 50 and 65 de-
grees west longitude, is SOO miles long and 1/30 broad,
and contains 47,300 inhabitants. The coast is rugged,
and broken by numerous bays and creeks.
Iceland is full of mountains whose top^^re covered with
everlasting snow and ice, while their bowels are filled with
fire and lava. Mount Hecla is the most noted of these
volcanoes ; its eruptions have been frequent and very de-
structive. There are ahv.iys many fountains of boiling
water in Iceland, some of which form spouts of an aston-
ishing height. In some parts there is tolerable pasture,
and a little grain is produced, but not enough to supply
the wants of its inhabitants, whose wealth consists princi-
pally of small cattle and sheep. There are but few trees
on the island. Among the wild animals are white bears,
which are brought from Greenland on islands of ice.
The Ferro Islands, 24 in number, lie in the Atlantic
ocean, between 6i and 63 degrees north latitude, and have
5300 inhabitants. Stromoe, the largest, is 17 miles long
.md 8 broad. The rest are much smaller, and many of
them uninhabited. They are mountainous : but the soil,
though shallow, is fertile, yielding barley and pasturage
for sheep. They are the resort of great numbers of sea
fowl, which furnish eider down, a valuable article to the
fowlers. These islands are subject to terrible storms and
whirlwinds.
Population. The Danish dominions contain togethe|"
2,609,000 inhabitants.
Manners. The servitude of the peasantry in Denmark
proper renders them spiritless and indolent. Those of
Norway are more free, industrious, and enterprising. Al-
most every Norwegian is an artist, and supplies his fami-
ly with his own manufactures. The women are hand-
some and courteous.
Religion. The established religion is Lutheranism ; but
other denominations are tolerated.
Languages and Literature. The languages of all the Da-
nish dominions are dialects of the Teutonic and Gothic,
That of Iceland is said to be the purest.
X
i?vt DENMARK.
The Banes are but little celebrated in literature. Ty-
cho Brahe, the famous astronomer, was a native of this ^
kingdom. There is a university at Copenhagen, and a-
nother at Kiel. Tliere are also two academical colleges,
and thirty-two other great schools in the principal towns.
At Copenhagen is a royal society of sciences ; another of
Icelandic history and literature ; an academy for painting
and architecture ; and a college of physicians. The uni-
\'ersity las funcfl for the gratuitous support of 328 stu-
dents.
Government. Denmark is an absolute monarchy, but
the administration of it has been distinguished for mild-
ness, justice, and moderation.
yirmy. The army amounted in ISOO, to 74',635 men.
Cities and Toivns. Copenhagen is the capital, and the
residence of the king. It is 5 miles in circumference,
seated on the western shore of the island of Zealand, and
contains 60,000 inhabitants. The houses are chiefly of
brick ; the palaces of the nobility are splendid.
Bergen, the capital of Norway, has 16,000 inhabitants.
Alton A, in the dutchy of Holstein, has 30,000. Chris-
tiana, 10,000. ,Drontheim has 8200, and is the most
northerly city of Europe.
History. The Danes enumerate a long list of princes,
through a period of near 3000 years, and affirm that their
country received its name from Dan, their first king, who
reigned about the year 1 050 before the Christian era. But
the history of Denmark, for several ages after Dan, is fill-
ed with wild and fabulous accounts of heroes, and other
absurdities.
One of the most illustrious of the kings of Denmark was
Canute the Great, who was, at the same time, king of Den-
mark, Norway, and England ; he died A. D. 1025 The
famous Margaret, daughter of Waldemar III. who as-
cended the throne in 1387, raised Denmark to its highest
pitch of glory, and was justly styled the Semiramis of the
north. She formed the union of Calmar, by which she
Tvas acknowledged sovereign of Sweden, Denmark, and
Norway. The union was dissolved in 1448 ; but the three
kingdoms were again united in 1 457 under Christian I.
and once more separated in 1464. In 1536, the protest-
;*rit religion %vas established by Christian III, His grand- ;
SWEDEN. ti5.i
oon Christian IV. ^v;i^ diOf.e.T hend of ihe protestant
league, formed against the house of Austria, ll)'J9. ilis
son Frederic III. ascended tl)e throne in i64S, and con-
ducted himself so much to ilie admiration of tlie people,,
that they assembled in 1060, and declared hereditar)\
that which before had been elective, and the power of the
king absolute, which before Iv.id been extTcmcIy limited.
Christian Vl. who ascended the throne in 17-^0, and his
grandson, Frederick V. who succeeded him in 1716, cnl;i-
vated peace with all their neighbors, and employed all
iJieir power to promoie the happiness of their subjects.
Christian VIT, the present king, ascended ilio throne in
1716.
SWEDEN.
Extrnt and Boundaries. THE kingdom of Sweden is of
very considerable extent ; being, from the most suiuhern
promontory of Scone to the northern extremity of Swedish
Lapland, not less than 1150 miles in length ; and froa:
the Norwegian Alp' lo the limits of Russia, about 600.
U is bounded north by Danish Lapland ; east by Russia :
^outli by the Baltic, and the gulf of Finland ; west by
Norway, the Sound, and tlie Cattegate.
Dlvhions. The whole kingdom is divided into five
grand divisions, viz. Sweden proper, 65l-,(K)0 inluibiiants ;
Gothland, 1,4.54,000 ; Norland and Lapland, 210,000 ;
Finland, 8:3^,000. Each division is subdivided into sev-
eral provinces.
Cl'tmate -.ncl Seasons. Tlie winter here is long, dry, and
cold ; tlie summer short ..nd Jiot. There is a rapid change
from winter to the lieat of summer. During the long
winter nights, the moon, the aurora borealis and the re-
Hection of the snow, produce a mild and agreeable light.
In summer, the night consist only of a sliort twilight.
The pure, sharp air, which the Swedes breathe, renders
them vigorous, and preserves them from epidemical dis-
eases. They often attain to a very great age.
Face of the Country. Sweden is diversified, in a pictur-
esque manner, with lakes and rivers, mountains and vales,
forests, rocks, and cultiv ated fields. The most remai kable
256 SWEDEN.
iBoyntain is the Sevebergsrygu, which begins in West-
Gothland, extends towards the noith, between Norway
and Norland, separating these two countries by summits^
covered with eternal snow. "
All tlie mountains of vSweden are composed of gravel,
freestone, calcareous stone, slate, petrii act ions and granite.
Soil and ylgriculiure. The soil of the plains and valleys,
though not the most propitious, is proper for cultivation.^
which is conducted with skill and industry. There are
many rich pastures, and some fields of rye, oats, and bar-
ley.
Lahs and Risers. One of the most important lakes oi
Sweden is the Wenner, about 100 miles long, and 50 or
60 broad. It receives twenty-four rivers, and abounds
with fish. Next in size is the Weter, which receives about
forty small rivers, though it has no outlet except the Mo-
lula. The lake Meier, at the confluence of which with the
Baltic the city of Stockholm is situated, is about sixty miles
long by eighteen broad, sprinkled with many picturesque
islaiads^
Sweden is intersected by numerous rivers, the most con-
siderable of which issue from the lakes, without any great
length of course. In Swedish Lapland are many large
rivers which rite in the Norwegian Alps, and fall into
the gulf of Bothnia.
Botany. Linnaeus reckons in Sweden, 1300 species of
plants, 200 of which are used in medicine. No beeches
tp-row beyond Upland ; the birch grows in all the prov-
inces The pine and the fir are the principal forest trees.
y!mmals. The domestic cattle and sheep of Sweden pre-
sent nothing reriiarkable. Wolves, foxes, hares, birds of
prey, moor fowl, fresh and salt water fish, are found here
in great abundance ; bears, elks, sables, beavers, and pole-
cats are more unccr^mon.
Minerals and ?/l'mcral Springs. Sweden is very rich in
iron, and copper, lead, marble, alum limestone, coal,
vitriol, curious petrifactions, porphyry, amethysts, load-
stone, slate, talc, quicksilver, sulphur, mother of pearl,
and silver.
There are rckoned 860 mineral springs in Sweden.
They abound in every province of the kingdom.
Matmfaduns and Commera. The Swedish manufactures
SWEDEN. 257
are chlefiy those of iron and steel, wltli cloths, huts, sail-
cloth, copper and brass. The articles of export are iron,
copper, gunpowder, boards, leather, tallow, skins, pitch*
resin, and masts. They import linen cloth, salt, wines,
grain, tobacco, sugar, coffee, drugs, &c. Of late, a laud-
able attention has been paid to inland navigation.
Population. The population of this kingdom, in 1 801,
amounted to 3,191,000. The nobility are computed at
about 2500 families ; and thtr peasants, the most numer-
Gus class, amount to 2,000.000.
Manners and Customs. The Swedes are more polished
than formerly, and have several public schools and col-
leges, where the arts and sciences are taught, I'heir
women till the ground, thresh the corn, row the boats,
&c. Their houses are generally of wood, with little art
in the construction.
Language. The language is a dialect of the Gothic, be-
ing a sister of the Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic.
Cities. Stockholm, standing between an inlet of ihe
Baltic sea and the i^ke Meier, is the capital of Sweden, and
the royal residence. It occupies 7 small rocky islands.
The honses/are of stons or brick, covered with white stuc-
co. It has a castle, an arsenal, and several academicE,
and 75,517 inhabitants. Upsal is the next in dignity,
and has HOO inhabitants. Gothenburg has 1S,218
inhabitants. Carlscrona, founded by diaries XI. m
1680, contains a population of about 13,800.
Religion. The established religion is the Lutheran;,
tliey have one archbishop and seven bishops
Government. The form of the Swedish govcrnirjcnt is
nicnaichical
yirmy and Navy. In 1 801 , the naval and military t: ccns
of every kind were l8H,734. They have but fev; ships of
the line. Galleys of a flat construction are found more
serviceable in the Baltic than ships of war, and eieat at-
teniiun is paid to tlieir equip4Tjcr.t.
Bist-.ry. Sweden is part of the ancient Scard.'navf:!,
and a;^pears to iiave been origin.'.l.'y peopled by lins, wiii;
were conquered by the Goths, probably seven or ei^lu cen-
turies betore tiie Christian era. Theiiistoiy of this kin-'-
doin is obscure tiil the reign of Ingi ihe pi. jus, A. D. IC'(j'>.
SwtJen vv.is paitiaily converted lu Ciuisiianity, A. P
X 2
253 RUSSIA.
lOOO, under Olaf III. Margaret, queen of Denmark and
Norway, was called to the throne of Sweden, on the forc-
ed resignation of Albert, their king. A. D. 1377. It re-
mained united to the Danish crown till 1523, when the fa-
mous Gnstavus Vasa expelled the Danes, and ever since
it has remained independent ; but was made an absolute
monarchy by Gustavns 111. in 1772. Gustavus IV. was
assassinated by Ankerstrom, on the !6th of March, 1792;
and succeeded by his son, then 14 years old ; who, in
1800 abdicated tlie throne, and is now an exile in Great-
Britain.
RUSSIA.
THE Russian empire is superior in extent of teritory to
any perhaps that ever existed on the globe. In its great-
est extent it stretches from Svi-eden and the Baltic on the
west, to the Pacific ocean on the east ; and from the Arc-
tic ocean north, to the 44'th degree of north latitude on the
south ; being larger than all the rest of Europe. Tlie pres-
ent article, however, is restricted to European Russia,
which is the best and most pop;; Inns part of the empire.
Boundaries. The boundaries of Russia in Euj ope are
on the north, the Arctic ocean ; on the west, Swedish Lap-
land and Finland, the Baltic sea, the Prussian and Austri-
an parts of the late kingdom of Poland, and Turkish Mal-
divia ; on the south, the Black sea, and seaof Azof ; and
on the east, its own Asiatic territories.
Extent, European Russia extends from the river Dni-
ester to the Uralian mountains, about 1600 miles ; its
breadth is more than 1000 miles. It is computed to con-
tain 1,200,000 square miles.
Drchlons and Population. This Immense empireis divided
into 50 governments, 12 of wiiich are in Asiatic Russia.
The whole empire contained, in 180S, 41,403,200 in-
habitants, viz.
In European Russia 32,129,200
in Asiatic Russia 9,274,000
41,403,200
RUSSIA, 259
Of the inhabitants in Russia, 1,510,700 arc in the
Siberian provinces, and SOO in American Russia, oppo-
site Kaniscliatka Of the inhabitants in European Rus-
sfa, 7,000,000 were acquired Irom the partition of Po-
land, and irom the Pone, between the years 177^ and
1795.
Climate. In a country of such extent as Russia, there
must consequently bs almost every diversity of climate,
but its prevailing character is that of extreme cold The
province of Taurida may be compared with Italy, in cli-
mate and soil.
Stas, Lakes, and Rivers. The seas of Russia are the Bal-
tic, the White sea, the Black sea, the sea of Azof, and
the Caspian sea.
Tliert; are several considerable lakes in Russia. Tlie
lake of Onega, in the government of Olonetz, is 150 miles
long by f>0 broad, the shores of wiiich contain some valu-
able marbles. To the west is lake Ladoga, 130 n)Iieslong,
by 70 broad. Peter the great opened a canal along the
shore of this lake, from the Volkov to the Neva On the
southwest is the lake of Peypus, from which issues the riv-
er Narva I'he white lake is so called from its bottom
of white clay. Lake Seliger, in the governnrent of Tver^
and a small lake to the west, are the principal sources of
tlie majestic Volga, wljich, for some distance; is the boun-
dary line between Europe and Asia. After a course of
250 miles, it turns to the southeast into Asia, and lalls in-
to the Caspian sea at Astrachan. Its whole course is
1700 miles.
The Don, or Tanais, rises in the government of Tulan,
and runs SOO nnles into the sea of Azof.
The Nieper, the ancient Borysthenes, rises in the govern-
ment of Smolensk, at no great distance fiom the sources
of th.e Volga and Duina. After traversing rich and fer-
tile jirovinces, for 1000 miles, it fills into the Euxine.
The Niesier rises in the Carpathian mountains, and falb
into the Euxine at Ankerman.
The Peti-liora, Mezen, and several otl'.cr important riv-
er:, run northwardly into the While sea and Arctic ocean.
Thit other most considera!-le rivers are, the Western
O-.vina, which Talis into the gulf of Riga ; the Neva, which
c;uri'.'5 ;he WHtcr^ of lake Ladoga into the gulf of Einlund
260 ' RUSSIA.
and pervades the city of Petersburg ; and the Bog, which
falls into the Euxine sea.
Face of the Country. European Russia is generally a
level country. Toward the north, however the land rises
into bleak and barren mountains, interspersed with forests,
bogs, and morasses.
Productions. There is a great variety of natural produc-
tions in Russia, Many thousand species of plants, belong-
ing to this part of the globe, have already been enumerated
by naturalists, and many are probably yet unknown. Most
of the grains, necessary for the subsistence of man and
beasl, are cultivated in Russia. The southern provinces
are extremely fertile. The fir is the most valuable of their
forest trees.
Beside domestic animals, the country abounds in wild
beeves, reindeer, martins, foxes of several kinds, ermines,
sables, and various other quadrupeds valuable for their
furs.
The mineral stores of this empire, are those of gold,
silver, copper, iron, lead, quicksilver, isingglass, sulphur,
salt, many sorts of jasper, marble and granite.
Commerce. The commerce of Russia is greatly increased
by its canals. The North s^'a is united with the Baltic, and
both these with the Caspian and Black seas. By means
of a canal, Petersburg communicates with Astrachan and
the Crimea. The annual export of iron is computed at
40,000 tons ; of flax 15,000 ; and of tallow 31-,000 tons.
The imports of Petersburg, in 1797, were computed at
about 4',000,000/ sterling Russia is supposed to export
grain anunally to the amount of 170,000/. ; and hemp and
flax, raw or manufactured, to the amount of a million
more. The coin current in the empire is estimated to
amount to SO, 000, 000/. sterling, and the paper money to
20,000,000/. Russia carries on a great traffic wiih China.
Immense quantities of furs are exported to most of the
nations of Europe.
Religion. The establislied religion is that oi the Greek
church, but all religious sects are tolerated. The church
is governed by a patriarch, under v/hom are archbishops
and bishops.
Language. The common language is a mixture of the
Polish aud Sclav.onian ; but the priests and ciergy make
RUSSIA. 261'
use of the modern Greek. Their alphabet consists of 36
letters, the forms of which have a strong resemblance to
those of the old Greek alphabet.
Li'.eraiure. Sciences and arts were introduced by Peter
the great, and encouraged by the late empiess, who also
founded a number of schools for the education of the low-
er classes of her subjects. There are three universities, one
at Petersburg, one at Moscow, and one at Kiof. The
imperial academy of sciences, aL Petersburg, ranks among
the ilrst literary institutions of Europe, 'fhere is also an
academy of arts, and another of the Russian language.
Manners and Customs. The Russians, properly so called,
are h^rdy, vigorous, and patient of labor to an incredible
degree. The dress of the higher ranks is after the French
and English fashion ; and all wear a covering of fur si'^
months in the year. They have an extreme fondness lor
their native soil, and are seldom seen in other countries.
They are superstitious, and entertain many fantastic no-
tions respecting departed .souls The priests give a pass-
yoxl to these vv'ho are dying, entreating St. Peter to open
the gates of heaven, and certifying that the bearer has been
a gfiod Clitistian.
There are no capital punishments, except in cases of high
treason. But the Russians are renrarkable for the severity
and variety of punishments, inflicted for other crimes.
Mary cnmlnais die under the tortures of the knout, the
fatigues of their journeys to Siberia, and tlie hardships they
suffer in the mines
Government. The soveieign of Russia is absolute. He
must be of the Greek church. The only written funda-
mental law is tliat of Peter 1. by which the right of suc-
cession depend sentirely on the choice of the reigning mon-
atch. i he emperor has unlimited power over -^hc lives
and property of all his subjects, the nobility as well as the
peasantry. The provinces are ruled by governois, ap-
pointed by the sovereign.
/irmy and Navy. The army amounted in 1S()5 to
5j^rl20 men. Russia has ,'^2 nev/ sail of the line, and 18
fiig^tes ; 12 oUl line of battle ships, and 200 galleys and
gun bo.its, principally in the Baltic, Black and Mediterra-
nean seas
Cii'us. Petersburg, on the Neva, near the gulf of
262 RUSSIA.
Finland, is the capital of Russia. Peter the great laid ih<*
foundation of it in 1703, and, from a morass, which con-
tained only a few fishermen's huts, arose a city which now
contains 2'J\,'2S0 inliabitants, 35 great churches, and many
splendid palaces. It is defended by the fortress of Cron-
stadr, and is enclosed by a rampart 14 miles in circumfer-
ence. It carries on an extensive commerce.
Moscow, 555 miles southeast of Petersburg, before its
destruction in September, 1812, by order of the Russians,
to prevent its falling into the hands of Bonaparte, contain-
ed 12,500 houses and 300,000 souls. Its circumference,
within the rampart, was 2 miles. It had 1800 places of
worship. Their beils were of a stupendous size, one of
which weighed 216 tons. Moscow was the centre of the
inland commerce of Russia. It is now rebuilding.
Archangei,, on the Dwina, near the White sea, is a
place of some commerce, and has 1200 houses and 7200
inhabitants.
Riga is a strong and populous tov'n, and next to Pe-
tersburg, the most commercial of any in Russia. It is
ihe capital of the government of Livonia, and has 1236
hou.es, 30,000 inhabitants.
History. Little was known of Russia till near the close
of the I5ih century, when John Baziiowitz I. great duke
of Moscovy, threw off the yoke of the Tartars, to whom
Russia had long been subject, and assumed the title ot
Czar. But Peter the great is the most deservedly celebrat-
ed of all the sovereigns of Russia. Perhaps no country
ever exhibited, in so short a time, the wonders that may be
effected by the genius and exertions of one man. At his*
accession to the throne, he found his subjects of all ranks
in the grossest ignorance and barbarism ; his numerous
armies ferocious and undisciplined ; he had neither mer-
chant ships nor men of war, which rendered Russia of lit-
tle consequence in the politics of Europe. Peter civilized
his barbarous subjects, disciplined his army, built cities and.
fortresses, and created a navy. These national improve-
ments have been continued since his time, and Russia now
holds a rank among the powers of Europe, of which hu-
man foresight, at the beginning of the last century, could
have formed no conception.
The present emperor of Russia is Alexander I, who as-
POLAND. -203
tended the throne, March 24, 1801, the day after the as-
sassination of his father, Paul I.
Russian Isles. In the Baltic, Russia possesses the
isles of OisEL and Dago, which are full of rocks. Cron-
STADT, in the gulf of Finland, is remarkable for an excel-
lent haven, which is the chief station of the Russian fleet.
It has 40,000 inhabitants.
Nova-Zembla, a large island in the Arctic ocean, be-
longs to Russia, from which it is separated by the straight
of Wiigate. It has no inhabitants but foxes, bears, and
other wild beasts.
The islands of Spitzbergkj, styled by some East-
Greenland, from a supposed connection with Greenland
proper, in North- America, lie in the Arctic ocean, between
Greenland and Nova Zembla. The main land of Spitz-
bergen extends 300 miles from lat. 7G 30 to 80 7- The
coast is lined with craggy mountains ; in winter, it is con-
tinual night for four months. The animals are white
bears and foxes. There are no settled inhabitants, and it
is known only to those who go on the coast for whales.
The only vegetable here is a willow, two inches high.
POLAND.
POLAND was once a powerful kingdom of Europe,
but is now blotted from the catalogue of nations. As a
geographical section of Europe, however, it still occupies
a place in the description of this part of the globe.
In 1 772, Poland was bounded on the north by the Bal-
tic and Russia ; east by Russia ; south by Little Tartary,
Moldavia and Hungary ; west by Germany and the Bal-
tic. The territory, included inthese limits, was SCO mllis
long, and 700 broad. It v.as divided into Great Poland,
Little Poland, and Litliuania ; each of which v/as again
divided into palatinates or provinces.
Poland was anc'ently the country of the Vandals, who
emigrated from it to invade the Rr^man empire. It was
erected into a dutcliy, of which Lcchus was the first duke,
A. D. 694. It became a kingdom A. I). 1000 ; Otho
III. emperor of Germany, conferring the title of king om
Boleslaus I.
In 1772, a parfition of tliis country, projected by the
64. PRUSSIA.
king of Prussia, was effected by that monarch, in conjunc-
tion with the empress of Russia and the emperor of Ger-
many ; by which one third of Poland was divided among
tliese powers. In 1792, the empress of Russia and king
of Prussia planned a second partition, which took place in
1793. " These multiplied oppressions at last roused the
spirit of the nation. General Kosciusko, in 1794, appear-
ed at the head of a Polish army, to assert the independence
of his country, and to recover the provinces wrested from
it. He was successful at first against the king of Prussia,
but was afterwards defeated and taken prisoner by the
Russians. Warsaw, the capital, was taken and plundered
by the Russians, in 1793. Five thousand Polish troops
fell in defence of the place ; and 9000 citizens, men, wo-
men and children were massacred. Theunfortunateking,
Stanislaus III. was compelled to make a formal resigna-
tion of his crown and kingdom into the hands of his bloody
conquerors, and was a state prisoner till his death, which
happened at Petersburg, February 11, 1798.
The present distribution of Poland is as follows ; to Rus-
sia belong Courland, Samogitia the greater part of Lith-
uania, Polesia, Volhinia, and Podolia, having, according
to Hassel, a population of 4,223,300. To Austria, Little
Poland, a part of Podolia, now called Galicia and Lodo-
miria, and part of Masovia. To Prussia, Great Poland,
Polachia, and a part of Masovia and Lithuania.
PRUSSIA.
Extent and BourJaries. EXCLUSIVE of small detach-
ed teritories, the kingdom of Prussia extends from the riv-
er Oder west, to the Memel east, about 600 miles. The
breadth, from the southern limit of Silesia to Dantzic ex-
ceeds 300 miles. On the east and south, Prussia is bound-
ed by the dominions of Russia and Austria ; west by
Germany ; north by the Baltic.
Divisions and Population. The following countries, fe
1801, composed the Prussian monarchy :
Eastern Prussia k Pomerania
Western Prussia Brandenburg
Southern Prussia New March
New Eastern Prussia Magdeburg
PRUSSIA. 65
Halberstadt Gelder
Minden Tecklenburg
Ravensliurg Lingen
Eiist Friesland Silesia
Cleves Anspach
Mars Baircuth
Mark Neufchatel and Vallcngin
The whole of these divisions, according to Hoeck, con*
tained 8,021,149 inhabitants. Since the battle of Jena, in
\'6i'~t in which the French were victorious, and v.'hich was
followed by almost a connplete conquest of Prussia, the
extent of this kingdom has been considerably lessened.
Climate. The climate of Prussia, tliough mild and free
from humidity in some provinces, Is generally cold and
moist. Prussia pfoper is said to have eight months win-
ter, and its autumn deluged with rain.
Laief and Rivers. There are several lakes in Prussia:
of considerable extent. That called the Spelding Lee ex-
lends about 20 miles in every direction. One of the chief
rivers is the Elbe, rising in Bohemia, and passing through
the dutchy of Magdeburg. The Oder is perhaps the on-
ly river which can be considered entirely Prussian. The
other chief rivers are the Russe, and Niemen or Memei.
General appearance and Produciicns. The only mountains
in Prussia are those of Silesia. Except this province, the
whole country is low and level. It produces much hemp,
flax, and corn. Yellow amber is found along the sea coast.
The domestic animals are numerous. Beside the com-
mon game, the forests abound in elks, wild asses, and the
uri, an animal of a monstrous size, with a very thick and
strong hide, which is sold at a great price.
Manufactures and Commerce. I'hese are of little impor-
tance. Linen is made in Silesia ; and some glass, iron,
and paper, is manufactured in other parts.
The exports are amber, timber, corn, skins, leather, flar,
and hemp, lii ret'.jm, tliL-y receive wine and olher prod-
ucts of che soir.h cf Europe.
Language ar..l L.lurauire. The language is German, ex-
cept in the PoiiU:! provinces. Frederick the great was one
of th'; most distinguished autiiois tlie kingdom has pro-
duced, L'teiature and educaiicn are almost entirely
Bp"lectcd.
Y
60 F'RUSStA.
Government and Religion. The government is kn absolute
twonirchy. No senate or delegates of the people are
known in the kingdom. The prevailing religion former-
ly was Lutheranibm ; bnt since the acquisitions in Poland,
the greater part of the inhabitants are probably Roman
Catholics.
^^rw. The Prussian army amounts to about 200,000j
including 40,000 cavalry.
Cities. KoNiGiBERG, on the river Pregel, is the capi-
tal, containing- 5fi,4rOO inhabitants, and enjoying an exten-
sive commerce. Ic has an university, with 38 prefessors.
The city is adorned witli many elegant palaces.
Warsaw, the former capital of Poland, stands on the
Vistula, containing 3578 houses, and 64-5000 inhabitantSj
notwithstanding the population was so much thinned by
the destructive sword of Suwarrovv.
Dan Tz I c contains 5355 houses, and 42,000 inhabit-
ants. It was known as a co.mmercial city as early as the
tentli century,
Th.e city of Thorn, celebrated as the birth place of the
famous astronomer, Copernicus, has 8300 inhabitants.
History. Prussia was anciently inhabited by an idola-
tr us and cruel people. Conrad, duke of Masovia, about
the middle of the thirteenth century, attacked those peo-
ple with success ; and, after a bloody war of fifty years,
reduced them to obedience, and obliged them to embrace
Cliristianity. In 1525, Albeit, margrave of Blandenburg,
having made himself master of all Prussia, ceded the west-
trn part to the king oi Poland, and was acknowledged
duke of the eastern pait, but to be held as a fief of that
kingdom. The elector Frederick William, surnamed the
Great, by a treaty with Poland, in J 656, obtained a con-
firm^ation of this part of Prussia to him and his heirs, free
from vassalage ; and, in 1663, he was declared independ-
ent and sovereign duke, in J 701, Frederick, son of Fred-
erick William the Great, raised the dutchy of Prussia to a
kingdom, and, in a solemn assembly of the states of the
empire, placed the crown with his own hands upon his
head ; soon after which, he was acknowledged as king of
Prussia by all the other European powers
Fudeiick 111. ascended the 'hrone in 1740. Hismili-
tary talents and achievements were splendid and success-
GERMANY. 267
ful ; h3 excelled no less as a poet and legislator, than as
a warrior He was one of the iiiBdel bind of philosu-
phists ; and contributed, with Voltaire and others, to
corrupt the literature and the religion of Europe. Tlia
late king, Frederick IV. succeeded his nncle in 1786, died
1797, and was succeeded by Frederick V\^iUiam II. th*
present king.
GERMANY.
GERMANY is subdivided into many states, and itsgci
ography more perplexed th;in ih.i; of any other naiioiv
on the globe. It W'^s chieHy beiwcen the iGih and ,31ih
degrees north Luicude ; bounded west by the Rhir^e and
Holland ; north by Denmark and the Baltic ; east by the
Austrian dominions; sotiih by Italy and Switzerland.
Its length, from the Pjaltic north to the Mfdilc:; anean
soutl], is 6 >0 miles ; its breadth, f;om the Rlt'ne wt-bt to
Silesia ea.v, is about 5D0. Since the confeJeratiorj of the
R''.ine. the resignation of the emperor, in ! SOG, of h'.s title
of Emperor of Germany, ih.e erection of t!-.e kiiigdom vt
^^''estpha!ia, and utlv^r cirangesj this cou:itiy has beer, in
a broken aud nncertaiti stale.
PoUtica! Divhlon:. Germ my was formerly divided in-
to tea circles ; but the seventecii provinces, whic!) consti-
tuted the circle oi Burgundy, hiving been Jong detaclied
from the empire, the division in lS(~o' was that of nine cir-
cles, which were Upper Saxonv, Upper Rhine, Austria,
I^ovver Saxony, Lower Rhine, Bavaria, Westphalia, Fran-
conia, Suabia. Other changes have since been made.
Rvcn and l.ikss. At the head of German rivers stands
the Danube or Donaw, so called from the swiftness of the
current. I: rises in Suabia ; and, from Vienna to Bel-
grade in Hungary, it is so broad, tliat in the wars between
the Turks and Christians, shijis of vr.irh.ave been engaged
on it. it contains a vast nuniber of cataracts and whirl-
pools; its stream is rapid, and its course, without reckoninj^
turnings and windings, is computed to be 1620 miles.
The Drave and liess are noble branches ( f the Danube.
The Inn, another branch, rises in the cast of Switzc-land,
and has a course of about 2:)0 niiles.
26S GERMANY.
The Elbe rises in the Sadetic mountains of Silesia, and
enters the iea near Cuxhaven, after a course of more than
500 miies. Jt is navigable for ships, in high tides, to
Hamburg. Not far to the west is the mouth of the Weser.
The inundations of this stream are terrible ; the towns and
villages on its banks become islands.
The Rhine is a noble river, having a course of about six
hundred miles ; the Necker and Maine are its generous
tributary streams.
The chief lakes of Germany are those of Constance and
Bregentz ; the Chiemsee, or the lake of Bavaria ; and the
Zirtchnit/er sea, in the datchy of Carniola, whose waters
ctien run off and return again in an extraordinary manner.
Gcrminny contains large noxious bodies of standing wa-
ter, wliich are next to pesilieniial, and afflict the neighbor-
ir.^r natives v,'ith many deplorable disorders.
Government. The' pnii-.icai constitution of Germany is
T(K):c i.Tiricaie than th:(.t of any other European country.
The terri'o)y is divided i:::o a vast number of independ-
ent sovereignties, extremely disproportionate in extent and
conseq'ic-nce, but all \}xi\'n^d into a kind of federal republic,
iiHviiig i^if irs head an elective emperor. The great diet
of ilij em o'.e h com:;o;ed cf deleyates from all the inde-
pendonL s'::<-^
Principal Siaii's. V\''e shall briefly notice the principal
states of Gerniiiny, and i}ieir chief cities.
BR ANUF.NIjURG contalnsSl cii.ies, 19 market towns,
about 1917 royal and noble villages, 20!^7 ancient villages,
1971 Luiheran churches,' and 80 Calvinistical churches.
The populaiion of BraT^dcnbuig amounts to 7.55,577
souls. The religion of the country id Lutheran ; but the
king of Prussia, who is also elector of Brandenburg, and
those of his court, are Calvinists. The Roman Catholics
are tolerated ; and every inhabitant enjoys liberty ot con-
'science. There is an university at Frankfort on the Oder,
and an academy of sciences at Berlin.
Berlin, on the river Sprey, is the royal residence, and
contains 1.56,000 inhabitants. It is chiefly remarkable for
the elegance of its buildings.
Brandenburg is but a small city, containing only 10,300
inhabitants. Fk ankkort, on the Oder, has 10,^00; and
l^'oTSDAM, whicii is freqnently the royal residence, 18,000.
GERMANS. 260'
SILESIA. To the king of Prussia belongs also the
dutchy of Silesia, 274> miles long, and 100 broad.
The principal rivers are the Oder, Vistula, Neisse, Bo-
ber, Queis, Oppa and Else, A long chain of mountains
separates Silesia from Bohemia ; the highest mountain,
called Zotcnburg, is in the principality of Schweidnitz, and
is iO-t miles in circumference. The principal manufac-
ture is linen cloth ; there are some woollen manufactures,
and glass houses. Silesia is divided into the Upper and
Lower; in the Upper, the inhabitants are generally Ro-
man Catholics, speaking the Polish language. Between
this country and the United States, a consitterable trade is
carried on, by the way of Hamburg, In the Lower, they
are almost ail protestants, and speak their mother tongue.
It is also divided into 17 small dutchies, and 7 free states,
exclusive of the county of Giatz, In Silesia there are
4-2,000 infantry, and 1 0,030 cavalry. The greatest part
of this country was ceded to the king of Prussia, in 1742,
by the treaty of Breslaw. Silesia surrendered to France,
by capitulation, on the 1 .Gth of June, 1807. Breslaw,
the capital, contains 63,000 inhabitants.
SAXONY proper, or the electorate of Saxony, in tlie
circle of Upper Saxony, is 15 n;iles long, and 60 broad.
It is a very fertile and commercial country abounding in
mines. It is cut into two unequal part^ by the river Elbe,
and has three civil divisions, viz. the dutchy of Saxony, of
which WiRTF.MBERG is the capital ; Lu;alia, of which
Bautzen is the capital ; and Misnia, the caj)ifal of whicli,-
and of the vyhcle electorate, is Dresden, at t.'ie conflux of
the Elbe and Weserritz. Dresden contains 2614 housesj
and 49,000 inhabitants. Its chief" manufactures are ser-
ges, shalloons, stockings, lir.ert, silk, gla'^s, and porcelain.
HANOV^ER. The electorate of Elanover compre-
hends the dutchies cf Zell, Saxe, Lauenburg, Bremen, Lu-
neburg, the princi!)alities of Calc;iburg, Vtrden-Giuben-
hagen, Diepholz, Ploya, Oberw.jid, &:c. The inhabitants
are computed at 8.50,000. In lh05, this electorate was
conqueted by France, and exchanged with Piuisia for
three of her provinces. \\\ 1S(7, it was annexed to the
new kingd'jm of Westphalia. The capital city Is Hano.
TER, on the liver Lcine, and lias 21,:3(>'0 inhab'itant.';.
BAVARL'-. The dutchy or ckctou-ie of i,-.vaiin
Y2
270 GERMANY.
comprehends the greater part of the circle, and Is divided^
into Upper and Lower Bavaria, and the Upper Palatinateo-
The length is about 150 miles, tlie breadth J 20. Upper
Bavaria is for the most part mountainous, cold and bar-
ren, producing little corn, and less wine ; but it is covered
with forests, interspersed with large and small lakes, and
abounds in cattle, wildfowl, game, baths, medicinal springs^
and salt works. It is also enriched with mines of silver,
copper, lead, and iron. Lower Bavaria being much more-
level, is more fertile, and produces plenty of grain, pas-
turage and fruit. The chief rivers of this dutchy are the
Danube, Iser, Inn, Leek, Nab, Atmuhl, and the Regen.
The established religion of Bavaria is the Roman Cath-
olic. The number of inhabitants in this dutchy is estimat-
ed by Hoecli at 1,339,900, and the regular military force
at 12,000. The principal nianufactures of the country,
are those of coarse woollen cloth, silk and woollen stuffs,
velvet, tapestry, stockings, clocks and watches The prin-
cipal exports are wheat, cattle, wood, salt, and iron. The
Bavarians are little distinguislied in liteiature j but are a
vigorous race, adapted to the fatigues of war. Ther
have an university at Ingolsladt, and an academy of sci-
ences at Munich.
WIRTEMBERG is a dutchy in the circle of Suabia.
It is one of the most populous and fertile states of Ger-
many, though there are many mountains and woods. It
contains mines and salt Siprings. Siutgard, near- the
Necker, is the capital. It is the seat of an university, and
an academy of sciences ; and has 22,680 inhabitants.
BADEN, a margravate of Suabia, is divided into the
Upper and the Lower. It is a populous and fertile coun-
try, abounding with corn, hernp. flax, beeswax, wood, and
Vf'me, and contains 200,000 inhabitants. The annual rev-
enue is estimated at 1,200,000 florins ; and the military
establishment consists of ^000 men, of whom 300 are
cavalry.
Baden is the capital, with a castle on the top of .1
mountain, where the prince often resides. It has 2400
inhabitants.
HESSE-CASSEL, a principality in the circle of Up-
per Rhine, is 80 miles long ; the breadth unequal. Th.3
air is wholesome : the soil fertile iij corn and pastures.
GERMANY. 271
which feed multitudes of cattV ; the sides of the hills are
covered with vines; game, fish, fruit, and honey abound.
The principal rivers are the Rhine and tlie Mairie. Tha
annual revenue of Hesse-Cassel is estimated at about
1,200,000 rix dollars. This state now makes a part of
the new kingdom of Westphalia, established by Bonaparte^
August 18, 1807.
MECKLENBURG is a dutchy in the circle of Lower
Saxony, abounding in corn, p;istures, and game. It is
1'20 miles long, and 60 broad ; containing :)00,000 in-
habitants. ScHv/tRiN and New Strelit/, are the chief
cities ; the foraier has 9800 inhabitants.
BRUNSWICK, DU f CHY, is a district of Lower Sax-
ony. The territory of the duke of Brunswick, commonly
called the principahty of Wolienbuttle, from a less im-
portant town than Brunswick, includes l'i-72 square miles,
and 170,000, or as some say, l.S5,0(J0, inhabitants. It is
fertile in corn and pastures, and abounds with mines and
game j it has also several medicinal spiings, and extensive
forests.
Brunswick, the capital, is the residence of the prince,
and has 31,700 inhabitants. Ic was once one of the Hans
towns, and governed as a republic.
BRISGAW is a territor; of Siiabia, on the east of tha
Rhine. One part belongs to the house of Austria, of
which Friburg is the capital, and has 8700 inhabitants ;
and the other to the house of Baden.
Nassau is a county of the circle of Upper Rhine,
very fertile, abounding in mines. It has 272,000 inhabit-
ants. Nassau, on the river Lahn, is the capital.
POMERANI A, a dutchy of Upper Saxony, is a strip of
land lying on the borders of the Baltic ; 60 geographical
miles in length, l:i in breadth. It is a flat country, but
has some fev mountains ; the highest of which is the
Choltcnherg, between Cceslin and Zanow. In some places
part of the soil is sandy, but in general it is rich and fertile.
The trees arc very fine, especially the oaks. Tliis couufry
is famous for a breed of excellent geese of a vt-ry large
size. Pomerania contains 68 towns and about 46,()0Q
souls. Several of these towns have large rnanulaclories.
Pomerania is divided into Anterior and Ulterior That
part of Anterior Pomerania, wlilch belongs to Sweden ij
272. GERMANY.
composed,!. Of the island and principality of Rugen-
This island, now almost a mile distant from the continent
of which it was formerly a part, is 49 miles in circumfer-
ence. 2. Of the county of Stralsund, the chief town of
which bearing the same name, is tlie capital of Swedish
Pomerania, and is situated on the straight of Gellen, be-
tween the terra firma and the isle of Rugen. 3. Of the
principality of Bath, which is 10 miles long, and 6 broad.
4. Of the county of Gutzhow. 5. Of tiie Barony of Wol-
gast. These different counties contain about 160,000
inhabitants ; and produce an annual income of 240,000
rix dollars.
ANH ALT is a principality of Upper Saxony. In this
principality are 19 towns and 2 boroughs, and the num-
ber of inhabitants is about 100,000. The ho<ise of An-
halt is one of the most illustrious of Germany. The prin-
cipal rivers are the Elbe, Mulde, Saala, Whipper, and
Seik. Tj)(e annual produce of the whole principality of
Anhalt isf estimated at between 5 and 600,000 rix dollars.
HANS TOWNS, or Hanseatic Union, was a name
given to a confederacy of commercial seaports, formed in
1241 , for the protection of their trade against pirates. At
one time 72 cities were in the list of Hans Towns. Their
ships were ofien hired by sovvreigns at war ; their power
finally gave umbrage to several princes. The cities of
Germany for a while continued the confederacy, but it
was finally reduced to
Inhabitants.
Hamburg- 1 1 9,000
Lubec 4.5,000
Bremen 50,000
Danlzic 84,000
298,000
Each of these cities now carjies on a separate trade.
Germany contains many imperial c-ties, which are a
sort of little commonwealths, wiiich own no other head
but the emperor, and of which the chief magistrates are
so'^ereigns.
AUSTRIAN DOMINIONS. 273
AUSTRIA.
THE dominions of the House of Austria, which lie
within the limits of the German empire, are the whole
circle of Austria, comprehending the archdutchy of Aus-
tria, the dutchies of Stiria, Carniola, and Carinihia, and
the county of Tyrol : and the Burgau and Black forest,
in the circle of Suabia.
These territories are mountainous and woody in some
parts, in others flat and very fertile. The climate is salu-
brious, arid the prodactions are similar to those of ih<?
otiier German states.
The whole Austrian dominions contain, according to
Hassel, 23,570,000 souls. Their religion is tlie Roman
Caiholic. Their system of education is indifferent ; and
the claims of Austria to literary fame are small.
The emperor of Germany, who is archduke of the house
of Austria, is absolute in all his dominions. The States
of Austria consist of four orders, clergy, nobles, knights,
and burgesses. The revenue is computed at 3,000,000/.
sterling.
ViEssA, on the Danube, is the capital of the circle of
Austria, and of the whole German eriipire, containing
2.3i;000 inhabitants. The chief public buildings are the
imperial palace, tlie libiary, the museum, and a great
number of palaces. The archducal library is much fre-
quented by foreigners; it contains 100,000 printed books,
and 10;000 manuscripts. A cabinet (;f curiosities, belong-
ing to the house of Austria, is a great rarity. The sub-
urbs of this city contam 200,000 inhabitants.
AUSTRIAN DOMINIONS.
BESIDE the circle of Austria, just described, there are
various other portions of Europe connected with Germany
and subject to the house of Austria. These are, 1. Bohe-
mia, 2. Moravia, 3. Hungary, 4-. Transylvania, 5. Sclavo-
ni:i, G. Crcatia, 7. Dalmacia, 8. Part of the late kingdom of
Poland, now styled Galicii and Lodomina. The popula-
tion of these is included in ilie number already mentioned.
274 AUSTRIAN DOMINIONS.
BOHEMIA, in length is about 162 miles; its breadth
142. In 1801, the kingdom of Bohemia is stated by M.
Hoeck to contain 96'-2^ square miles, 250 cities, 308 mar-
ket towns, 11,455 villages, and the total population
2,806,943. Hassel says, 3,229,G0a
Bohemia is one of the highest countries in Europe, and
forms a large extended plain, encircled by high hills cov-
ered with wood. The vale is watered by the Elbe, the
Muldaw, and the Egra. Its mountains are the richest in
Europe, in gold, silver, precious stones, copper, quick-sil-
ver, iron, lead, tin, sulphur, and sail petre.
The natives of this country are singularly robust, a'nd
strong built, handsom?, except their large heads, active,
shrewd, courageous and sincere. The gentry are ingenu-
ous, brave, and more inclined to arms than arts. Learn-
ing in Bohemia is in a low slate, though the king Joni h.is
1 university, 12 gymnasia, 2219 German schools, 200
schools of industiy, and 33 ladies' schools. Bohemia has
great manufactures of linen, wool, silk, paper, glass, leath-
er, &c. The number of soldiers to be furnished by Bohe-
mia, in the time of peace, is 54,9o4 ; and ia time of war,
76,896. Tiie established religion of Bohemia is popery ;
but there are many protestants, who, with the Jews, are
novv tolerated by tne wise rcgiilations of Joseph II. in the
free exercise of their religion
The capital of ikihemia is Prague, a large and famous
city, i5 miles in circumference. It contains 70,000
Christians, and 12,000 Jews. The Muldaw runs through
the city, over which is a bridge of 18 arches.
MOR.WIA is a marquisate annexed to Bohemia. It
is a m.)untainous councry, yet very iettlle and populous,
watered by a great nuniber of rivers and biooks. The
number of towns, villages, and market tovrns in Moravia,
has been estimated at 2550, and its inhabitants at
4,138,000. The language of the inhabitants is a dialect
of the Sclavonic, resembling the Bohemian. The German
langua<:^e is common in Moravia. It takes its name from
the river Moravia, which runs through it ; and hence the
sect of Christians, called Moravians take their name, their
doctrines having been first taught here.
BRUNN,at ihe confluence of the rivers Zwiita and Swartj
is the capital, and has 23,600 inhabitants.
AUSTRIAbJDOMmiONS. '275
HUNGARY is bounded north by the Carpathian
mountains, east by Transylvania, South by Sclavonidj
from which it is separated by the Drave and Servia, west
by Moravia, Austria, and Stiria. The country towards
the north is mountainous and barren ; the air is cold ; but
healthy. Near the Danube the soil is level and sandy, the
climate temperate, and the air moist. To the south are
extensive plains, very fertile ; the climate hot ; and th6
air unwholesome. The level country produces, abund-
antly, corn of every kind, excellent fruit, wines, celebrated
for their strength and goodness, legumes, hemp, aspara-
gus, melons, saffron, tobacco, 8ic. The forests are beau-
tiful, and the meadows feed numerous herds of cattle, of
\vhich the inhabitants yearly export more than 100,000.
Horses, buffaloes, asses, mules, sheep, goats, and swine,
are bred, not only sufHcient to supply the wants of the in-
habitants, but form objects of commerce ; chamois, deei-,
and bears are found in the forests and mountains. The
waters are well supplied with fish, and the woods with
game.
The mountains contain gold, silver-, iron, lead, quick-
silver, antimony, orpiment, sulphur, vitriol, marcasite,
salt, salt petre, load stone, different kinds of marble, ala-
baster, precious stones, and a metal hardly known else-
where, called by the Hungarians, zinnopel, &c. There
are many mineral springs, both warm and cold.
The principal mountains are the Carpathian and Cra-
pac. The chief rivers are the Danube, Drave, and
Leitha.
This kingdom, long wasted by war, is beginning to be
populous ; it has few large towns, all are ill built and filled
\v;*.]i ruir.'. Hungarians and Sclavonlans are considered
as the only native inhabitants.
The doctrines of t!;e reformation were at first preached
here wiih success ; but, in 1681, the proteslants were in-
terdicted from having more than two churches in a county,
some of which include ICO towns, and yet their number
is greatly superior to the Roman Catholics. The king-
dom of Hungar) can easily raise an army of 100,000
men, of which 50,000 aie in pay, and the like number is
furnished f.y the provinces. Th.e infantry are called hey-
ilucks, and the cavalry hussars, ""J'he number of inhabit-
2Y6 AUSTRIAN DOMINIONS.
ants, including Transylvania, is estimated at 9,859,000.
Presburg, which has 32,000 inhabitants, is the capital of
Upper Hungary ; Buda of Lower Hungary.
TRANSYLVANIA is 162 miles long, and 150 broad,
^nd surrounded on all parts by high mountains, which are
not barren. It produces a supply of corn and wine ; and
has rich mines.
It has undergone various revolutions ; but now belongs
to the house of Austria. The peasants are real slaves ;
4 days of the 6 they labor for their masters. The prov-
ince pays to the emperor 1,500,000 florins annually. The
inhabitants are Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Calvinists,
Socinians, Arniiniaus, Greeks, and Mahometans. The
government is conducted by 12 persons; viz. 3 Roman
Catholics, 8 Lutherans, 3 Calvinists, and 3 Socinians.
Herman STAOT is the capital.
SCLAVONIAlies between the rivers Save, Drave, and
Danube. It is divided into 6 counties, and is 300 miles
long, 75 broad. The eastern part is called Raizia, and
the inhabitants Rascians. These form a particular na-
tion, and are of the Greek church. The language of
Sclavonia is the root of four ethers; those of Hungary,
Bohemia, Poland, and Russia. It has 470,500 inhabitants.
CROATIA is a part of the ancient Pannonia Superior,
or, according to others, of lllyricum, bounded north by
Hungary, from which it is separated by the river Drave,
about 150 miles in length, and from 40 to 60 in breadth.
The Croatians derive their origin from the Sclavonians.
The principal rivers of Croatia are the Corana and the
Save. It has 777,500 inhabitants.
DALMATIA. Hungarian Dalmatia lies on the up-
per part of the Adriatic sea, containing part of the an-
cient Liburnia, and is more generally called Morlachia.
The Dalmatians are Roman Catholics, The rivers of
Dalmatia are short and mostly navigable. The country
is mountainous, but not unfruitful ; dives, vines, myrtles,
and a great variety of palatable and wholesome vegetables
grow upon the rnoantains, litside tieafures of gold aad
silver 0(2 within them. Il has fertile plains, and a suffi-
GREAT-BRITAIN. 277
cfenty of horned cattle, and large numbers of slieep. The
air is temperate and pure.
GALICIA 5s a large conntry in the south of Poland,
embnicing that part of Little Poland on the south side of
the Vistula, almost the whole of Red Russia, and a slip of
Podolia. It was forcibly seized by the Austrians in 1772,
and incorporated into the Austrian dominions, under the
appellation of the kingdoms of Galicia and Lodomiria.
The population of Galicia and Lodomiria is 2,580,796.
The mountainous parts produce fine pastures ; the plains
are mostly sandy, but abound in forests, and are fertile in
corn. The principal articles of traffic are cattle, hides,
wax, and honey ; and these countries contain mines of
copper, lead, iron, and salt, of which the latter are the most
valuable. Lemburg, or Leopold, is the capital of the
whole country, which extends i^SO miles from east to west ;
its greatest breadth being 190 miles.
GREAT-BRITAIN.
THE British empire consists of two large islands,
Great-Britain and Ireland, and agreat number of small
ones, all situated in the North- Atlantic ocean, between 50
and 61 degrees of north latitude, and between 64? and 77
degiees east longitude. These islands formerly constitut-
ed the three separate and independent kingdoms of Eng-
land, Scotland, and Ireland, but aie now united under one
sovereign, and one form of government.
Great Britain is the most considerable island of Europe,
comprehending the two ancient kingdoms of England and
Scotland, and the principality of Wales. Its length from
Lizard Point, in 50*^, to Dungsby-Head, 5S" 30' N. lat. is
590 miles ; its breadth is about 488 miles. It is separat-
ed from Germany, on the east, by that part of the Atlantic
called the German ocean ; the British channel separates it
from France on the south ; and on the west it is divided
from Ireland by the Irish sea.
Z
ENGLAND.
ENGLAND,
THE principal division of the British empire is bouncl-
ed north by Scotland, east by the German ocean, south
hy the English channel, west by the Atlantic ocean,
Wales, and the Irish sea. It is divided into 40 counties,
and contains two archbishops, and 21' bishops, who are
peers of the realm, appointed by the king.
Climate, Soil, and Ptoductions. The climate is healthy,
though frequent and sudden changes happen in the weath-
er, wiiich render the harvests precarious ; yet rarely does
the industrious husbandman fail of being rewarded by a
profitable crop. The soil of England differs in different
counties ; wheat, barley, oats, rye, French wheat, beans,
and peas, are the principal productions. Apples, pears,
plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, figs, grapes,
and other fruits, are, by the skill of the English gardeners,
raised in the greatest plenty and variety.
Lakes and bays. The lakes of England are few In num-
ber, and inconsiderable in extent. Various bays, creeks,
and inlets of the sea are formed all round the coast.
Rivers. The principal rivers of England are the
Thames, Severn, Trent, Tyne, Medway, Humber, Mer-
sey, Tamer. The Thames is navigable for large ships to
London bridge. Its principal branches are the Cherwes,
the Mole, and the Dee. The Severn Is probably the long-
est river of England, having a semicircular course of 150
miles.
Mountains. The mountains of England do not aspire to
the sublime heights cf the American mountains, or even
those of other European countries. The Cheviot hills are
iimong the principal. A central ridge of hills passes
throutih the kingdom, from north to south.
lilmeral V/aiers. The waters of Bath have been cele-
brated for several centuries. The hot wells of Tunbridge,
Buxton, and Scarborough, are all esteemed highly bene-
nc'.al in various diseases.
Mines. England possesses a great treasure in its inex-
haustible coal mines, which are worked chiefly in the north-
ern counties, whence the coal Is conveyed by sea, and by
he inlind canals, to every part of the kingdom.
ENGLAND. 279
Copper, tin, lead, and iron are found in great abundance
in Great-Britain, where there is made every yearlVoni 50.
to 60,000 tons of pig iron, and fronn 20 to 130,000 tons of
bar iron.
Manufactures ami Commerce. The manufactures in Eng-
land are, confessedly, v/ith very few exceptions, niperior
to those of other countries. Fur this superiority, ihey are
nearly equally indebted to national character, to the situ-
ation of their country, and to their excellent constitution.
The commerce of Great-Britain is immense and incttas-
ing. The privileged trading companies, of which the
East- India Company is the prlncipalj carry on the most
important foreign commerce.
Populallcn. The population of England is commonly
estimated at between eight and nine millions, liassel
reckons the number at 9,4 13, 000.
Religion. The established religion of England is ilie
Episcopil church, of wliich the king is the he.id. All oili-
er denominations of Christians and Jews are tolejated.
Their clergy are numerous and respectable.
Language. I'he English language paiticipatos boll; of
the Goflrc and La:.inj those two grand sources whence
most of the Euiopean langLiages are derived ; and unite*,
in some degree, the- force of die one with the nicIcJy ol'
the other.
Literature tir.d Sciences. Englibh literature is a vast :uvd
inviting theme. About the year 1 100, it comrnv'mccd a
iirm and steady pace. A numerous train of historians,
poets, and otli-jr writers, fill the pages of bingtapJiy. The
grand feature of ngli.ih literature is original i-enius, trans-
mitted even from Roger Bacon to Shakespeare, Milton,
Newton, and Locke, not to dwell on claims more minute,
bat eoually Srm. in the s.':ientiFic departments, Kufland
must yield to France, except in the vailous branches of tl;e
mathematics. The present state of the arts in England i:
wortl'.y of io opulent and refined a countiy, and the prw-
gresi lias been rapid beyorid e.xuinjile.
Education. The education of the lower classes in Eng-
land liad been much neglected, before the benevolent in-
stitu ion of the Sunday schools. The middle and higher
ranks of English spaic no expense in the education of their
sons, cither by private tutors at home, or at boarding
280 , ENGLAND.
schools. The most eminent public schools aie those of
Westminster, Eton, and Winchester ; and ftom themh^ve
arisen some of the most distinguished ornaments of the
countr}-. The scholars in due time proceed to the univer-
sities of Oxford and Cambridge, foundations of an extent
and grandeur that impress veneration. Oxford has 17
colleges, and Cambridge 16.
Government. The government of Great-Britain may be
cabled a limited monarchy. It is a combination of mo-
xiareliiGal and popular government. The king has only
the excecutive power ; the legislative is shared by him and
the parliament, or more properly by the people. The
;ro\vn is lisreditary ; boih male and female descendants
iire capable of succession. The king must profess the
Protestant religion.
Naval and Miutary Fower. In M;drch, 1 807, the Brit-
ish navy in commission consisted of 1S5 sail of the line;
iSsliips of from 44 to 50 guns, 155 frigates, 152 sloops
of war, and 182 gun brigs and smaller vessels ; amount-
ing to C3T vessels of war. The number of soldiers, sea-
men, &c. is 583,000.
Revenue and Debt. The revenue of Great- Britain, in
IS07, was 27,000,000/. sterling. The amount of the na.
lional deb: was 603,925,792/.
Cit'tef. LoNDOx, the metropolis of the British empire,
js one of the largest and most opulent cities in the world,
and was a considerable commercial place in the reign of
Nero. In its most extensive view, as the metropolis, ic-
consisLs of the City, properly so called, the city of West-
minster, the borough of Southwark, and the suburbs in
Middlesex and Surry. The extent of the whole is above
seven miles in length ; but the greatest breadth does not
exceed three. The inns of court for the study of the law j
the colleges, learned societies, and public seminaries ; the
halls of the difxerent tradin,; companies ; tlie noble hospit-
als, and other charitable institutions ; tlie pt'son^ ; and the
public places of diversion, render this city deservedly cele-
brated. It is a bishop's see sends four members to par-
liament, and contains 600,000 inhabitants.
Liverpool is next to London in wealth and population.
It has 70,0(J0 inhabitants ; and, before the abolition act,
employed 132 ships in carrying slaves to the West- Indies
WALES. 281
Bristol was formerly reckoned second to London in point
of wealth, trade, and population; but much of its com-
merce has passed to Liverpool. Birmingham is noted
for its vast variety of useful and ornamented articles, such
as metal buttons, buckles, plat-^d goodsof all kinds, japan,
ned and paper ware, and other hard ware manufactures.
The Birmingham goods are exported to foreign countries.
This city has become, according to the emphatical ex-
pression of a great orator, the i'.y shop of Europe. It has
60,000 inhabitants.
Manchester is celebrated for its cotton manufactory.
Its m-ichinery for saving manual labor exhibits surprising
ingenuity. Portsmouth has a noble harbor, and heieii
the grand naval arsenal of England. It has lately been
regularly fortified toward the land. Newcastle stands
on the Tyre. It is situated in the midst of those coal
mines, which have for ceniuries supplied London and the
south of England with fuel.
History. Britain was first inhabited by a tribe of Guuls.
Fifty-two years before the birth of Christ, Julius Cxsar
subjected them to the Roman empire. The Romans re-
mained masters of Britain 500 years. The Picts, Scots,
and baxons, then took possession of the island 1006,
William, duke of Normandy, obtained a complete victory
over Harold, king of England, which is called the Norman
conquest. In 160S, k'^g James Vi of Seoiland, who
succeeded queen Elizabeth, united both kingdoms, under
the name ot Great- biitain. George 1. of the houie of
Hanover, ascended the throne in 1711, and the succession
has since been regular in this line. I'he union of Ireland
with Great- Britain took place, after a warm opposition,
in 1800,
WALES
IS a principality in the west of England, 120 miles long,
and 80 broid ; it is divided inio i:^ counties ft is the
country t" which the ancient Biicotii fled, when Britain
was invadij J by the Saxons. Tliey are now called Welch,
and preserve iheir own langua^re ItcoM 'ins75J parish-
es, 5^ market towns, and 500,000 ii;habitaBt5. The air
Z. 2
-im SCOTLAND.
is clear and shai p ; the cattle are small. Wales is moun-
tainous, and particularly remarkable for goats. It is wa-
tered by many considerable rivers. It gives the title of
Prince of Wales to the eldest son of the king o/ Great-
Britain.
SCOTLAND,
THE northernmost of the two kingdoms into which th?.
island of Great-Britain was formerly divided, is bounded
wesc by the Atlantic ocean, north by the North sea, east
>y the German ocean, southeast by England, south by the
Irish sea. From north to south, it extends 270 miles, and
its greatest breadth is ] 50, but in some places not above 30.
It is divided into S3 counties, most of which send one
member each to parliament.
General Appearance, Soil and Produciiont. Nature seems
to have pointed out three grand divisions in Scotland ; the
north, the middle, and the south. The north divisifin is
chiefly an assemblage of vast, dreary mountitins, wiih some
fertile vallies, on the northern and eastern sl-.ores. The
middle division is traversed in different directions by ran-
ges of mountains ; though cultivation is chiefly on the
eastern shore, yet the arable land bears a small proportion
to the mountainous and barren. The south division has
a great leseniblance t( England, and, with respect to the
general aspect of the country, and the progress of cultiva-
tion, exhibits every kind of rural vaiiety. The climate is
various and the air healthy. The products of the coun-
try are, grain, flax, woods of oak and fir, coal, lead, iron,
freestone, limestone, slate, the most beautiful marble, fine
lock crystals, pearls, variegated pebbles, &c. It feeds vast
herds and flocks, which are small, but much valued for
the delicacy of their flesh ; the fleece of the latter emulates
the finest Spanish wool.
Rivers. The principal rivers are Spey, Don, Tay,
Tweed, Clyde, Forth, Northern Dee, Esk, Annan, Nith,
and Southern Dee.
Population, Religion, Manners. According to Pinkerton,
the whole population of Scotland is 1,526,4'29. The es-
tablished religion is the Presbyicrian. The people are
IRELAND. 28S
aauglit from their iiifancy to biidle their passions ; they
are temperate and frugal, by which they save their con-
stitutions Rnd tlieir rrioneyi The amusements of the rich
are similar to those of the English ; but those of the peas-
antry ]iave several diversities;, which the reader may per-
haps best learn from the poems of Burns.
Languagfy Literature and EJucat'ion. The language of
Scotland falls under two divisions ; that of the Lowlands,
consisting of the ancient Scandinavian dialect ; and that
of the Hipjilands,. which is Irish. The literature of Scot-
land, though of recent origin, has been rapid in its pro-
gress, and extensive in its fame. The Scottish poets have
been nunierc us and deservedly celebrated ; their divines
and philosophers aie also universally ksown and admired.
Eveiy country parish has a schoolmaster for the instruc-
tion of indigent cliildren- There are four universities, St.
Andrew's, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Cii'tei. Edinburgh, the capital, contains about 90,000
inhabitants. The houses are of reniaikable height,
some being 13 or 14 stories The chuiches and places of
worship, of various denominations, are numetous. Edin-
burgh has 40 printing houses, in which aie enijloyed up-
wards of 120 printing pi esses.
Glasgow, on the river Clyde, is the second city in
Scotland. Th;,- number of inhnbired houses is upwards
of lOjOUO and of inhabitaals 7r,:3S5 It contains several
hospitals, charitable foundations, and a plibiic infiimary.
Aberdeen- is a large city on the Dee, at its entrance in-
to the GeiiT).in ocean Ic has a university and 2 i.OOO in-
habitants. Peith, Dundee, and Greenoci<, are all places
of eminence.
IRELAND
IS an island west of Great- Britain, from which it is
separated by St. George's channel, or the Irish sea. It is
278 miles long and ]5.> broad.
D'l-vhrjtis, Popuhthm, i^c. It is divided into four provin-
ces, viz. Uifter, Leinster, Munstcr, and Connaught ; these
are subdivided into counties, litland is estimated to con-
tain abcut 2!,000,000 acres ; 10fe4 market towns, in 191
284. IRELAND.
of whlcli post offices are kept ; 37 charter schools, in which
1 735 youths ot both sexes are maintained and taught till
the age of fourteen ; four provincial nurseries, in which
300 children are prepared for the public schools ; 3000
Episcopal clergy, and, according to an enumeration in
1801, 5,4.99,04^4 inhabitants.
Climate, Productions^ iffc. The air is mild and temperate^
but more humid than in England. In general it is a lev-
el country, well watered with lakes and rivers ; and the
soil in most parts is fertile, producing corn, hemp, flax,
beef, and butter. The principal manufacture of Ireland is
fine linen. This country is well situated for foreign trade,
having many secure and commodious harbors.
Religion In 1731, there were 700,4-53 Protestants, and
1,309,768 Catholics. There is still a majority of the lat-
ter in Ireland, who, since 1793, have enjoyed greater priv-
ileges than they did formerly. The laws differ but little
from those of England; and the established religion is.
the same.
Manners. The manners of the superior classes in Ire-
land approach nearly to the English standard. The com-
mon people still retain many features of national manners.
Literature anJ Education.- The ancient literary fame of
Ireland is placed in a high rank. Among its modern
writers are the justly celebrated names of Usher, Swift,
Goldsmith, Burke, Sheridan ; beside many celebrated
dramatic writeit, and orators.
Irela-d contains but one University, that of Dublin,
founded in the reign of Elizabetli. The peasantry are in
St wretched state of ignorance and superstition.
Ciiies. DuBLis, the capital of Ireland, is, in point of
beauiy, extent, and population, the second ciiy in the
British dominions, and the fifth in Europe. It stands on
the east side of the island, near the mou;h of the river Lif-
fey, and has 15,000 houses, and 168,000 inhabitants.
Cork, Limeric, Belfast, Waterford, Kilkenny, Galway,
and Londonderry, are all large and populous places, and
celebrated for manufactures.
Curiosities. 1 he Giant's Causeway so called, is a re-
roarkabie curiosity, consisting of many thous<ind ba.saltic
pillars, mostly in vertical positions. The lake of Ki blar-
ney and Lough Nta^.';h celebrated for its peirify.ng pow-
ers, are reckoned among the curiosities of iiCiand,
FRANCE. 285
Smaller Islands. Adjacent to lIiB British Isles, lie a
great number cf smaller ones belonging to Great- Britain;
'J'he principal of these arQ the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guern
i,ey, Anglesea, and Man, in the English channel ; and
the Hebrides, or Western islands, the Orknf^ys and the
Shetland Isles, in the North Atlantic ocean, which are
considered as appendages to Scotland.
FRANCE.
Boundaries and Extent. THE present limits of France
are extensive, and cannot he ascertained, as they are con-
stantly changing. By the treaty of Luneville, in 180J,
the Belgic provinces, and all the territory of the house
of Austria between Burzack and Basle, together with all
the countries and domains on the left, or western bank
of the Rhine, which before made a part of the German
empire, were annexed to tlie French Republic, who were
to possess tliem in full sovereignty and property. The
Rhine is at present the boundary betw&en Fiance and
Germany.
D'ivh'tuns and Pupulaihn. France was formerly divided
into 30 provinces In 17^9, the National Assembly di-
vided it into ten metropolitan circles, and 83 departments.
By later decrees some akeralions have been made in these
divisions; towhch miy be added nine departments; into
which t)je Cathohc Netherlands have been divided ; ^.nd
five more, comprehfcnding: that part of ancient Germany,
which lies on the west sia? of the Rhine ironi the Nether-
la.':ds to Switzerland, consisting in all of 109 departments,
liach dep.it ttncnt is divided into districts, and each dis-
trict into cantons.
France conttins 400 cities, 1500 smaller towns, iS.OOO
parishes, 100,000 villages.
The empire of France, in 1809, was estimated to con-
tain 39,101,000 inh:;bitants.
Climate, General Appearance The air of France is gen-
erally mild and wholesome ; but in some parts the heat
is excessive. The weather is more ciear and settled than
in England. The face of the country is plain, occasion-
ally diyersifi3.d with hills and dales.
286 FRANCE.
Rivers, Canals , and Harbors. The Loire rises in the
mountains of the Cevennes, and runs in a northwest di-
rection. After receiving the xAliier, Cher, Indre, Vienne,
and Sarte, it falls into the bay of Biscay.
The Rhone rises in Switzerland, passes through the
Vallais and the Lake of Geneva, receives the Soane at
Lyons, the Isere at Valence, and the Durance below A-
vignon, and falls into the Mediterranean.
The Garonne rises among the Pyrennces, passes by
Bourdeaux, receives the Dordonne at Bourgs, and takes
the name of Gironde, after which it flows into the bay of
Biscay.
I'he Seine rises in the department of Cote d'Or ; passes
by Paris and Routn ; receives the Aube, Yonne, Marne,
Oise, and Eure, and falls into the English channel at Ha-
Tre de Grace.
France has many usefivl and extensive canals ; the
chief of which are those of Languedoc, Picardy, and Bur-
gundy.
Tiie principaj^hjibors or seaports are those of Brest,
Toulon, and Bourdeaux.
5i'/7 and Productions. TJie sntl, diversified by mountains
and plains, is vi-aiered by a great number of large and
?mall rivcjs.-wjiich serve to fertilize the country ; and^to-
f-;ether with the canals, convey merchandize from one ex-
vreniity of the nation to the other. It has corn, legumes,
iruit, wiftes, oil, pasture, hemp, and flax, siifficient for its
tv.'n 'nhabitaut.s, nnd. much to ipare. J-iere are mines ci
iron, lead,. copper, and some of silver isnd gold, flany
places in France are in high repute for their mineral \va~
icrs.
Mannfaclures and C'jmmerce. The maviufictures arc silks,
lustrings, modes, brocades, velvets, &c. woollen cloth, lin-
i-n, coarse and fine ; lace, paper, china oi exquisite beau-
ty and fineness, soap, &.c.
Lefore her revolution, France, in point of comm.crce,
ranked next to England and Holland, Since that, how-
ever, her commerce has been almost annihilated.
Language, 'i'he French language is a corruption of the
Roman, mixed with Celtic and Gothic words and idioms.
Durihg the last century, it was introduced as a polite lan-
p-uage into all the other countries of Europe. In varie-
FRANCE. 28-7
ly, clearness, and precision, it yields to no modern speech ;
but it wants force, dignity, and sublimity.
lAteratuie and Education. The sciences have risen to a
very great height in France ; and its literary character
commands universal respect and admiration. The names
of their celebrated writers would almost fill a volume.
The aris of painting and sculpture are better understood
in France than in most other countries of Europe. Since
the revolution, a new system of public instruction has
been adopted.
Cities. Paris, the capital of France, is situated on the
Seine, which traverses it from east to west. It does not
yield to any city in the world, in the beauty of its edifices ;
in its industry ; in its love of the arts and sciences ; and
in its establishments, formed forthe promotion of human
knowledge, 3nd to preserve the productions of nature and
genius. It is now ten leagues in circumference, and has
SiTjTjS inhabitants.
Lyons is next to Paris in population, containing 100,000
souls. Marseilles and Bourdeaux have each about
80,000. These cities, together with Lisle, the capital ot"
French Flanders, Valenciennes, Amiens, and Thoulouse,
are deservedly celebrated for opulence, commerce, and
manufactures.
ylnliquities and Curiosities. France contains numerous
and valuable remains of antiquity. There are many tri-
umphal arches, the most perfect of which is at Orange,
erected by Caius Marius. Nismes exhibits stuper.dors
remains of an aqueduct erected by the Romans. At Aries
is an obelisk of oriental granite, .02 feet high and 7 in di-
ameter, consisting of one stone.
Histcry, Religicn and Go'veftimer::. The kingly govcrr-
ment of France continued from Clovis, Viho estahiihlitd
himself at Soissons, in 486, till January 21st, 179.'3, v.hen
Louis XVI. was beheaded en a public scpffald at Paris.
France, after continuing a monarchy for upwards. of 1200
years, was, by tlie national assembly, declared a republic.
VVi:h the fall of monarchy, all the "illes of nobiHiy weie
abolished ; and all tcc'esiastical domains, siicli as abbeys,
monaster'<:s, convents, &c. were decreed naiiorrd piC'per-
rj ; alltythts were abolished ; the revenues of tliC iiighc'r
orders of the clergy red-KC-d. ar:d tl'T." nurr;ber Ics^x^ned.
^388 NETHEkLA'NDS.
Kfter expl'riencing a series of rapid and bloody ch^ges,
^he government of France has become imperial in Na-
poleon 1. who ascended the throne in May, 1804, and
was crowned by the pope in December of the same year,
and who now has virtually under his influence and control
all the continental nations and governments of Europe.
The Roman Catholic religion has been established, and
the appendages of regal government have been restored
by the emperor.
FRENCH ISLES. The islands around the coast of
France are small and unimportant. I'hose known by the
name of Hyeres, near 1 oulon, have a barren and naked
appearance 1 hey contain some botanic riches, and claim
the fame of being Homer's Isle of Calypso Oleron is
on the western coast, H- miles long, and two broad. Re,
Yeu, and Bellisle are inconsiderable isles along the
coast. UsHANT, or Ouessant, is the farthest western
head land of France, 12 miles from the continent, and 9
miles in circumference.
NETHERLANDS.
THE country called the Netherlands, though united to,
and forming an integral part of, the French empire, we
have thought proper to describe in a separate article.
Situation, Boundaries^ Extent. It is situated between 49
and 52 degrees north latitude, and between 77 and 82**
east longitude. Bounded on the north by Holland ; east
by Germany; south by France; west by the English
channel ; 200 miles long, and 180 broad.
Climate. Tht- air onr the sea coasts is bad ; but in the
interior more healthful. The seasons are more regular
tiian in England. The face of the country is generally
low and flat, like Holland ; tOAvard the east, it is swelled
with gentle elevations.
Rivers and Canals. The principal rivers are the Maese
and Samb'te, which unite at Namur ; and the Scheldt,
which, after receiving the two Nethes, the Demer, Dyle,
Senne, Dender, Escaut ami Lys, empties into the sea
among the islands of Zealand. The canals are almost in-
numerable ; but the most important are those of Brussels,
Ghent, and Ostend.
NETHERLANDS. 28-9
Soil and Productions. The soil and its produce are rich,
specially in corn, fruits and flax. The agriculture of this
country.has been celebrated for 600 years ; and the Neth-
erlands were formerly denominated the granary of France
and Germany.
Mines and Minerals. Mines of iron, copper, lead, and
brimstone, are found in this counti y ; also marble quar-
ries, coal-pits, and great plenty of fossil nitre.
Population. The ^^hole number of inhabitants in the
Netherlands is 1,900,000.
Manners and Cusloms. The Flemings for so the inhabit-
ants of Flanders and the Austrian Low Countries are gen-
erally called, are said to be a heavy, blunt, honest people.
Formerly they were known to fight desperately in defence
of their country: at present they are in a subjugated and
not very pleasing state. The Austrian Netherlands are
exceedingly populous ; but authors differ as to their num-
bers.
Commerce and Manufactures. The chief manufactures ot
the Netherlands are their beautiful linens and laces ; in
whicli notwithstanding the boasted itnprovements of their
neighbors, they are yet unrivalled ; particularly in that
species called cambrics, from Cambray, thj chief place of
its manufacture. These manufactures foim the principal
articles of their commerce
Dress and Language. The inhabitants of French Flan-
ders are mere French men and women in both these par-
ticulars. The Flemings on the frontiers of Holland, dress
like the Dutch boors, nnd their language is the same ; but
the better sort of people speak French, and dress in the
same taste.
Religion. The established leligion here, till the revolu-
tion, was the Roman Catholic ; but prolestants, and oth-
er sects were not nioksted.
Literature. I'he society of Jesuits formerly produced
the most learned nien in the Austrian Low Countries, in
which they had many cdmfoi table settlements. Wojksof
theology, the civil and canon law, Latin poems a:id plays,
were their chief productions. Strada is an elegant histo-
tian and poet. The Flemish painters and sculptors have
great merit, and form a school by themselves. The
A A
290 NETHERLANDS.
works of Rubens and Vandyke cannot be sufficiently aft-
mired.
Universities. Louvain, Douay, Tournay, and St. Omer.
The first was founded in HSS, by John IV. duke of Bra-
bant, and enjoys great privileges.
Cities. Ghent is the capital of the province of Flan-
ders. Its walls are ten miles in circumference. It has a
cathedral, six parish churches, and SOO bridges ; the
streets are large, and the market places spacious. It has
considerable trade in corn, cloth, linen, and silk. The
population is 55,161.
Bruges holds the second rank among the cities of
Flanders, and has 33,632 inhabitants. It is a league and
a half in circumference, and advantageously situated on
a plain, having, by means of canals, a navigable commu-
nication with Ghent, Ostend, Dunkirk. Sluys, &c. In
the 14th century, this city was a place of the greatest
trade in Europe.
Ostend is a strong seaport town, surrounded by many
forts, and has 10,4-59 inhabitants. Ypres is only a str<)ng
garrison town. The same may be said of CharleroV
and Namur. Louvain, the capital of Austrian Brabant,
instead of its once flourishing manufactures and places of
trade, now contains pretty gardens, walks and arbors, and
3,060 inhabitants. Brussels, called the ornament and
delight of the Netherlands, retains somewhat of its ancient
manufactures, and has 66,297 inhabitants. Antwerp,
on the eastern side of the Scheldt, is a large and handsome
city. The streets are generally wide and straight, and
surrounded by a wall, and regular fortifications. It con-
tains 56.318 inhabitants.
It may be observed here, that every grntleman's house
is a castle, or chateau ; and that there are m.ore strong
towns in the Netherlands, than in all the rest of Kurope.
Travelling is safe, cheap, and delightful, in this luxurious
country. The roads are generally a broad causeway, and
run for some miles in a straight line, till they terminate
with the view of some noble buildings. Caasel, which is
situated on a hill, commands a vieW of thiity-two towns.
History. The Nt; 'norlands are a part of the ancient
Belgic Gaul, and belonged to the French, Austrians, and
Dnich, They were divided into 10 provinces, as follow ;
HOLLAND. 291
' . Brabant ^ Namur
Antwerp ' Hainault
Malines Cambresis
Limburg Artois
Luxemburg Flanders
These provinces now make a part of the French em-
pire. Tiie are divided into nine departments, and annex-
ed to France by the order of tlie government.
HOLLAND.
THE kingdom of Holland, lately called the Eatavian
Republic, comprehends that part of the ancient Belgic
Gaul, which was long distinguished by the name of the
Seven United Provinces.
Siluation, Extenty Boundaries. Holland is situated be-
tween u\ and 54 north latitude, and between 7B and 82*
east Ion. 500 miles long and 100 broad. Bounded north
and west by the German ocean ; east by Germany ; south
by the Catholic Netherlands and France.
Divisions and Populaiion. The civil divisions of this
country, while it was a republic, were 7 provinces, viz.
Holland, Overyssel, Zealand, Friesland, Utretcht, Gron-
ingen, Guelderiand, and Zutphen, beside the Texel and
other islands. Holland contains 1 1 3 cities or large towns^
1400 villages, and 2,;>55.,000 inhabitants; its military
force, in lOi, was 22 34 men.
Gemral jipptarcmce. The soil of tlie country is so soft
and marshy, that, but for the constant care in forming
and making ditches and canals, it would be hardly capa-
ble of cultivation ; some part of it lies even lower than
the sea, from which it is secured by dykes or dams The
meadow giounds are rich, and generally under water in
the winter.
Rivers. The chief rivers of Holland are the Pvhine,
the Maese, the Scheldt, and Vecht. The Rhine is one
of the largest rivers of Europe. Soon after it enters Hol-
land, it is divided into several branches, foiming a num-
ber of islands, which constitute a considerable portion of
Holland. Near Arnheim it is divided into two branches,
ODe of which takes the name of Ysscl, and falls into the
292 HOLLAND.
Zuyder Zee. The other branch is again divided, and the
larger branch falls into the Maese under the name of the
Leek ; while the Rhine, with a very small portion of its
waters, is lost among the canals about Leyden, without
falling into the sea by its proper name
The Maese rises in France, and, after receiving the
greatest part of the Rhine, it divides into a variety of
branches, and empties into the German Sea. The Scheldt
also rises in France ; and after passing the city of Ant-
werp, is divided into two branches, called Eastern and
Western Scheldt, both of which are lost among the islands
of Zealand.
Sens. The German ocean, which washes the northern
shores of Holland, is here called the North Sea ; in con-
iradistinction to which, a large gulf, which separates
North Holland fron Friesland, is called the Zuyder or
South Sea. With this is connected the lake of Haerlem
by a creek called the Y.
The chief harbors of Holland are those of the Texel,
Middleburg, Flushing and Amsterdam.
Manufactures and Commerct. The chief manufactures of
Holland are linens, pottery, leather, wax, snuiF, sugar,
starch, paper, wov)llen, and silk. The commerce consist-
ed formerly in spices and drugs from their settlements in
the East-Indies. The inland trade with Germany by the
canals and the Rhine, is almost the only branch of com-
merce which has escaped the ravages of war.
l.anguage and Literature. The language is a dialect of
the German. The education of youth is rrot so much at-
tended to here, as in some other countries. There are large
and celcbr iced Latin schools at Rotterdam, Middleburg,
Groningen, &c. Holland has live respectable universi-
ties ; those of Leyden, Ucrecht, Hardevvycke, Franeker,
and Groningen. There is an academy of Sciences at
Haerlem.
Manners and Custom:. The Dutch are an industrious
and persevering people, patient of hardships, and extreme-
ly neat in their dwellings. A humane regulation requires
all innkeepers and apothecaries to keep a printed paper,
containing rules for recovering persons apparently drown-
ed. Liberal rewards are given to those who expose them,
.selves to save ethers.
HOLLANi>. 25;:<
Religion. The Hollanders generally embrace the doc-
trines of the reformation, or, as they are usually scyied,
Calvinism ; but Jews, Anabaptists, and Roman Catholics
are numerous. A free exercise of religion is allowed to
all persuasions except the Roman Catholics.
Government. Holland was once a republic. In May,
1805, a treaty was made between France and Holland for
the establishment of a king ; and in June foUowingr
Louis Bonaparte, with great ceremony, was proclaimed
king of Holland, by his brother Napoleon ; but he has
since abdicated his throne. Holland is divided into 1 1
departments, and is annexed to France by order of the
government.
Ciiies. All the cities of Holland have an appearance of
grandeur and neatness, which attracts universal admira-
tion. The houses are of brick, lofty and elegant, the
WMndows large and numerous. The streets are surpris-
ingly clean, and adorned with rows of trees ; between-
wjiich the canals extend in all directions
Amsterdam, a port of the Znyder Zee, is the rhief
city. It ranks among the first cities of Europe, contain-
ing, 217,024' inhabitants. The docks and arsenals are
extensive, and the Sudthou.-e is the most magnificent
building of the kind in Europe.-
-RoTTERDAM, ou the MdCbe, is a great commercial cityj-
of the size of Boston, having 33,800 mhabitants. Ley-
SEs, an inland city, with '30,955 inhabitants, is tlie seat
of the principal university, and is celebiated for having
produced several eminent characters in science and litera-
ture. The Hague is an open village, famous as the seat
of government, and the residence f the Stadtholder ; it
has 3S,-^ii3 inhabitants, and 6, 164^ houses*
Haehlem, which has 21,3o0 inhabitants. Middle-
burg, and Flushing, are large commercial cities. U
TRECHT is a handsome city, with 32,291- inhabitants, and
is the seat of an university. There are many otlicr towns,
distinguished for neatness and population,
A A 2
CTOl SWITZERLAND.
SWITZERLAND, OR HELVETIA.
UNDER this name modern geographers include all
the country occupied, not onl}- by the Swiss, or Thirteen
Cantons of the league, but by other states in alliance with
or subject to them ; in which sense, the greatest extent from
east to west will be about ISO miles, and from north to
south 140. On the north it is bounded by Swabia, south
by Savoy and Italy, west by France.
General j^ppsarance. Switzerland may justly be consid-
ered as the most elevated land in Ewrope, asmany princi-
pal rivers take their rise here, and run in difFerent direc-
tions to the extremity. The greater part is composed of
mountains, with narrow vallics between them ; these
mountains are composed of stupendous rocks, piled oa
each other, and are from 4,000 to 10,000 feet in height.
One peak i-n St. Gothard's mountain, is computed by Du
Cret to be 16,5C0 French feet.
Divisions and Population. Before the late revolution, Swit-
zerland was divided into IS cantons, exclusive of their
allies ; viz. Lucern, Uri, Schweitz, Underwalden, Zug,
Friburg, and Soleure, vi-hich are Catholics. The prot-
fStant cantons are Zurich, Bern, Ea*>le, and Schaffhau-
i^en. The number of inhabitants is-reckoned at 1,638,000.
Glarus and Appenzel contain both religions.
Lakes and Rivers. The principal lakes are those of
Consiance, Geneva, Lucern, Zurich, and Neuchatel.
T!ie most considerable rivers, are the Rhine, Rhone, Aar,
Arve, Reuss and Inn.
Prodvciions. The chief riches of Sw'itz.erlHnd consist of
excellent pastures, in which many cattle are bred and fat-
tened ; the goats and ehamois feed on the mountains and
jn the woods.
Manners and Customs. The men are strong and robust..
The women are tolerably hand.some, and in general very
i^.dustrious- The peasants retain their old manner of
dress, and are content to live upon milk, butter and cheese j,
iome of the mountaineers never have any bread.
Ciiiis. The principal cities of Sv/itzerland are Basil,,
on the Rliine, 1 5,0G0 iahabitanis j Zvrjch, on the lake
SPAIN. ^93
of the same name, 10,353; and Lausanhe on the lake
of Geneva, 9,965. There are colleges at Bern, Lausan-
ne, Zurich and Lucerne.
Historical Rrmarks, A de.^initlye alliance subsisted be-
tween France and several of the Swiss cantons for more
than a century, to the great advantage of both. These
republicans found in that monarchy a steady, faithful, and
generous friend. In 1777, the alliance vi'as renewed in
the city of Soleure, and extended to all the cantons. From
this period, till the commencement of that disastrous rev-
olution, which has been effected by the intrignes of the
French, the Swiss were so much wiser than any of the
other European powers, that they preserved a peace unin-
terrupted, except by some internal disputes, which were
speedily terminated. Their history, therefore, during this
period, is comprised in a few words. While other nations
descanted on the blessings of peace, liberty, and property,
amidst the curses of war, taxes, and oppression, these hap-
py people quietly enjoyed all these blessings. The present
situation of Switzerland is a striking contrast to this. It
is " correctly and energetically drawn in the picture of
Athens, left us by a writer of the middle ages after the
invasion. // is the empty and bloody tkin of an immolated vic-
tim. She has nothing left but rocks, and nuns, and dem-
agogues." Since the revolution of 1797, the old govern-
ment of Switzerland has been changed, the thirteen inde-
pendent governments have been abolished, and che name
of Switzerland changed to that of Helvetia. By the con-
stitution of May 29, 1801, Switacrlaod is divided intff
aeverueen departments.
SPAIN.
Situation, Boundaries, Extent. THE kingdom of iSpaim
lie.<^ beiw<;en lib and 44 north lat. and between 66 and 78''
east Ion. It is bounded north by th-i bay of Biscay j
northeatt by the Pyrennees, which separate it from France j
east and south by the Mediterranean ; southwest and west
by Portugal and the Atlantic ; 700 miles long and 50t>
broad.
Divisions. Spain contains the provinces of Old and
New Castile, Andalusia, Arragon, EstraJDadura> Gallcia,
296 SPAIN.
Leon, Catalonia, Granada, Valencia, Biscay, tha Asturl-
as, Murcia, and Upper Navarre, some of which have for-
merly been separate kingdoms.
Climate. The air is dry and serene, except during the
equinoctial rains, but excessively hot in the southern prov-
inces, in June, July, and August. The vast mountains,
however, that run through Spain, are beneficial to the in-
habitants by the refreshing breezes that come from them
in the south parts ; but those in the north and northeast
are in the winter very cold.
Bays. The chief bays are those of Biscay, Ferrol, Co-
runna, (commonly called the Groynne) Tigo, Cadiz,
Gibraker, Carthagena, Alicante, Altea, Valencia, and
Roses. The strait of Gibraker divides Europe from
Africa.
Rivers. These are the Duero, which falls into the At-
lantic ocean below Oporto in Portugal ; the Tago, or Ta-
gus, which falls into the Atlantic ocean near Lisbon ; the
Guadiana falls into the same ocean near Cape Finisterre ;.
as does the Guadalquiver, now Turio, at St. Lucar ; and
tlie Ebro, the ancient Iberus, falls into the Mediterranean
Sea below Tortosa.
The river Tinto rises in Sierra Morena, and empties it-
self into the Mediterranean, near Huelva, having the name
Tinto gfiven it from the tinge of its waters, which are as
yellow as a topaz, hardening tiie sand, and petrifying It
in a most surprising manner.
Lakes. There are several lakes in Spain, That of Ben-
eventa abound? with Hsh, particularly with excellent trout.
Of the-water of a lake near Antiquera salt is made by the-
heat of the sun.
Mountains. The chief and the highest mountains of
Spain are the Pyrennees, nearly 200 miles in length, which
extend from the bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean, and
divide Spain from France.
The Cantabrian mountains are a continuation of the
Pyrennees, and reach to the Atlantic ocean, south of Gap&
Finisterre.
Mount Calpo, now called the Hill of Gibraker, was
formerly known as one of the Pillars of Hercules.
Soil and Productions. The soil is fertile ; but there are
large tracts of uncultivated ground. The produce of the
SPAIN. 297
country is wheat, barley, safFron, honey, silk, saltpetre,
hemp, barrilles, and sugar canes, with the richest and most
delicious fruits. Its wines are in high esteem. Wolves
are the chiet beasts of prey that infest Spain. The wild
bulls have so much ferocity, that bull feats were the most
magnificent spectacle the court of Spain could exhibit.
The domestic animals are horses that are remarkably
swift, mules, black cattle, and sheep, the wool of which is
superior to any in Europe.
Minerals. Spain abounds in minerals and metals. Cor-
nelian, agate, jacinth, loadstone, turcois stonci, quicksil-
ver, copper, le;id, sulphur, alum, calamine, crystal, mar-
bles of several kinds, porphyry, the finest jasper, and even
diamonds, emeralds, and amethysts, are found here. An-
ciently it was celebrated for gold and silver mines j but
since the discovery of America, no attention has been
paid to them.
Commerce, and Manufactures. Spain has but little com-
merce, and few manufactures. Gold and silver are the
chief articles both of export and import. A silk manu-
facture at Valencia gives cniploymiint; to 20,000 persons.
The other manufactures of Spain are linen, wool, soap,
glass, copper, and hard ware.
Population. The population of this kingdom is comput-
ed at 10,396,000 in Europe, and 10,816,000 in her col-
onies.
Manners and Customs. The persons of the Spaniards are
generally tall, especially the Castilians ; their hair and
complexion swarthy, but ilieir counteuancesvery expressive.
The inN ior orders, even in the greatest cities, are misera-
bly lodged, and those lodgings wretchedly furnished. Ma-
ny of the poorer sort, both men and women, wear neither
shoes nor stockings ; and coarse bread, steeped in oil, and
occasionally seasoned with vinegar, is the common food
of the country people through several provinces.
Literature. The literature of Spain is respectable, though
little known in other countries, since the decline of the
Spanish power. Concerning their means of common edu-
cation, little is known ; but it is chiefly in the hands of
tlie monks. They have upwards of 20 universities ; the
most noted is at Salamanca.
298 SPAIN.
Religion. The established religion is popery ; here the
inquisition still exists, now rendered harmless. There are
eight archbislioprics, forty-four episcopal sees, and twenty-
four universities.
Government. Spain is a monarchy.
Cities. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is on the river
Manzanares, which, though small, is adorned with two
magnificent bridges. The city contains 15 gates, 18 par-
ishes, 35 convents of monks, and dl of nuns, S9 colleges,
hospitals, and houses of charity ; one for all nations, in
which are Ircm 500 to 1000 patients; 1 4-, i 00 dwelling
houses, and about 156,67 '2 inhabitants.
Cadiz, the great emporium of Spanish commerce, stands
on an island, which communicates with the continent by
a bridge. 1: contains 13,500 houses, and 57,387 inhabit-
ants. Barceloka has 1 i 1,410. Seville was the largest
city, except Madrid, but is grearly decayed. Carlhagena,
Bilboa, Malaga, and Alicant, are populous and commer-
cial cities. Granada and Toledo are celebrated in Span-
ish history.
H'uiorV' "^rK** fir*^ ih^^*''?"-" Gr-!>"3l'i V6r6 the CcltSj
a people of Gaul;, after them, the Phoenicians possessed
themselves of the rirbst southern parts of the country, and
may well be supposed to have bt-en the first civilizers of
this kingdom, ?-nd the founders of the most ancient cities.
After these, followed the Grecians ; then the Carthagen-
ians, on whose departure, sixteen years before Christ, it be-
came subject to the Romans, till the year of our Lord 400,
when the Goths, Vandals, Suevi, Alans, and Sillingi, on
Constantine's withdrawing his forces from that b.agdom
to the east, invaded it and divided it among themselves j
but the Goths in a little time were sole masters of it, under
their king Alarick I. who founded the Spanish monarchy.
In 1808, Spain was invaded by the emperor of France,
who seized the throne, and placed his brother Joseph upon
it. Spain is still (1813) struggling for her existence as an
tadependent nation.
PORTUGAL. ^ 299
PORTUGAL.
Situation, Extent, Boundaries. PORTUGAL is the most
westerly country of Europe, lying between 37 and 42**
north lat. and between G5,and QS'^ east Ion. ; 310 miles
long, 150 broad. Bounded w^est and south by the Atlan-
tic, east and north by Spain.
Divisions and Population. It is divided into 6 provinces,
Estramadura, Beira, Entre-Minho-e-Douero, Tra los-
Montes, Alentejo, and Algarva. The whole kingdom con-
tains I9civdads, or cities. 527 villas, or smaller towns,
3344 parisfces, and, according to Ebeling, 3,55S,712
souls.
Rivers y Lakes, and Springs. The chief Portuguese rivers
are mentioned in Spain, all of them falling into the .'\tlan-
tic ocean. The principal are the Tagus. Douem, Minho,
and Guadiana. Ihe Tagus was celebrated for its golden
sand. It overflows its banks as regularly as the Nile.
The Guadiana, eight leagues from its source, disappears,
and runs seven leagues under ground. It is 150 leagues
in length.
Portugal contains several roaring lakes and springs }
some of them ar^ absorbent even of the lightest substan-
ces, such as wod, cork and feathers ; some are medical
and sanative ; and some hot baths are found. The min-
eral waters of Caldos da Rainha and Chavei are very
much esteemed. Beside these, there are several springs,
which may be ranked among the natural curiosities of
Portugal. ^
Climate, General Appearance, The vicinity of the sea
renders the climate miider than in Spain. The general
configuration of this kingdom is mountainous ; but, ex-
cepting the Estella, which may be seven or eight thou-
sand feet above the level of the sea, the mountains owe
their apparent height to the Itvel of the co'untry round
them ; and the wildness of their aspect may be attributed
to their needle-like asperities.
Soil and Productlcns The agriculture of Portugal is not
generally bad: but the skill employed In it is small. Ex-
cept round Lisbon, the country produces sufficient corn
00 PORTUGALi
for its inhabitants ; the rallies of Entre-Minho e-Douefo
are extremely well cultivated ; Tra-les- Monies is covered
with fields of corn to the very summits of the mountains j
wheat, maize and pulse are produced in considerable
quantities.
Manufactures and Commerce. The salt marshes of Portu-
gal furnish great plenty of salt. Much salt is made also
, from the sea water, especially in the bay of St. Ubes,
whence much is exported. The foreign trade consists of
the produce of the country, or in the merchandise, which
is received from its foreign settlements : such as sugar, to-
bacco, rum, cottoti, indigo, hides, Brazil and other woods
for dying, and many excellent drugs. The manufacture
of gun flints is one of the least remarkable, yet of the
greatest importance to this kingdom.
Manners and Customs. The modern Portuguese retain
little of that adventurous, enterprising spirit, which render-
ed their forefathers, the Lusitanians, so illustrious about
300 years ago. The peasantry though degraded and op-
pressed, are inoffensive and industrious. In diet, the Por-
tuguese are temperate, and the beauty of the climate in-
duces them to spend most of their time abroad ; the house
bf-ing little more than a convenieney for sleeping. The
furniture of the houses of the grandees is rich and superb
to excess ; and they maintain an incred*i:le number of do-
mestics.
Universities and Academies. These are Coimbra, founded
in 1-J91 by king Dennis; Evora, founded in 1553; and
the college of nobles at Lisbon, where the young nobility
are educated in every branch of polite learning, and the
sciences The royal academy of Portugal was instituted
in 1720, by John V. Here is also a military and marine
academy, where young gentlemen are educated in the sci-
ences of engineering and naval tactics. A geographical
academy has lately been established.
Religion The Roman Catholic is the (established re-
ligion, to the exclusion of all others. There are two tri-
bunals of inquisition.
Citiis. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of the
most regular built cities in Europe ; and is deservedly ac-
counted the greatest port in Europe, next to London and
Amsterdam. The houses are lufty, elegant, and uniforxB ;
PORTUGAL. 301
and being built of white stone make a beautiful appear-
ance. The popuhition is estimated at 350,000, and 4-4,000
houses. The second city in this kingdom is Oporto,
which Is computed to contain 40,000 inhabitants The
ch'ef article of commerce in this city is wine ; and the in-
habitants of half the shops are coopers. Braga is a consid-
erable town. In the city of Coimbra is an ancient univer-
sity. Travira has 4770 inhabitaints.
Curiosities. The lakes and fountains which have been
already mentioned form the chief of these. The remains
of some castles in the Moorish taste are still standing.
The Roman bridge and aqueduct at Coimbra are almost
entire, and deservedly admired. The walls of Santareen
;ire said to be of Roman work likewise. The chilrch and
monastery near Lisbon, where the kings of Portugal are
buried, are inexpressibly magnificent and several monas-
teries in Portugal are dug out of the hard lock. The
chapel of St. Roch is probably one of the finest and rich-
est in the world ; the paintings arc Mosaic work, so cu-
riously wrought, with stones of all colors, as to astonish
ihe beholders.
History. Portugal was anciently called Lusltania, and
inhabited by tribes of wandering people, till it became
subject to the Carlhagenians and Phenicians, who were
dispossessed by the Romans 250 years before Christ. In
the fifth century it fell under the yoke of the Suevi and
Vandals, who vcre driven out by the Goths of Spain, in
the year 589 ; but when the Moors of Africa made them-
selves masters of the greatest part of Spain in the begin-
ning of the eighth century, they penctraied into Lusitania,
where they established governors, who made themselves
kings. It became subject to Spain in 15S0 ; but in 1640,
the people rebelled, shook oif the Spanish yoke, and elect-
ed for their king the duke of Er^iganza, who look the name
of John IV in whose family it has ever since remained, in-
dependent of Spain. The prince regent and royal family
of Portugal emigrated to 13razil in 1807- Lisbon was
taken by Bonaparte, and nearly the whole kingdom over-
i un by French troops, and since retaken by the British;
and is still ( 181 'J) at war v.-ilh France.
B s
302 fTALY.
ITALY.
Situation, ^c. ITALY, according to Its former limltSj
lies between 82 and 94< degrees east longitude, and 38
and 47 north latitude. North and northeast, it was bound-
ed by Switzerland and Germany ; east by the gulf of
Venice ; south by the Mediterranean ; west by that sea
^d France. Its figure bore some resemblance to that of
a boot; its length from Aousta, in Savoy, to the utmost
verge of Calabria, was 600 miles ; its breadth was une-
qual, from 25 to nearly 400 miles. The kingdom of It-
aly now embraces 30 departments, including St. Marino,
which have a population of 6,389000 inhabitants.
General Description of the Political State. Italy is the most
celebrated country in Europe, having been formerly the
seat of the Roman empire, and afterwards of that aston-
ishing universal usurpation, the spiritual dominion of the
Pope. It has been divided into a great number of states,
which differ in extent and importance. Between the con-
fines of France and Switzerland, on the west and north,
were the continental dominions of the king of Sardinia,
viz. Piedmont, Savoy, Montserrat, part of the Milanese,
and Onegiia. Northeast, were the territories of Venice.
South, were the dominions bf the emperor of Germany,
viz. part of the Milanese and the Mantuan ; and south of
these were Modena, Mirandola, and Reggio, belonging to
the duke of Modena. West of these, were the dutchies of
Parma, Placentia, and Guastella. South of Parma, was
the republic of Genoa ; and southeast of this, that of
Lucca. Hence extended along the coast of the Mediter-
ranean, the grand dutchy of Tuscany. The Ecclesiastic-
al State, or the territory of the pope, lay northeast and
east of Tuscany, between the gulf of Venice and the Med- '
iterranean ; and south, the kingdom of Naples, with its
dependent islands, of which Sicily was the principal. Such
were the divisions of Italy before the late war, \' hich has
wrought gre'it changes in this part of the world. The
whole of Piedmont, including Nice and Savoy, has been
absolutely annexed to, and has become an integral part of,
the French empire, as follov/s ; Savoy is made a depart-
ITALY. SOS
HKnt tinder the title of Mont Blanc ; Nice, anotlier de-
partment, with the name of Maritim^ Alps ; and Piedmont
has been divided into six departments, the Doice, the Po,
Marenj;o, Sesia, Stura, and Tanaro. The Milanese has
been erected into a kingdom, called the kingdom of hair,
of which Bonaparte has been crowned king, and to it have
been added the city and territory of Bologna, the Venetiim
states, the republic of G^cnoa, Modena, and Ferrara. The
republic of Lucca has been erected into a principality, and,
joined with Piombino in Tuscany, has been given to Bon-
aparte's eldest sister. Tuscany has been erected into a
kingdom, by the name of Etrurta, and given to the duke
of Parma in exchange for his dukedom, which now le-
mains in full sovereignty to Fiance, and is annexed to
that empire. In 1807, Eiruria was annexed to the king-
dom of Italy. The papal stales, with the exceptions a-
bove stated, remained nominally to the Pope, till erected
by Bonaparte into a new kingdom, called Latium ; which
was ot' short duration. Naples and the two Calabrias
were erected into a kingdom, and given to Joseph, the
eldest brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, who has since been
transferred to the throne of Spain. Sicily is, as yet, ua-
conquered, and remains to the late king of Naples.
Climate. The air on the north side of the Appenines is
temperate ; on the south it is very warm, 'i he air of
Campagna di Roma, and of the Ferrarese, is said to be
unwholesome ; owing to the lands not being duly culti-
vated, nor the marshes drained. In the other parts, the
air is generally pure, dry, and healthy.
Rivers and Lakes. The principal rivers are, the Po,
Trcbbia, Fesind. Gerigliano, Voiturno, the latter in Na-
ples, l-iber, Arno, Adige, and Var. Tliere are several
tine likes, as the Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Garda, Pe-
rugia, Bracciano, and Celano
AlourUatns. The chief mountains (^f Italy are the Alps
and Appenints, which are extensive ; Mount Vesuvius, a
celebrated volcano near Napies ; and Mount Algidus, fa-
mous in the ancient history of Rome.
Soil and Froductions The soil in general is very fertile.
It produces a great variety of wines, and the best oil in
Europe ; excellent siik in abundance ; corn of all sorts,
but not in such plenty as in other countries ; oranges,-
7
304 >TALY.
lemons, citrons, pomegranates, almonds, raisins, sugaj; ,
Bgs, peaches, apricots, pears, apples, filberts, &c. ihih
country also yields good pasture, and abounds with cat-
tle, sheep, goats, bafFdloes, wild boars, mules, and horses.
The forests are stored with, game ; and the mountains
have not only mines of iron, lead, alum, marble of all
sorts, alabaster, jasper, porphyry, &c. but also gold and.
silver ? with a great variety of aromatic herbs, trees, shrubs,
and evergreens.
Commerce. Wine, oil, perfumes, fruits, and silks, are the
principal articles of exportation ; and great sums of mon-
i-y are expended by travellers, in the purchase of pictures,
curiosities, relics, antiquities, &c.
Literature and Science. No country has produced better
politicians, historians, poets, musicians, painters and sculp-
tors ; that is, since the revival of the arts and sciences, ex-
clusive of those of ancient times.
Religion and Language, The established religion is the
Roman Catholic. Their language, which is a corruption
of the Latin, is said to be spoken in its greatest purity at
Florence.
Cities and ArJtquiiies. Rome, anciently the capital and
mistress oi the world, was founded, it is said, by Romuluj,
its first king, about 7^3 years before Christ. Its ancient
history, splendor, and power, are much celebrated. In its
present state it may still pass for the most beautiful in the
world. Its streets, public squares, churches, palaces, and
multitude of public edifices, built in a style of elegance and
solidity ; its obelisks and vast columns ; its fountains deco-
rated with noble taste, dispersing water in every part of
the city ; the neatness of the streets ; its chef d'oeuvres in
sculptu'e, painting, and architecture, ancient and modem ;
its delightiul climate ; the taste of its gardens, and the
spL-nidor of its public festivals, (the fruits of a mistaken
bigotry) form a picture so varied and so delightful, that
it may, without question, still be regarded as the first city
in the world. It is sitUfited on both sides of the Tiber, on
seven hills. Its position is exactly the same with that of
ancient Rome. It is about 15 miles in circumference, and
contains 35,900 houses and iS'i,06\! inhabitants, of which
about 7,000 are ecclesiastics, and of religious orders of
both s?xe5, wr.o live in celibacy. Manv of the streets ara
ITALY, 305
long, straight, and very regular in their architecture. The
objects of cuiiosity and interest, of taste and grandeur, are
so numerous, that it would exceed the hmits ol a woik of
this kind, even to insert a list of them.
Naples is a large and commercial city, the capital of
the kingdom of Naples. It is seated at the bottom of the
bay of Naples, and is built in the I'orm of a vast amphithe-
atre, sloping from the hilis to the sea. The houses, in com-
mon are five or six stories in height, and flat at the top,
on which are placed numbers of fiiuwer vases or fruit trees,
in boxes of earth. The inhabitants are computed at
4 1 2,489. There is not a ciiy in the world, perhaps, with
the same number of inhabitants, in which so few contrib-
ute to the wealth of the community, by useful and produc-
tive labor, as in Naples ; for the number of priests, monks,
fiddlers, lawyers, nobility and footmen, surpasses ail lea-
sonable proportion; the Lazzaroni alone aie above ^0,000;
they are tlie only common laborers, and are a very indus-
trious, laborious and useful class of men. vHere is ihe fa-
mous grouo of Pansillippo, which perioraies a mountain
just out of Naples, on the side of Baia, near iiaii a mile in
length, cut through the solid rock, and through which the
road to Baia runs. The tomb of Virgil is said to be plac-
ed just at the entrance of this grotto. The baths of Nero
are placed at Baia, about six miles from Naples. Naples,
fiom Its Vicinity to Vesuvius, and to seveial extinguished
volcanoes, has been always subject to eairhquakcs ; the
last look place in tiie ve.ir 1 606, and is said to iiave destroy-
ed, or shnkcn so as to injure, 4-y'i.Ki hou.^es in this city,
Fli^rhncEj for many ages the capital of Tuscany; is, at
preseni the mt- tropt-iis of the new kingdom of Etruria.
It is pleasantly situated on the liver rvino, about SO miles
from the Appenines, which seem, to overhang the city.
The river divvies the city into two equal parts ; on eacii
side of the nver are nubt btautdul qua^s extending
through the wliole length of liic city, and conntcied by
ma^^uiticcnt stone bridges. The private edifices aie m a
fine style of architecture^ and tire public buildings are in-
ferior to non^- in rnHgnifKniCi:, They uckoa IT public
squires; 7 founrauib, ctjustantiy piayin,^ ; (j pillars, or
cojumr.s ; '2 pyram d^ ; 1 60 beautiful statues, placed ci.
' er ;n tne ])U!>iic :qurt.eb or in the sUc' ts, or iu tLc fuuii;
B 3 2
306 ITALY.
of some palaces ; 1 metropolitan church, 12 collegrate^
and ^^ parochial ; 35 convents for men, 60 for women ;
37 hospitals ; and about 9000 houses. The number of
inhabitants in the year 1761, was 72,000; now they a-
mount to 80,100.
Vhnice stands on 72 little islands in the Gulf of Ven-
ice. The number of inhabitants is computed to be about
160,000. The houses are built on piles. The streets, in
general, are narrow ; and so are the canals, except the
Great Canal, which is very broad and has a serpentine
course through the middle of the city. There are nearly
500 bridges in Venice. The ducal palace is an immense
building; besides the apartmentsof the doge, there are halls
and chambers for the senate, and, the diiFeient councils
and tribunals. The arsenal of Venice is a fortification of
between two and three miles in compass ; it contains arms
for 60,000 foot, and 20,000 horse, arranged in an orna-
mental manner. The Venetians have a flourishing trade
in silk manufactures, bonelace, and ail sorts of glasses and
mirrors, which make their principal employments. The
handsome structure, called II Fontica di- Tedeschi, contain-
ing 500 rooms, is that where the Germtan merchants depos-.
ite their commodities*
Genoa, the capital of the former republic of Genoa, is
about ten miles in circumference. Besides the cathedral,
it contains 32 parish churches, many of which are magnifi-
cent, and adorned with seulptures and pictures by the best
masters. The arsenal contains arms for 34,000 men, ma-
chines, models for bridges, the armour worn by a number
of Genoese women in the crusades, a shield, containing
120 pistols, made by Julius Cesar Vacche, for the purpose
of assassinating the doge and senate at one time, &c. 0th-
crpublic buildings, as the Aibergo, which serves as a poor
house and house of correction ; a laige hospital for the
sick of all nations and religions ; the Conservatory, for ed-
ucating and portioning 300 poor girls ; and a great
number of palaces belonging to the nobility. They leckon
at Genoa, 69 convents of men and women. The number
of inhabitajits is estimated at 150,000.
Mantua, the birth place of Virgil, which has 20,300
inhabitants ; Milan, the ancient capital of Lombardy ;
Leghorn, in Tuscany j. and Tvrin, in Piedmont, aregli
celebrated civics.
MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS. 807
MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS.
Kingdom of Sicily. This kingdom embraces the
klands of Sicily, Lipari, Pantalaria, and iEgades, and is
divided int.0 six provinces as follow, viz.
No. of Inhabitants
1. Val di Mazzara") ^ ,, ri j 643,000
a \T ^ \ \^ I On the J standi r-c,y nnr^
2. Val di Dcmona > /- o- ; 521,000
y. Val di Noto 3 "-^ ^'"^'' 459.000
4. The Lipaii Islands 18,000
5. The .Egades Islands 12,000
(j. The ibiand ot Pantalaria 3,000
Total inhabitants in the kingdom of Sicily, 1,656,000
Sicily is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean sea, al-
most in the form of a triangle, terminating in three points.
It is separated from the kingdom of Naples by a narrow
strait, called Faro di Messina. The two kingdoms of Na-
ples and Sicily are under the same climate, and the pro-
ductions are much the same. Sicily is 165 miles long,
and i ri broad. In this island is the celebrated volcano,
called Mount iEtna. The peope are melancholy, haugh-
ty, and jealous ; wearing daggers in their skops and work-
houses. The wealtliy lead voluptuous lives ; th*? lower
classes are wretchedly oppressed dud poor. Their reiigioa.
is the Roman catholic.
The LiPARi islands take their name from tlieir principal,
about eight leagues from the north C( ast ot S'ciiy. '1 hese
islands were called by the ancients, iE'ilise., Vuicaniae, and
In<^ui2e Lipa.jEorum, and ieignt-d to be the residence of
^ >lus and Vuican. Lipari, the laigesr, is pi^puious and
weil cultivated. It is about 15 miles in circumference ;
the air is healthy, and the inhabitants are industrious. In
this island weie formerly pits, Tth'ch emited fire and
smoke. The other islands are, Slromboli, Panaria, Vulca-
no, Saiini, Aiicudi; and Feiicudi, with one or two smalL-
er ones.
808 MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS.
^GADEs are three small islands near tlie west end of the
islands of Sicily, called Favignana, Lovonzo, and Mareta-
nia, constituting a province of the kingdom of Sicily.
Pantalaria is an island, makings province of the king-
dom of Sicily, lying between that island and the coast of
Africa, 17 miles in circumference. It is not iar from the
coast of Tunis, and abounds in cotton, fruit, and wine.
Lat. 36 4b' N. ; aad Ion. 12 3C/ .
Kingdom of Sardinia. This kingdom consists of 4
provinces, viz.
No. of inhabitants in 17&0
1. Cagliari 11.5,54.1
2. Arborea 130.974.
3. Lo^rodoii .133,544-
4. Gallura. 71,428
Total inhabitants in the kingdom of Sardinia 45 J ,487
The number now is about 520,000. Its militia amount
to 4000 men. Its revenue is about one million guilders.
Sardinia Is 142 miles from north to souih, and 80 from
east lo west. The soil is fertile in corn, wine, oranges,
citrons and olives. On the coast is a fishery for anchovies
and coral. The air is unheakhy, from the marshy land.
Here are mines of silver, lead, sulphur, and alum. Cagli-
ari is the capital of this island.
Malta is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean,,
between Barbary and Sicily, in north latitude 35 aO.
This islAud, which has, for its basis, a calca;eous tock,
contains, according to several travellers, notimig inttiest-
ing to the naturai historian, except a tew fos^i.s. Ir-j rig-
ure is inegular,composedof small valleys, dt'hks and hiils ;
and may be represented as a plain inclining from ihe south-
west to the northeasr, so thai the caicaicous strata, of
which it is entirely composed, are very nearly para-iM to
each other. i\ ch.iin of low mountains, running tr:.m
southeast to northwest, divi cs the ^siand thu'ugh ilif mid-
dle. It is seven leagues in it.ny^th, th.ee in nrtacich and
twenty one in circamf*itn'.;e . The nurnhti ot inli.ibiiarts
is said to be QUjOOO. The common 'I'-opie s^^cak Arabic,
TURKEY. 309
but the better sort Italian. The institution f tlie knights
of Malta, was in the tenth century at Jerusalem, for the
tare of the wounded in the Christian wars ; they afterwards
settled in the isle of Rhodes, but, being driven from thence
in 1530, the island of Malta was given them by Charles
V. king of Spain and emperor of Germany. Malta was
taken by the French in the summer of 1 793 ; but was soon
after captured from them by the British. Malta, Melita,
r Citia Vecchia, an ancient and strongly fortified city, is
on a hill in the centre of the island, and was formerly twice
as large as at present. Near this city arc the catacombs,
which are said to extend fifteen miles under ground.
Corsica, between 41 and 4<3 degrees north latitude, is
separated from Sardinia by the strait of Bonafacio, and is
opposite the coast of France and Spain. It is 150 miles
from north to south, and from 40 to 50 in breadth. It is
mountainous, but has fruitful vallies and some fine lakes
and rivers. Corsica in earliest times has been famous
for its swarms of bees, and produces vast'quantities of hon-
ey. After many revolutions, this island was taken by the
French, in 179G, and is divided into two>. departments.
Bastia is the largest town ; but Corte, in the centre of ilie
island, is reckoned the capital. The number of inhabit-
ants on the island is about 166,000. It is the bi:th place
of Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France.
TURKEY.
THE Turkish Dominions, or the Ottoman empire, is
divided into three grand divisions, conLaining 800,000
square miles, viz.
No. of Inhalitanls.
1. Turkey in Europe 9,^22,000
2. Turkey in Asia 11,090,000
3. Turkey in Africa 3,500,000
Total 24,412,000
TURKEY IN EUROPE.
.x!;r.i ar:(/ Boundaries. European Tarkev extends 87'*
310 TURKEY.
miles in length,. from 3i to 49=* north lat. and 680 ia
breadth from east to west. It is bounded by the territo-
ries of Russia and Austria on the north ; wast by the
Adriatic and Mediterranean ; south by the Mediterranean ;
east by the Archipelago, the Euxine, and the sea of Mar-
mora.
Divisions. It contains the provinces of Bessarabia, Mol-
davia, Walachia, Bulgaria, Servia, Bosnia, Romania,
Macedonia, Janna, Livadia, Albania, part of Croatia and
Dalmatiaand the Morea.
Climate, Soil, and Face of the Country. These extensive re-
gions in general enjoy a deiightfui climate The country
is rather mountainous ; but the soil is fertile, producing
vines, melons, rice, wheat, and rich pasturage. That soil
must be rich indeed, which supports its inhabitants with
the lazy cultivation of the Turks.
Rivers. 1 he Danube is for 4-00 miles a Turkish stream,
being in soine phices a mile wide. "^Fhe Save, the Niesier,
the Nieper, and the Don aie the best known rivers in this
country ; thoujifh many others have been celebrated by
poets and hisiorians. The M.iritz, or ancient Hebrus,
rises in the mountains of Haemas, and fails into the -gean
sea, after a course of 250 mues.
Lakes. These are hot remarkable.^ The Lago di Sen-
tari lies in Albania. It commuiiicates with the Lago di
Piave and the Lago di Holti. The Stymphaius, so fa-
mous for its hr^rpies and ravenous birds, lies in Morea ;
and Paneus, from its qualities, is thought to be the lake
from wiiich the Styx issues, conceived by the ancients to
be the passage into hell.
Mounatns. These are the most celebrated of any in the
world, and most fruitful. Mount .ithos lies on a penin-
sula, running into the iEu;ean sea ; the iMounts Pindus
and Olympus, celebrarcd in Grecian fables, separate Thes-
saiy from Epirus. Parnassus, In Achaia, so famous lor
being consecrated to the Muses, is well known. Mount
Haemus is likewise often mentioned by the poets ; but most
of the other mountains have chivuged their names.
Commerce and Manufactures. Situated in the centre of
the eastern continent, the Turks might easily acquire the
trade, as well as the empire, of the world, if not prevented
by their indolence and the maxims of their governmeatv
TURKEY. 311
Thy depend chiefly on foreign nations for their manufac-
tured articles. Their merchants are mostly of the enter-
prising Christians of the surrounding nations Their ex-
ports are silks, carpets, Morocco skins, galls, coffee, balm,
balsam, rhubarb, sal ammoniac, termeric, frankincense,
myrrh, opium, &c. &c.
Religion, The religion of the Turks is the Mahometan ;
but it is said that two thirds of the inhabitants in European
Turkey are Greek Christians The Mufti or Mahometan
Pontiff resides at Constantinople There are various ranks
among the Turkish clergy, somewhat resembling the
bishop and parochial clergy of the Christian world.
Maimers and Customs. The Turks are moderate in eat-
ing and drinking, lovers of rest and idleness. Polygamy
is a universal practice among them. Either party may
dissolve the marriage contract at pleasure The man sel-
dom sees his bride till after the ceremony, the business
being negociated \>y female friends. The dead are per-
fumed with incense, and buried in a cloth open at top and
bottom, that the deceased may sit up and conveise with
the angels of death.
Government, fhe sukan is a despotic sovereign, but
strictly subject to the laws of the Koran, which includes
the national religion and laws.
Army. The Turkish army consists of 200,000 infantry
and ]bl,000 cavalry. Their navy is ill constructed, and
consists of about 15 ships of war.
Cit'ies. Con STAN Tu^oPLt, the capital of this great empire,
is situated on the European side of the Bosphorus. It
was built upon the ruins f^f the ancient Byzantium, by the
Roman emperor, Constantiiie the Great. It became after-
wards the capital of the Grt-ek t.inpire, and having escaped
the destructive rage of the barbarous nations, il was the
greatest as well as the most beautiful city in Europe, and
the only one during the Gothic ages, in which there re-
mained any image of the ancient elegance in manners and
arts It is a plact of trade and abounds with antiquities.
The wall which sarrounds the seraglio is thirty fett high,
havinci' battie.7i(.'nts, tnrihrasurcs, and towers, in the style of
ancleiu. fortificauons. The population is estiniaied at
iOiVHJO, of whicli 'J-iO,OOa arc Turks, lOO.OUO Greeks,
and the renninder Jews, Armenians, and Franks.
312 TURKEY.
Adrianople, formerly the seat of the Turkish empire
in Europe, is next in dignity. The inhabitants of Sosia
;jre 70,000, Sihstria, on the Danube in Bulgaria, contains
60,000 inhabitants. Bucharest, the chief city of "Uiilachia,
has the same number. Jaa and Bender have 10 or
] 2j000 inhabitants each , Belgrade, capital of Servia, has
about 25,000 inhabitants. Barjaluka contains 18,000 souls,
and Salornia 60,000 ; Larissa, an inland town, 25,000.
Anttqutlies and Curlcsit'ies. Almost every spot of ground,
every river, and every fountain in Greece, presents the
traveller with the ruins of a celebrated antiquity. On
the Isthmus of Corinth, the riiins of Neptune's temple, and
the theatre where the isthmean games were celebrated, are
still visible.
History. In European Turkey is included the ancient
states of Greece and Macedon. The people of these states,
so celebrated in history, for their government, politics and
revolutions, were, on the commencement of the Christian
era, lost in the general conquests of the Rom.ans. To the
last remains of the Grecian or Eastern empire, the Turks
put a final period by the conquest of Constantinople, in
]45vS. But their militar}' ir.st'tutions have now lost their
energies, and the zeal of their religious imposture has a-
bated. Their ill compacted empire is sinking under its
ov/n weight. The Russians have become far too power-
fwl for the Turks ; and the Turkish empire seems totter-
in cr to its fall.
ISLANDS BELONGING TO THE TURKISH EMPIRE,
BtING PART OF AnCIENT GrEECE.
Negropont, the ancient Euboea, en the eastern coastdf
Achiia cr I.ivadia, is 90 miles long, and 25 broad. The
chiet touns in the island are Negropont, called by the
Greeks Egripos, on tlie southwest coast of the island, on
the narrowest part of the stiait ; and Castel Rosso the an-
cii;nt Craystus.
LtMW')s, or iStalimene, lies on the north part of the
v5v^ean Sea or Archijielago, and is almost a square of 25
miles in length antf breadth, and h?,s 8,000 inhabitants.
TURKEY. 313
Tesedos is remarkable only for its lying opposite to
old Troy It has a town of the same name, and has
2000 inhabitants.
ScYROs is about 60 miles in circumference, and is re-
markable chit'fly for the remains of antiquity, which it
contains; about 300 Greek families inhabit it.
Lesbos, or Mytelene, is about GO miles long, and is
famous for the number of philosophers and poets it pro-
duced. The inhabitants are 40,000 in number, and were
formerly noted for prodigality.
Scio, or Chios, lies about 80 miles west of Smyrna*
1000 miles in circumference. Though rocky and moun-
tainous, it produces excellent wine. It is inhabited by
100,000 Greeks, 10,000 Turks, and about 3000 Latins.
It has 300 churches, besides chapels and monasteries ; and
a Turkish garrison of l-ioO men. The women of this,
and almost all the other Greek islands, have; in all ages,
been celebrated for their beauty, and their pe. ons have
been the most perfect models of symmetry to painters and
staturaries. Among the poets and historians said to be
born here, the inhabitants reckon Homer, and shew a little
square house which they call Homer's school.
Samos lies opposite to Ephesus, 30 miles long and 15
broad. This island gave birth to Pythagoras, and is in-
habited by Greek Chrisiians. It is supposed to have beea
the native country of Juno ; and some travellers think
that the ruins of her temple atid of the ancient city of Sa-
mos are the finest remains of antiquity in the Levant.
To the south of Samos lies Patmos, about 20 miles In
circumference, but so barren and dreary, that it may be
called a rock, rather than an island. It has, however, a
convenient haven ; and the few Gtcek monks who are
upon the island shew a cave were St. John is supposed to
have written the Apocalypse.
The CvcLAbEs islands lie in a circle round Delos, the
chief of them, which is almost midway between the conti-
nents of Asia and Europe. Though Delos is not above
miles in circumference, it is one of the most celebrated
of all the Grecian islands, as being the birth place of A-
pollo and Diana, tlie magnificent ruins of whoac temnlc:
are still visible, k is almost destliuie ot inhabitants.
Paros lies between ihe inland-; of Luxia and Meto's.
C
SI 4 Turkey.
Like all the other Greek islands, it contains striking and
tnagnificent ruins of antiquity.
Cerigo, or Cythera, lies southeast of the Morea, and
is about 50 miles in circumference, chiefly remarkable for
being the favorite residence of Venus.
Santorin is one of the most southern islands in the
Archipelago. Though seemingly covered with pumice
stones, yet through the Industry of the inhabitants, who
are about 10,000, it produces barley and wine, with some
wheat. One third of the people are of the Latin church
and subject to a Catholic bishop. Near this island anoth-
er arose of the same riame, from the bottom of the sea, in
1707. At the time of its birth there was an earthquake*
attended with dreadful lightnings and thunders, and boil*
ings of the sea for several days, so that when it arose out
of the sea it was a mere volcano, but the burning soon
ceased. It is about 200 feet above the sea ; and at the
time of its first emerging, was about a mile broadj and 5
miles in circumference, but it has since increased.
The famous island of Rhodes is situated in 36 20' N.
lat. about '20 miles southwest of the continent of Lesser
Asia. The chief town, of the same name, stands on the
^de of a hill fronting the sea, and is 3 miles in circumfer-
ence, interspersed with gardens, minarets, churches, and
towers. The harbor is the grand Signlor's principal arse-
nal for shipping, and the place is esteemed among the
strongest fortresses belonging to the Turks. The colos-
sus of brass, which anciently stood at the i?iouth of the
harbor, and was 50 fathoms wide, was deservedly ac-
counted one of the wonders of the world. It has 36,500
inhabi^rl^s,
CjfS:^Ay the ancient Crete, is still renowned for its 100
cities, for its being the birth place of Jupiter, the scat of
legislature to all Greece, and many other historical and
political distinctions. It lies between 35 and 30*^ of N.
latitude, almost equally distant from Europe, Asia, and
Afr"ca. 'ihe ^imous mount Ida stands in the middle of
this island.
Cyprus lies in the Levant .sea, about 30 miles distant
from the coist rf Syria and Palestine. It was formerly
farr.ons ior the worship of Vtnus, the Cyprian goddess ;
acd during the time of the crusades, was a rich, flourishing
ASIA. 315
kingdom, inhabited by Chiistians. It has S-l-jOOO inhab-
itants.
The islands of the Ionian sea r.re, S;^picnza, Stivali,
Zante, Cephalonia, Santamaura, Corfu, Fannu, and oth-
ers of smaller note.
A&IA.
Sit uallony Extent. THE continent of Asia Is situat-
ed east of Europe, and lies between the equator and
80" of N. latitude. It is about 4740 mifes in length, from
the Dardanelles on the west, to the eastern shore of Tar-
tar)' ; and about 4S">0 miles in breadth, from the most
southern pait of Malacca, to the most northern cape of
Nova-Zcmbia.
Boundaries. It is bounded by the Frozen ocean en the
north ; on the west it is separated from Africa by the Red
sea, and from Europe by the Levant or Mediterranean^
the Archipelago, the Hellespont, the sea of Marmora, tli^
Bobphorus. the Black sea, the river Don, and a line drawn
from it to the river Tobal, and from thence to the liver
Oby, which falls into the Frozen ocean On the east it
bounded by the Pacific ocean, or South sea, which sepa
rates it from' America ; and on the south by the Indian
ocean ; so that it is almost surrounded by the sea.
Population r^sia contains 3S0,09H, 000 inhabitants.
Climate. This immense tract of country stretches into
all ci, mates, from the frozen wilds of Sibeiia, to the sultry
regions of India.
Seas, Gulfs., isfc. The principal of these are the Red sea,
or Arabian gulf, between .'Arabia and Africa, the gulf of
Ormus, washinir tbe southern coast of Persia ; the Persian
gulf, between Persia and Arabia ; the bay of Bengal, in-
denting the coast of India ; the inland seas of Caspian^
Aral, and Baikal ; and various other gulfs, bays, and in-
lets. The Caspian sea is 630 miles long and 260 broacf.
It has a strong current ; is subject to violent storms. Its
waters .Are brackisL It abounds wruh fish ^nd sea dogs.
SI 6 ASIA.
Rivers. The chief rivers of Asia are the Euphrates and
Tigris, which fall into the Persian gulf; the Jndus, Gan-
ges, and Burrampootcr, uhich empty into the liidian
Ocean; the Yang t^e- Ki.ing and Hoang-ho, which pass
through China and fall into the Eastern sea ; the Lenas
^ Oby, and Irtish, falHng into the Arctic Ocean j and the
Volga, which falls into the Caspian sea.
Mountains Among the most remarkable mountains of
Asia is the Altayan ridge, called the Golden Mountains,
and tlie Girdle of the earth, extending about ,oOO() miles
in length in the northern part of the continent, and divid-
inq- the Russian from the Chinese Tartars.
Ne::t to the Altayan is the Uralian chain, in Siberia,
forming, as far as it extends, the boundary between F.u-
rope and Asia. 1"he mountains of Caucasus., extending
ff om the Blitck sea to the Caspian, are the highest in Asia ;
ilwlr tops are enveloped in clouds and snow. Taurus is
H chain which commences in little Caramania, and ex-
tends far into India.
Gcr.eral Remarhs. As Asia exceeds Europe and Africa
in the extent of its territoiies, it is also superior to them in
the serenity of its air, the fertility of its soil, the delicious-
uess of its fruits, the fragrancy and balsamick qualities of
4^ its plants, spices and gums ; the salubrity of its drugs ;
*!. the quantity, vari*>ty, beauty, and value, of its gems ; the
jite^ichness of its metals, and the fineness of its silks and cot-
^^ tons. It was in Asia that the all- wise Creator planted the
garden of Eden, in which he formed the nrst s^an and fiist
^1 woman, from whom the race of mankind descended.
Asia became again the nursery of the world after the de-
luge, whence the descendants of Noah dispersed their
various colonies into almost every part of the globe. It
was in Asia ihal God placed his once favorite people, the
Hebrews, whom he enlightened by revelation delivered by
the prophets, and to whom he gave the Oracles of Truth.
It was here that tlie great and merciful work of our re-
demption was accomplished by his divine Son ; audit
was from hence that the light of liis glorious gospel was
c-rried with araazing-rapidity into all the known nations
by his disciples and folwCWW^v.Here the hist christian
churches were founded, and the christian faith miraculously
propagated and cherished even v^ith the blcod of innumei'-
TURKEY. 91Y
able martyrs. It was in Asia that the first edifices were
rearedratid the first empires founded, while the other parts
of the globe were inljabited by wild animals.
Turkey, Arabia, Persia, part of Tartary, and part of
India, profess Mahometanism. In the other parts of Tar-
tary, India, China, Japan, and the Asiatic islands, they are
generally heathen and idolaters. Jews are to be found
every where in Asia. Christianity, though planted here
with wonderful rapidity by the apostles, suffered an al-
most total eclipse by the conquest of the Saracens, and
afterwards of the Turks.
TURKEY.
Boundaries^ l^c, ASIATIC Turkey is bounded north'
by the Black sea and Circassia ; east by Persia ; south by
Arabia and the Mediterranean ; west by the Archipelago,
the sea of Marmora, and the strait of Constantinople. It
lies between 28 and 45 north latitude, and between 102
and 121* east longitude; extending 1000 miles In length
and 800 in breadth.
Divii'wns, The eastern provinces qre as follows.
Chief Toivns.
1. Fyraca Arabic or Chaldea Bassora and Bagdad.
2. Diarbec, or Mesopotamia Diarbec, Orfa, & Mousu!,
3. Curdistan or Assyria Nineveh and Betlis.
4'. Turcomania or Armenia Erzerum and Van.
5. Georgia including Mingre.| Amarchia, and
ha and Imeritia, and part > ^^ .
r n \ Oonie,
ol Circassia j..
Natolia, or the Lesser Asia, on the west, contains the
provinces of
1 . Natolla Proper 1^"""' ^^"^'' S'^^'"^* "^
*^ I- Lphesus.
2. Amasia | Amasia, Trapesond, and-^
(^ oimope.
3. Aladulia Ajazzo and Marat.
4. Caramania '' Satalia and Taresso.
East of the Levant sea, is the province of Syria, with
Palestine, or the Holy Land, the principal places of whicji
C c 2
di8 TURKEY.
are Aleppo, AntJoch, Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, TripoH,
Scanderocn and Jerusalem.
Lukes. In the north of Curdistan is the lake of Van,
being about 80 miles long and 4-0 broad.
Asphakites Lake, known also by the names of the Bah
Sea, Dead Sea, and Sea of Sodom, S. of Jordan, and on the
S. E. corner of the ancient Cannaan. According to Jo-
sephus, it is 72 miles long and about 19 broad. Modern
travellers, however, make it only 24- miles long, and 6 or
7 broad. The rivers Jordan, Arnon, Kidron and other
streams empty into this lake. It has no visible com-
munication with the sea. The great quantities of bitumen,
slime, or mineral pitch in this lake, render its waters unfit
to drink. No fish can live in it. The sulphurous steam
afFecls even the fruit on the shore in some parts. This
lake is supposed to occupy the ancient site of Sodom,
Gomorrah, Admahj and Zeboim, and the valley of Siddim.
After these cities were destroyed in the manner related ir^
the scriptures, it is supposed the spot on which they stood
was sunk by an earthquake ; and some have related that,
when the waters of this lake ate low, the ruins of these
cities are still to be seen. When the Saviour speaks of
>*' The lake of fire and brimstone,^' he is supposed to alinde
to this lakse Asphaliites^ which is considered as the lasinig
monument of those awful showers of fire and brimstone,
by which Sodom and Gomorrah, and the other cities of
the pkin, perished for their vile lusts.
Near the centre of Natolia is a remarkable salt lake, 70-
jniles long.
Rivers. The Euphrates is the principal river of Asiatic
Turkey, rising in the mountains of Armenia and falling
into the Persian Gulf by several mouths. Its length is
supposed to be 1400 miles. The Tigris, after a couise of
800 miles, joins the Euphrates near JBassora. The chief
river of Syria is the Orontes, which falls into the Med-
iterranean. Jordan, is a river of Palestine rising from.
Xake Phiala in Anti-Libanus. It runs under ground IB
miles, then breaks out at Peneum ; passes through
Samachomite lake, anciently called Meron, 6 miles long,,
4 broad. Two miles after its leaving the lake is a stone
bridge of 3 arches, called '* Jacob's Bridge," supposed to
have been built before the days of Jacob. After separtit-
TURKEY. 319
ing Galilee from Tracontis, it passes through the lake
Tiberias ; thence, after a course of 65 miles, part of tiie
\Va/ through a horrid desert, receiving the Carith, (on the
bank of which Elijah was fed by ravens) and many other
tributary streams, it empties into the Dead sea. It is a
very rapid river, generally about 4< or 5 rods wide, and 9
feet deep, and except in freshets, runs 2 yards below the
brink of its channel. The waters are turbid, but very
wholesome.
Mountains. The mountains of Taurus, already describ-
ed, are in Asiatic Turkey. In Syria the most celebrated
mountain is Libanus or Lebanon, famous for its cedars.
Olympus, Ida, and others of classical fame, are on the
shore of the Archipelago.
Soil and Productions. The soil of the plains is exceed-
ir.gly fertile, and is said to yield the various productions o
almost all the regions of the earth.
Population. The population of Asiatic Turkey is
11,090,000.
Manners, Customs, Religion. See Turkey in Europe.
Commerce and Manufactures. The commerce of I'urkey
Is almost eniirely in the hands of strangers. It consists
chiefly in drugs, dying stuflfs, silk and v/ool, and in cotton,
carpets, and leather, which are manufactured by theTurks.
Provinces and Cities. Naiolia, sometimes called Asia
Minor, once contained the smaller divisions of Troas,
Mysia, liLoWsy Ionia, Lydia, Bythipia, Phrygia, Lycia,
Paphlagonia, Galatia, and Piaidia. The chief city is
Smyrna, one of the largest and richest in the east, con-
taining 15,000 Turks, 10,000 Greeks, and 2000 Jews. It
fias a hne appearance and is the rendezvous of merchants
from all parts of the world. Here dwell a great number
of ciiristians of all sects, nations and languages. Here
tlie christian religion flourishes more than in any ancient
church of Asia Minor. God fulfils his promise made to
them, Rev. ii. 10.
Amasia, comprehends the ancient kingdom of Pontus.
Its capital is Amasia, lat. 40" 31' N.
Caraman JA includes part of ancient Plirygia. Satalia
is the capital.
Aladulia lies east of Caramania, and was formerly ail
judepcadent kingdon}, JrUrasch {% jbe capita^.
320 TURKEY.
CiRCAssiA lies between the Black sea, and river Cuban,
it contains no city of importance j and is almost wholly
subject to Russia.
MiNGRELiA, bounded on- the west by the Black sea, is
governed by a prince, tributary to the sovereign of I-
jneritia.
Georgia, the ancient Iberia, lies between Mingrelia and
the Caspian sea, and is divided by a ridge of the Cauca-
sus. It is partly under the dominion of Russia j the cap-
ital city is Teflis.
Armenia, bounded south by Georgia, and west by the
Euphrates, is one of the most healthful and fertile pro-
vinces of Asia. Erzerum is the capital.
CuRDisTAN, the ancient kingdom of Assyria, is bounded
west by the Tigris. The capital is Betlis. The ancient
city of Nineveh stood on the east bank of the Tigris, in-
lat. 36 SC/ north.
DiARBEKiR, between the Tigris and Euphrates> is the"
ancient country of Mesopotamia.
Irac-Arabi, the ancient Chaldea, extends from Diarbe-
kir and Curdistan north, to the confluence of the Tigris
and Euphrates south. Bagdad, the capital, contains
20,000 inhabitants, and is a place of resort for all the n-:er-
chants of Natalia, Syria, Constantinople, Arabia, Persia,
and India. I'he ancient capital of this province was the
famous city of Babylon, which is supposed to have stood
not far from Bagdad. The splendor of this city once
surpassed description ; her walls were 87 feet thick, 350
high, 15 miles square, and the gates brass. Her towers,
temples, and palaces, rose like mountains. Such a city,
one would imagine, was in no danger of becoming desolate.
Yet Jeremiah prophesied, "Because of the wrath of the
Lord, it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly des-
olate.'* Isaiah prophesied that Babylon should be de-
stroyed, and ' never again inhabited j but wild beasts of
the deserts shall lie there, and their houses shall be full of
doleful creatures." Let us now ask several travellers,
whether these things have come to pass ? If they have, the
Bible is from heaven-^ Benjamin, a Jew, was there m the
12ch century, and says, " Babylon is now laid waste, and
men fear to enter there, on account of the serpents and
sfeprpions,'* Another tiavelier was there, 1 57*. He me^^
TURKEY. S2l
tlons various ruins, and says, " they are so full of venom-
ous creatures that no one dares approach nearer than half
a leapue from them, excepting for two months in the win-
ter, when these animals stir not from their holes." Petrus
Vallensio was there in 1616, and says, " that in the middle
of a vast plain, about a quarter of a league from vhe Eu-
phrates, appears a heap of ruined buildings, like a huge
mountain ; its situation and form corresponding with that
pyramid, which Strabo calls the tower of Belus, and is in
all likeiiiiood the tower of Nimrod, in Babylon." Taver-
nier relates " that at the parting of the Tigris is the foun-
datioa of a city : there are some of the walls standing,
upon which six coaches may go abreast- The chronicles
of the country say, " here stood Babylon." Hanway,
who travelled in IT+'l, says, " these ruins are so much
elTiceJ, that there are hardly any vestiges of them to point
oat their situation.'' Ano'-her late traveller says, " there
is n.^t at present a stone to tell v/here Babylon was situat-
ed " W'ch Micli astonish'.ng exactness has God verified
lus threatening " To sweep Babylon with the beaoni of
destnictinn."
^lYBiA, or Sursistan, lies on the Mediterranean. This
celcbtaied country oomprehgnds the ancient SyrlU, Judea,
Phenicia and Palestine ; it is now divided into the five Pa-
chalics or governments of Aleppo, Tripoli, /^cre, Damas-
cus, and Palestine. It contains the ancient and celebrated
cities of Aleppo, Tyre, Sidon, Damascus, Samaria, Jeru-
salem, Jericho, and many others.
Jerusalem is 3 mileb in circumference, and contains 12
or 1 4-. 000 inhabitants. The houses are of srone, one
itory high, with flat tops, on which the inhabitants walk,
cat, and sleep. They have battlements a yard high.
The inhabitants are a poor, wicked race, the scum of dif-
ferent nations, principally Arabs. Still the city of Jerusa-
lem is interesting to every Christian. Here his delighted
imagination fixes, not only on account of the splendid
scenes recorded in the old Testament, not only because here
the Son of God accomplished th? work of redemption, but
becausehereaconstellationof prophecies are fuTfilled. Jesus
Christ f-t retold that one stone should not be left upon a-
nother m the temple or city In the year 118, the Jews
rebelled, and Tinius Rufus destroyed the buildings which
322 ASIATIC RUSSIA.
had been erected after the destruction by Vespasian, and
levelled three towers which he had spared. This literal-
ly fulfilled the prophecy of Christ, and proved his mission
divine. Jesus Christ also prophesied, that Jerusalem
should be " trodden down of the Gentiles." Adrian
banished all the Jews. The place was settled by Romans
aad other foreigners. The Jews are now persecuted by
Mahometans ; Jerusalem is now trodden down by Gea.
tiles.
Antiquities. A description of the antiquities of these re-
glons would too much swell this abridgement. The most
splendid ruins are those of Palmyra, or Tadmor in the Des-
ert. Balbec, the ancient Heliopolis, is about 50 miles
northwest of, Damascus, cliiefly famous for the ruins of a
temple supposed to have been dedicated to the Sun.
ASIATIC RUSSIA.
Extent. THE extent of the Russian dominions in Asia
\e.xceeds that of all Europe. The length is about 53.50
miles ; the breadth IP60.
Boundaries. This vast region is bounded on the east by
the seas of Kamaschatka and Ochotsk; north by the Arctic
Ocean ; west by European Russia, and souih by the terri-
tories of Turkey and Prussia, and the empire of China.
General Descriplion. The climate of Asiatic Russia is
generally frigid, ihough in some provinces it is temperate.
The south part of Siberia is fertile, producing all the ne-
cessaries of life ; the north part is extremely cold and al-
most uninhabited. The northern and eastern parts of this
immense region are covered with almost perpetual snow,
and intersected by numerous rivers, the principal of which
are the Ob, the Oby, tlie Yenesei, the Angara, the Lena,
and the Irtish. In the north of Siberia is the large lake
of Piazinsko. In the south is the sea of Baikal.
Asiatic Russia is peopled by numerous tribes, of vari-
ous origin, manners and customs. The Tartars are the
most numerous, who are the same with the Huns of an-
tiquity. Among the distinct tribes of Tartars are the No-
gays, the Kirguses, the Bashkirs, the Monguls, the Tun-
guses, the Samoiedes, the liamschadales, &c. all of whonri
TARTARY. 325
pY-etend to be descended from Turk, the eldest son of
Japheth.
The inhabitants of Siberia are of three sorts, Pagans,
Mahometans and Russians. The two first awe clothed in
skins, and their weal'.h consists in bows, arrows, a knife
and kettle. The Russians settled here are much the same
as in their native country. The country is rich in tins,
and the mountains contain some mines. The most valua-
ble animal is the rein deer. In Kamschatka dogs are used
for carriages. The urus or bison is found among the Cau-
easlan mountains.
The principal Islands belonging to Asiatic Russia are
the KuRiLE JsLANDs, 22 in number, extending from the
southern exfremity of Kamschatka to Jap;ia.; they are
valuable for their furs, particularly that of the sea otter.
Onlv four of these islands are inhabited.
TARTARY.
TARTARY, taken In Its most extensive sense, contains
all that vast country of Asia, which lies between the Arc-
tic Ocean north, and Persia, Hindoostan and China south.
It includes a great variety of nations, to which is applied
the general name of Tartars, with a particular one often
applied from their local situation. Tartary may be divid-
ed into three parts, viz. Russian Tartary, Chinese
Tartary, and Indfpendent Tartary The first of these
divisions has been described under the preceding article.
Independent Tartary lies chiefly between the lati^
tudes of 35 and 50 degrees, and is bv unded on the north
by Asiatic Russia ; west by Persia and Hindoostan ; south
by Hindoostan ; east by the country oi the Kalmucs. The
country enjoys a fine climate, though its northern parts
have excessively cold winters. The face of the country is
vailegated with plains and hills, and the soil usually rich
and productive. Tlie principal ridge of mountains is that
snowy ridge denominated B lur Tag, on the east of
Great Bacharia. The greatest river is the Jihoon, the
ancient Oxus, which heads in ttie Bclur mountains. The
Salt Lake, or sea of Aial, is 'iOO miles long, and 70 broad^
100 miles eastwara oi '.he Caspian Sea.
524. TARTARY.
That part of Independent Tartary, which is best known*
is called Bucharia. which is divided into Great and Little
Bucharia. The inhabitants value themselves on being the
most robust and valiant of all the Tartars. The women
also surpass the other Tartar ians in beauty, and sometimes
attend their husbands to the field of war.
The famous city of SamarcAnd is the capital of this
country. It has some commerce in calicoes, cotton, rice,
and cattle. It was the seat of Tamerlane the Great, and
in his time was celebrated as the seat of learning and civ-
-Uization.
Chinese Tartary is bounded north by Siberia, east by
the Gulf of Kamschatka and the Eastern Sea, south by
China, west by the country of the Kalmucs, who are es-
tablished between the Caspian Sea and Kashgar. The
different tribes which at present inhabit it were formerly
comprehended under the general name of Mongul or Mo-
gul Tartars, a warlike and formidable nation. These
Tartars have neither towns, villages, nor houses ; they
form wandering hordes, and live under tents, which they
transport from one place to another, as the different sea-
sons, or the wants of their flocks require. Their ordinary
drink is warm water, in which a little coarse tea is infused ;
with this they mix cream, milk, or butter. The Moguls
are free, open and sincere. They pride themselves chiefly
en their dexterity in handling the bow and arrow, mount-
ing on horseback, and hunting wild beasts. They burn
the bodies of their dead, and transport the ashes to emi-
nences, where they inter theni, and cover the grave with a
heap of stones. They are unacquainted with money, and
trade only by barter. The skins they use for clothing are
generally those of their sheep. Their religion consists in
tne worship of Fo. They have tlie most super.stiiious ven*.
eraiion for their Lamas. All the Moguls are governed by
khans, or particular princes, independent one of the other,
but all subjected to the authority of the emperor of China,
whom they consider as the grand khan of the Tartars.
Chinese Tartary has 3,000,000 inhabitants ; and the
Taxed Countries, subject to the Chinesa government,
contain 3 1, .^00,000 souls Of these Taxed Corntries,
tbe principal are, 1. Korea, whicii has its own king. Little
is known of this country, as all commerce with strangers
CHINA. C2.3
i^ proliibkcd. Number of inliabitants 1,500,000. 12,
Thibet, or Tangiu, which see. 'i. The kingdom of An-
nan, 1 0,000,000 inhabitants. The king i-naintains 1 1 r;,000
land troops, 30,000 of which are disciplined in ihe Kuro-
pean manner, and 2d, 800 seamen. -I-. Tonkin, once the
incot powerful of tliC Eastern Asiatic empiies, containing
with the Liqueos isles, another division of the Taxed
Countries, 8,000,000 inhabitants, subject to the king of
Annan. All the above governments acknowledge the
Emperor of China as their sovereign.
CHINA.
Boundaries and Extent. BOUNDED nortli by Tartary,
from which it is separated by a great wall, .500 leagues in
length ; east by the Yellow sea and Chinese ocean ; south
by the same ocean and the kingdoms of Tonkin, Birmah",
and Laos ; vest by Tliiber. It lies between 2! and .50
degrees north lat. 2030 miles long from north to south,
and -190 broad.
Divisions and Population. China is divided into 17 prov-
inces, v/liich contain i'-i02 wiilled cities. It contains
.".3:3,000,000 inhabitants according to Bairow, 188,500,000
according to Hassel.
Climate. The climate and soil are various, as the differ-
ent provinces are nearer to or remote from the south, se-
vere cold beifrg felt at Pekin, while the southern provinces
are expobcd to excessive heat.
Rivers and C/ma'.s. Here are several large rivers, and
where these are wanting, there are fine canals. The prin-
cipal river is the Hoai-g-ho, called also the Yello'v River.
U rises in Tartary, and, after a course of 2000miies, falls
into the Eastern sea. Another great river is the Kiang-ku,
which passes by the city of Nan-king, and falls into the
r.cean, 100 miles south of tlie Hoang-ho. h) China there
is scarcely a tfiwn or even a village which, has not the ad-
vantage either of an arm of the sea or a canal ; by which
jneans navigation ;s rendered so coninson, that almost as
nany people live (n the water as on tiieiand. 'i he grand
canal is one ot the wonders of art ; extending from the
city of Canton to lliC e.Miemitv of the empire ; it is about
D D
32G CHINA.
50 feet wide, and parses through or near 41 large cities.
It has 75 large sluices to keep up the water, besides sev-
eral thousand bridges.
Lakes. There are several large lakes in China, well
stored with fish, the chief support of the neighboring in-
habitants.
Soil and Productions. In seveial of the provinces, the
land yields two crops a year ; yet, though the husbandman
cultivates it with such care, as not to lose the smallest
portion of ground, China has often been desolated by fam-
ine. Its numerous mountains (which are chiefly in the
north and west parts of the empire) containmines of iron,
tin, copper, quicksilver, gold, and silver ; .but those of
gold and silver are not permitted to be opened ; the em-
perors having always feared, that if the people should be
exposed to tlie temptation of these artificial riches, they
would be induced to neglect the more useful labors of
agriculture. Quarries of marble, coal mines, lapis lazuli,
and rock crystals, are abundant in China. They have
potter's earth too, of such various and superior kinds, that
their celebrated fine porcelain will ever remain unrivalled.
Besides the ftiiit peculiar to ihe country, China produces
the greater part of those of Europe. Among the trees
peculiar to China, is the tallow tree, the fruit of which has
all the properties of tallow ; the wax tree ; the tsi-chu, or
varnish tree ; the iron wood, which is so hard and heavy,
that it sinks in water, and the anchors of the Chinese ships
of war are made of it ; the camphire tree ; the bamboo
reeds, the tea tree, &c.
Ciinl and PoUtical History. Learning, v.'ith the'arts and
sciences in general, are much cultivated, in this country.
The government is absolu'e, and the emperor has the priv-
liege of naming his successor, but the chief mi^ndarin
has permission to tell him of liis faults. He locks upon
his subjects as his -children, and professes to govern ihem
^vith paternal aircctlon. In the gniden of one his paiacis
is a temple, in which is a magnificent throne. On this the
emperor sits at ceilain timci, to hear and determii:e causes.
Such is the virtue of tlii--, seat, iliat it is believed, that on
the justice or injusricc of \k\h decrees, his life or immediate
doulh depcnJ^.
CHINA. 327
Their empire is very ancient, and they pretend thit it
existed ni.my thoasand years beture Nouh's Hood : it is
generally allowed to have continued lOOO years. The an-
nual revenues of" th? crown are computed at 9,000,000/-
The surplus revenue remitted to Pclvin in the year 179'i)
W.IS stated to be about 12,000,001)/. steilin^. The atten-
tion, precautijn, and extreme jealoii.^y of the government,
h.ive not been considered sufficient ior the protection of
llie empire, wichout the assistance of an immense stand-
in;^ army, which in the midst of a profound peace, was
stated by Vanta-gin, to consist of 1,000,000 of infant: y,
and S00;000 cavalry.
Their religion is paganism. Th.ey allow pivlyganr.-.
The government his lat-ly published a decree, proh-biting
i;ie propai;ai;oi7Mf the Christian religion in the eniplre,
on pain i-f death.
Liiics. Pekin, 50 miles from tlie great wall, is -he cap-
ital oi China. It is six le.igut-s in circurnfcience. I'.s
temples and towers are nu.merous ; and its inlKibitan-.s
2,000,000. Nanking is the largest ciiy in the cmi>irc.
Canton, the only port to which Europe '.n% are admitted,
ii.20 Biiles in compacs, contains 2,000,(i('0 mlvabitants, and
ctten sees 5000 trading vessels at a time, v.aiting to re-
ceive its rich commodities.
Cur'wsiths. The most remarkable ant'Cjuity (.{ CiJtia is
tlie gre.it w.i'.l, eiectcd at a remote period, \u puvent the
inc'Jisions f;f tlie Tartars, it is a stupendous woikj tra-
versing rnou,-;L.-t!ns ?.vA vallies, a!iJ crowned with towers.
lu.iiui:. \.\ t;i': Chinese sea are several islands ot ccnse-
quvnce. H a i n a n , sepii .iicd from the pi ovince of Qiiang-
long by a narr.r.v s'.i.iiu is 'A) leagues long, an I 25 broad.
It contains mines of go'd avA lapi.--. l.i/.uli, -awX many torts
ot valuable wc';d. The natives are d jlorn:cd, small in
stature, and ot a copper culor.
Foi.:: )SA, on the northeast coast, is 210 miles long by
GO broctd. it produces two lnirve.sts in a yei'.r ; and has a
riv.li variety <A tiees, fruiti, planti, cpiaur npiv's, and buds.
Oii'y part of it is gwvern^d by tire Chinese ; the remain-
der lb poistssed by the cginal inh.ibitants, \<\\() are rep-
resented as in a state of nature. The capiiid city is built
in t:-;c Chine. e style ; it lias a good port ; but t f dilhcu.!?;
eatrar.ce.
S^S THIBKT.
LEoo-KTvcn. a c^roup ':ri.,]:ind3 to tiie northeast of F
mosa, are tributary to China.
THIBET.
WEST of China lies the country of Tl-'j^r. or T;ingut,
bonnded nortii by T^rtary. west by liindno.tan, south by
Assam and Eiii.'iuh ; J O'JO niilcs ion<^, its b; cadthune-
qnal Accordifig to Templeman, it contains 1G,82')
(Gfiman) sciiK-ire miics.
i'iiis Ci'.iuniry is one of the highest in Asi.r ; it bcin? a
part ct that elevated tract wrdch gives nsev not only rw il.e
rivers of India and Cltina, but also to ti:>*'e of Siberia and
'LVa-tary. We are inform.:d that it is _yenera]iy divided
into tlnee parts, Upper, Middle, and Lower 'Thibet. I he
upper divisicm seems to respect tlie countries toward; the
sources of the Ganges and Sanpoo rivers ;'lhe middle, i.hat
iii wi-icis Lassa is situated, and of which it terms the cen-
tre ; and the Lower Thibet, that which bcrders on On'na ;
but the subject is obscure. Little 'i'hibet, which isbilnat-
ed between Upper Thibet and Cashgar, is rather a dc
]!endency of tlie hatter, than of Great Thibet.
t^lonsidering the exceeding rough and sterile state of tie
country ot Thibet, and tire severity of its ciirriate fron'i its
v/onderfid elevation., we are astonislied to find its inhabit-
ants in a high state of civilization ; their houses lolty ai;d.
built of str;ne ; and the useful manufactures in som-- Jc^
j';ree of improvement. All these advantages they prooaoiv
v}we to their vicinny to the Chinese, to v'hom the larjj.i is
in some respects triburaty.
The Thiberians are governed by the grand, lama, w!iO
h not only adored by them, but is also the object of ado-
ration for the various tribes of pagan 'I'artars, who walk
through the vast extent of continent, which stretches from
the Volga to Corea. He is not only the sovereign pon-
tiff, the vicegerent of the Deity on earth, but by the moie
remote Tartars is absolutely regarded as the Deity Ihmsclf.
T^hey believe him to be immortal, and endowed \tuh all
knowledge ani virtue. Every year they come from dif-
iVrent parts to worihip, and m.ike rich olicrirgs at his
HINDOOSTAN. r,2j
'-y
shiiiic. Even the emperor of Cliina acknowledges the
lama in his reh'glous capacity ; although, as a tempoial
sovereign, the Lima himself is tributary to him. The o-
pinion of the most orthodox Thibetians. is, that when the
.<:;rand iama seems to die, either of old age or infirmity,
his soul, in reality, only quits a crazy habitation, to look
for another younger or better ; and it is discovered again
in the body of some child, by certain tokens, known only
to the priests, in wliich order he always appears. Beside
the religious influence and authority of the grand lama,
he is possessed of unlimited power throughout his doniin=
:ons.
The religion of Thibet differs, in many respects, from
that of the ancient Bramins, yet, in other things, they have
a great afiinicy. The Thibetians have a g:eat veneration
for the cow, and liighly respect also the waters of the Gan-
ges, the source of which they believe to be in heaven. The
Sunnius'ios, or Indian pilgrims, often visit Thibet as a holy-
place ; and the lama always maintains a body of nearly
300 of them in his p.iy.
This is o;;e of the least favored countries in the world,
Low, rocky hills, without vegetation, extensive arid plains,
of stubborn a'ipect, promise little proUuce, and are gener-
raily incapable of culiure. The climate is ;,o cold, that it
drives ilie people to valleys, hollows, and sheiter-ng rocks,
"^rhe Hocks of wild fowls, beasts of pcey, and herds, are as-
tonishing.
The dead are consumed by fire, or devourt ti by beasts,
tivj mortal remains of the sovereign iamas excepted,
'i'hese are biuied, sometimes in a coifin of gold. Under
the portico of the mausoleum are priests, who read and
pray always upon the same spot, and k'^ep alive the sacred
fire that burns before the shrine. They occasionally r
lieve each other.
Thibet contains 12,000,000 inhabitant;-.. Tha missicv.
aries esLimatc th.em at i;3,000;000.
HINDOOSTAN,
Udiu.ljr'us and Extent. FflNDOOS TAX, culled a]^>
NOiA ON' THIS siuK Ti' ( f A s '. 1-. s, lics b'jtv'een 8 and .
f)30 HINDOOSTAN.
degrees north latitude, and is bounded on the nortli t>v
Tartary and Thibtt ; east by Assam and Arracan ; south
by tl-.e sea ; west by the river Indus ; ISOO miles long,
and iGOO broad.
Climate. The climate towards the north is temperate ;
but hot in the south. It rains almost constantly for thiee
months in the year.
Rivers. The Indus, the Ganges, and the Burrampoc
ter, far exceed th.e other rivers of Hindoostan in magni-
tude. The Ganges is one of the finest rivers in the world.
It is revered by the Hir.doos as a deity who is to wash a-
way all their sins. Its v/hole course is 2100 miles ; it
empties into the sea by several mouths.
Productiorisr 'I'he. vegetable products of Hindoostan are
almost innumerable, and exirernely luxuriant. The strain
most cultivated is rice. AH kinds of fruit suited to the
climate, are produced here in abundance. The domestic
animals are buffaloes, sheep, camels, elephants. Of wild
quadrupeds are the rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, monkies,
wild boars, 5cc. The mines of Golccnda have long been
celebrated for diamonds.
Fopulat'wn, Religion^ Is'c. The inhabitants of Hindoostan
are computed at about 10,000,000 Maliometans, and
1 00,000,000 Hindoos. 'I'he Mah.ometans, or Mussulmans,
are represented ro be ofa detestable character. I'he Hin-
doo':, or GenLoos, are of a black complexion ; their hair
is long, their persons straight and elegant, and their coun-
tenances open and pleasant. They differ materially from
aVi other nations by being divided into tribes or casts.
The lour principal are, the Bramlns, Soldiers, Laborers,
and Mechanics ; and these are subdivided into a miulti-
plicity or inferior distinctions.
Their institutions of religion form, a complete system of
uv.perstitlon, upheld by every thing which can excite tf.e
reverence of the people. The temples, consecrated to their
deities, are m.aeniticent ; their religious ceremonies splen-
did ; and the absolute dominion, which the Biarnins have
obtained over the minds of the people, is supported by the
command of the immense revenues, with which the liber-
A'xi)' of prinees, and the zeal of pilgrims and devotees^
have erinched their pagodas. The dominion of religion
eyt.^nds to a thousand pr.rticulars, v-iiich in other couiiUiea
INDIA. SSI
are governed by the civil laws, or by taste, custom, or
fashion. Their dress, their food, the common intercourses
(if life, their marriages, and their professions, are all un-
dv-^r the jurisdiction of rehgion.
Polilical Geography. Hindoostan is divided into a great
number of separate and independent governments. The
company of English merchants, trading to the East-In-
dies, lias acquired possessions, which, in point of extent
and population, surpass the whole British empire in Eu-
rope. I'he Mogul empire being reduced to insignificance,
the English may be considered as the ruling power in
Hindoostan. i he principal mass of the British posses-
sions consists of the rich and populous provinces of Bahar %
and Bengal. The capital of British India is Calcutta,
situated ou a branch of the Ganges, 100 miles from the
sea, but accessible by the largest merchant ships. It is
supposed to contain half a million of people, who are a
mixture of various nations. It is the residence of the
governor general, oi the courts of justice, and of the offi-
cers civil and military.
Dehli, the capital of the Mogul empire, was the most
_*?lebraied city of India, before it underwent the terrible
vijdevastation of the conqueror. Nadir Shah. It still pos-
'x^sses many remains of ancient grandeur and opulence.
IXDIA BEYOND THE GANGES.
B'^una.irics /3nd Extent. THIS peninsula is bounded by
Thibet and Cuina on the north ; by China and the Chi-
nese sea, east ; south by the same sea and the straits of
Malacca ; west by Hindoostan, and the bay of Bengal.
It lies between 1 and SO degrees north latitude ; iiOOO
miles long, and 1000 broad.
Divisions. India beyond the Ganges is naturally distrib-
uted into a number of separate and independent states ;
of which those that are best known will be briefly noticed,
ASSAM
Is bounded west by Bengal and Bootan, north by Tl:.".
bet, and southeast and south by Meci;ley. The riycx ^u:-
532 BIRMAN EMPIRE.
xampooter runs through the whole length of it. Its capi-
tal is Ghergon. The open parts are marked with popula-
tion and tillage ; the woods abound with elephants. The
mountains are inhabited by a people called Nauacs, who
go naked and eat dogs, cats, mice, locusts, &c. The oth-
er inhabitants of Assam have no hxed religion, or rules of
life. They eat all flesh except human, even animals that
die a natural death. They are enterprising, savage, vin-
dictive, and fond of war. They have neither horses, asses,
nor camels ; but they are sometimes brought there from
other countries. Asses they are fond of, but are so much
afraid of a horse, that one trooper would put a hundred
^ of them to flight Assam lies between 26 and 28 degrees
^aorth latitude, and contains 2,000,000 inhabitants.
BIRMAN EMPIRE.
The Birman Empire comprises the kingdoms of
AvA and Pegu, and derives its name from the Birmahs,
a warlike nation of the peninsula. The articles of com-
merce are rice, cotton, teek- timber, vastly superior to oak
for ship building, on which the English East- India compa-
ny greatly depend ; aloes, spices, emeralds, rubies, sap~
phires, &:c. They have mines of copper, lead, and siJver,
The climate is healthy, and the soil fettiie. Their system
of jurisprudence is replete with sound morality. Their
laws are conscientiously administered. When a man dies
intestate, three fourths of his estate goes to his children
born in wedlock. They burn their dead; but people of
high distinction are embalmed, and kept six or eight weeks ;
honey is the principal ingredient used to preserve the body.
The population of the empire is supposed to be 17,000,000.
In the flat part of the country, which is liable to be over-
flowed, the houses are built upon stakes, and in time of in-
undations, the inhabitants communicate with each other
by boats. Pegu was an independent kingdom, till 175\ ;
when the king of Bfemah made it a province. The or-
deal trial is common here by putting the head under wa-
ter, or the hand into hot oil, or melted lead. If i\\e accus-
er fail he must suifer what is due to the guilty.
The capital of the empire is UMMARAPOORA,on a branch
f the Irawaddyj and not far from Ava, the ancient cap-
SI AM, MALACCA. , 333
hA, which, as well as Pegu, the former capital of the king-
dom ol Pegu> is abanJor.ed to ruin.
SI AM.
The kingdom of Siam is hounded north by Chma, e;ist
by Laos and Camboviia, south by the gulf of Si;im, west
by die bay of Bengal and Pegu ; 5.30 mdes in lengcli, jnd
'2')0 in breadth, though in some places not above 50.
Siam and Malacca contain l,jOO,()00 inhabirancs. It is
a fl;it co'intry, ;;nd in the rainy season is ove:fl!)wed : for
whic!) reason most of the hou^ies aie bu'lt on inllars, and
have no communication ior some months but by b acs.
The government is despotic, and the people i)oor. Tlier^,,
are mmjs of gold, silver, tin and coppei, and plenty of rice,'^.
cot'on, aloes, bepjamln, &c. The tame cattle are beeves,
buifaioes, and hogs. The woods abound witl' elephants,
rhiaocer-ises, leopards, and tijrers. Tne inhabitani.-., both
men and women, yo almost n.iked, bin "he better sn' t wear
ricii garments. They are ofien mothers at twelve years of
ag.. riie king shows him^ed but once a year to the
C'jmmcn people. He is prc^^r-ctor of ail the lands iri the
coi.m.ry, amt keeps a nunie-ous army, am'>ng wiiich are
loot) eiepiiaiits. Tlieir teuioles and prie'^is are very
j/ume'-i'iis. ' ,'ey have schools for the education of their
ci'iidren, and tliere is scarce any among them that cannot
ie:;d and write. Siam, t!ie capital of the king:iom, is on
Cu: Mei:.in, near its niuuih, in the gulf of Siam.
MALACCA
L> a penlnra.ila and kingdom, bounded north by Siam,
e i.-t by the oc-ean, and soudiwest by the straits of Malac-
Ld ; ()<:(i miles long, and ilOO broad. It produces fev,-
cr,nm;odities for trade, except tin, and elepliant's tectli ;
but there are many excellent fruits and roots. The reli-
gion of the natives has a mixture of Mahometanism ; and
tiicy are addicted to juggling. 'I'he inland inhabitants
;;re a savage, barbarous people, who take delight in doing
ir.i'-chiei to their neighbors. The capital is Malacca, a
ieaport on ilie straits of that name.
334 PERSIA.
LAOS.
To the eastward of Siain and Ava is the kingdom of
Laos ; a flat country, surrounded by mountains and cov-
ered with forests. The large river Mecon crosses the
whole region. The climate is temperate and healthful ;
the soil fertile and rich in mines. The king is an abso-
lute, independent prince, and acknov,-ledges no superior.
The kingdom contains 3,000,000 souls.
CAM30DL\
Lies south cf Laos, and, like that country, is inclosed
by mountains, and fertilized by the large river Mecon.
gum. Mines of gold and precious stones every where a-
bound. la the forests are elephants, lions, and tigers.
The soil produces abundance of corn, rice, and various
medicin-il drugs. The most peculiar product is Gamboge
The inhabitants are not numerous ; their religion is idol-
atry. Cambodia, the capital; is on the river Mecon.
COCHIN CHINA.
On- the eastern coast of India is the kingdom of Coch-
in China, separated from Laos and Cambodia on the west
by a range of mountains. The Vv-hole country is intersect-
ed by rivers. The climate is h-:althy. No country pro-
duces a greater variety of articles for commerce, such as
spices, fruits, d'iferent sorts of wood, ivory, gold, silver,
&c.
The manners of tlie people closely resemble those of
the Chinese. They are pagans.
^v^ PERSIA.
Boundaries^ Exfent^ and Popuhition. The kingdom of
Persia is bounded north by G.'.'orgia, the Caspian sea, and
Usbec Taitary, west by Tuikey and Arabia, south by the
gulfs of Persia and Ormiil^-.and the Arabian sea, east by
Hindoostan proper; 1220 miles from east to west, 900
from north to south. It has 22,000,000 inhabitants.
RlverS' The chief rivers are the Tigris and Amuc.
ARABIAo 335
Climate and ProJuciions. In the north and east parts it
Is mountainous and cold ; in the middle and southeast
parts, sandy and desert ; in the south and west, level and
fertile, though for several months very hot. The soil pro-
duces all sorts of pulse and corn, except oats and rye. In
several places, naphtha, a sort of bitumen, rises out of the
ground ; and there are mines of gold, silver, iron, turcois
stones, and salt ; the two first are not worked, on account
of the scarcity of wood. Among the excellent products
of Persia, are dates, pistachionuts, and poppies that pro-
duce the finest opium. They have extensive plantations
of mulberry trees for silk worms ; and large flocks of
slieep and goats. Their camels, horses, mules, asses, ox-
en, and buffaloes, are the best of their kind, and are in-
diiferently used for carrying passengers or burdens, the
horses excepted, which are only used for the saddle.
Manufactures. The pi incipal manufactures are silks, sat-
ins, tabbies, taffjtas, and bilk mixed with cotton, or with
camel's or goat's hair ; brocades, gold tissues, and gold
velvet, carpets, calicoes, camlets, &c. Their dying is pre-
ferred to any thing of the kind in Europe.
Cmll and Political History. During the last centuryj
Persia was desolated by competitors for the sovereignty.
So late as 1 S07, there was a formidable insurrection a-
gainst the Persian mona!ch, headed by Been Sing, a man'
of extraordinary enterprise and couiage. The Persians
are generally Mahometans, of the sect of AH.
Ispahan, a celebrated city, is the capital of Persia. It
contains 1,000,000 inhabitants. Shiras and Tcflis are
large and populous cities.
ARABIA.
ARABIA is bounded on the west by the Red Sea, and
the Isthmus of Suez wortheast by the Euphrates, which
divides it from the ancient Mesopotamia ; east by the
gulfs of Persia and Ormus ; and south by the Indian o-
cean. On the noith, this cnnntfy runs up to an angle,
abni't 100 miles east of Palmyra, vliich is not included im
Arabia. It lies between 12 'JO and 31 .'^0 norih latitude,
extending 1800 miles in length, and biOO average bicadtb,
'636 ARABIA.
and has 10,000,000 inhabitants. It is divided into ihret
parts, Arabia Petrasa, Arabia Deserta, and Arabia FeHx,
Arabia Petrasa is the smallest of the three, and towards the
north is full of mountains, with few inhabitants, on ac-
count of its barrenness. It liad its name from the town
Petrsea, its ancient capital, now destroyed. It differs
little from Arabia Deserta, so called from the nature of
the soil, which is generally a barren sand 5 but there are
great flocks of sheep and herds of cattle near the Euphra*
tes, where the land is good. In the desert are great num-
bers of ostriches, and there is a fine breed of camels in sev-
eral places. But of all their domestic animals, the Ara-
bians put the greatest value on their horses ; which can
bear the greatest fatigues, pass whole days without food,
and show uncommon courage against an enemy. Arabia
Felix is so called on account of its fertility with regard to
the rest.
The Arabs in the desert live in tents, and remove from
place to place, partly for the sake of pasture, and partly
to lie in wait for the caravans, whom they often rob, as
they travel over part of this desert. Arabia Felix produces
frankincense, myrrh, balm of Gilead, gum Arabic, and
coffee, of which latter they export prodigious quantities.
Mahomet was a native of this country ; and his followers,
soon after his death, conquered a great part of Asia, Afri-
ca, and Europe, establishing their religion wherever they
came. The Arabs are the descendants of Ishmael, of
whom it was foretold, " that their hands should be against
every man, and every man's against them." This is now
uniformly true. The Arab in every clime is the same ;
a pirate on the sea, and a robber on the land.
The capital of Aiabia is Mecca, an ancient atid famous
town of Arabia Deserta. The, number of pilgrims, who
yearly visit this place, is almost incredible
MiDiNA, aljout 50 mil^s from the JJ^-Sea, is the place
to which Mahomet fled, when he wakl^lfecn out of Mec-
ca. It contains a magnificent mosque, 'M'v^hich 300 lamps
are kepi always burning. The Arabs compute their time
from tie flight of Mahomet, which was in the 622d year
of the Christian era.
JAPAN. 537
JAPAN.
ON the eastern verge of Asia is the powerful empire cf
Japan, consisting of three large and a number cf smaller
islands. It lies about 1 60 leagues eastward of tl^e coast cf
China and Corea. The author of the Church History of
Japan, published in 1700, computes all those islands to
contain about (iOO leagues in compass. All the coasts cf
this empire are surrounded wich craggy, high, and inacces*
bible mountains, and shallow boisterous seas, and their
creeks and bays are for the most part choked up with rocks,
shelves, sands, and whirlpools ; so that Providence seems
to have excluded it from all communication with the rest
of the world. The country is no less pleasant and invit-
ing within, that its avenues are discouraging and frightful.
It is sufficiently fertile to supply the wants of the inhabit-
ants, and to furnish other countries with rice ^nd corn.
The country abounds v/ith rivulets, lakes and springs ;
they have plenty of sweet, as well as medicinal waters, and
fish- Japan breeds a great number of horses : though not;
so large as those of Europe, yet they are very beautiful,
and highly valued. The forests abound with ail sorts of
wild beasts, of the furs of which they make considerable
traffic, as well as nf elephant's teeth. But the great riches
of this empire consist in the fineness of their metals and
minerals. Earthquakes heie are frequent and sometimes
very terrible, burying whoie towns under their ruins.
The religion of the Japanese is gross heathenism and
idolatry.
The government of Japan is despotic The emperor
Iras the power ct life and death overall his subjects. The
inlial)itants amount to 1.', 000, 000. The army consists of
1 00,000 foot and ^0,000 horse. Thvir arms are muskets,
bows and arr-v. s, jijaj- j;^ rs and scimetars.
The Japanc-'setfl^ B& mc'Jest and courteous, just in their
deai'ngs, and vclipfl^enious in manufactures. They trade
willi every people except the Chine:-e and Dutch.
The ca; itrii cf tlie empire is Ji.i)U0y,.0ii the island of
N'p':on, said to be '21 leagues in ctfcomferencc. Tlie
n;imcs of the largest inlands are K-iusiA, tJiKOFF and
E E
338 ORIENTAL ISLANDS.
ORIENTAL ISLANDS.
UNDER this head we include the island of Ceylon, the
Maldives, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sunda
Isles, Borneo, tlie Manillas, the Celebezian Isles, and the
Spice Islands. These lie in what is called the Oriental
Archipelago.
Ceylon lies southeast of the peninsula of India, from
wliich it. is separated by a narrow sea. It is of an oval
^orm, 80 leagues long ; the soil is exceedingly fertile, pro-
belongs to the Engli
Tiie inland parts are governed by native princes, and are
lirtle known. It has 600;000 inhabitants.
The MALnivEs, a cluster of small islands, in numWv
about 1000, lie southwest of Ceylon. The inhabitants
are Mahometans and Pagans. Cocoa is the most valuable
production..
The Andaman Ielakds, two in number, are near thi
entrance of the Bay of Bengal, called Great and Little
Andaman. They are loaded with thick forests, almost
iirpenetrablc. '1 lie people are a savage race of beings.
There :s a small British settlement here.
TheNiCOBAR Islands are at the entrance of the gulf of
Bengal. They are almost entirely uncultivated ; but the
cocoa and other tropical fruits grow spontaneously to the
'<>^reatest perfection. The irihabitants are not numerous.
Tire Sunda Isles embrace Sunda, Java, Balli, Lorn-
bok, Lumbava, Timor, and several smaller ones in the vi
einity cS these.
SuNOA is the westernmost of this drain. The equator
divides it into nearly equal parts. It is 900 miles long,
and 1 50 broad. A chain of high mounttaigs runs through
the island. The soil prcJrrccs all kindsm tropical fruits
and c;rains. Tigers, elephants, monkeys, and other wild
beasts are runrerons. The inhabitants are Malays, A-
checnese, Bt^ttafi 'iiantipocns, and Rejangs.
Java is separated fnDiin Sumatra by a narrow sea, call-
ed the Strait of Sunda. This island, with Madura, has
'.'7^>0Q0 inhabl:antf The Dutch liave establishments on
ORIENTAL ISLANDS.
339
this Island, the chief cf which are Batavia and Bantam.
The other islands are divided into several kingdoms, or
states. The productions are various and valaablc.
Of the other Sunda isles little is known.
Borneo is 900 miles long, and QOO broad. The c.->asts
are peopled by Mahjys, Moors, and Japanese. The orai i-
outang is a native of this island. It is situated directly
under the equa'ior. The north part is possessed by the
English. It has 5,000,000 inhabiia .:s.
TIicMamllas, or Philippine Islands, 1 1 00 in num-
ber, lie 300 miles southeast of China. Manilla, or Luzon,
is the largest and most important. They ;iie all in th >
possession of Spain The inhabitants are Chinese, Ethio-
pians, Malays, Spaniards, Portuguese, and Mes'.ers, wliich
are a mixture cf all the others. Their siMaaiion between
uhe two continents is such, that clie InliabitAi^.ls carry on
U commerce v.-ith Me.\ico ^ird Peru, as well as with India.
Oald, copper, and iron are nmcnp: the products. Tlie
city of Manilla contaiiis 33, GOO inliabitants,
Celeeezian Isles. Of tiicse Cekbes, or Macacsar,
in latitude 1 59 north, is the principal, it is a ddiglic-
ful spot ; the fruits are ripe all the year. T!:c natives a:e
Mahometans. Around CclL-bcs ar-; many small iiland.-',
governed by their native chiefs. They have 3,000,000
inhabitants.
The Spice Island:, called also tho Molvccas, lie iii
the comp.iss oi" 23 leiirr-.e:, south of the Phihpijiu -s, 1 iicir
cl;ief produce is cloves, mace, and munieg.', which aie mo-
nopolized by the Dutch. Tcrnaie is the largest of the
group.
Ambov:;a, bef>veen the 3d and 'kh degrees s:.,!u]i hi^-
tude, is 70 miles in ci; cun;ier^||||^efcntlc>i by a Dutcl:
g irison.
The Basda, or Nutmeg S^HHae between 4 and 5 dt.'-
grees south latitude, and are chiefly in the possession o:
the B.M'.ish. These islands contain about 5000 souh.
^.
340 AFRICA.
AFRICA.
Boundam: and Extent. AFR I C A is a peninsula, joined
to Asia b}' the Isthmus of Suez, 60 miles over, between
rhe Red sea and rhe Ileditenancan. It is bounded on
the north by the I - iditerranean, which separates it from
Europe ; east I^y the Ist])mi;s cf Suez, the Red sea, and
the Indian ocean ; sovrdi by the Southern ocean; west
ty the Atlantic, u-hich divides it from America.
Hassel who is pe.'^haps the best aiuhority, in his Statis-
tical Tabits, published in icJl^ dhid-.J Africa as follows.
Dlvluon'.
No. Inhab.
1
Ai\^d(j
m oi i/lo:occo
.0,000,000
*u-.
Free it./
ito of Algiers
1,500,000
i.
jjc:
>. Tin: is
] ,000,060
4.
Jjc
). 'iVipoli
1,000.000
5.
Kin^^do
rn of Abvisinia
1,000,000
(>.
Pos^-csi
ons of the Ottoina;; er
npire.
3,. 5 00, 000
7.
Do.
of Spain
4 1-0,000
.
Do.
of Great- Britain
J 85,000
9.
Do.
of Franco
1 1 <S,000
10.
Da.
of Hcllan J
50,000
11.
Do.
of the Danes
5r},000
i'l.
Do.
of the Brazilians
2G 9,000
13.
Island f
if Madaga!:\.Mr
4-,000,000
1 4-.
I. land c
)f Hi 11 z nan
liO,000
13.
The res
t of Africa
80,000,000
,^g|^^^ Tqljal 98,94'5,O00
Gi'n;ral DacnpnU^^^^^^h sltuate^i for the most part
under the torrid zbn^P^a the clin>ate excessively hot,
the coasts and inany parts of the countiy ^re well peopled.
The -sihtives of these scorching regions would as soon ex-
pe^JBjM||:Mble should melt and flow in liquid str.'ams,
as tnaPw^lr. should be conofealed by cold and cease t6
i]o-,v. . < -m-
The rivers iiWDis pirt of the globe are not to be com-
pared widi r^any in Vthe other quarters. The most con-
siderable a: i-^r; Senegal; Gambiaj ;ind Nile. The
AFRICA. 34t
Niger, according to Paik, rises in a chain of lofty moun-
tains, north lat. il, and runs to the east. Its mouth has
not been discovered. It annually overflows its banks,
fertilizing the country. The Senegal has its source 100
miles west from that of the Niger, and enters the Atlantic,
lat. 15 50 north. The head of the Gambia is more than
100 milej wosc from that of the Senegal; with man7
windings, its course is nearly west, till it enters the ocean,
lat. 13 30 north. Tlie Nile divides Egypt into two parts^
aj;;d discharges itself into the Mediterranean, after a pro-
aigious course from its source in Abyssinia.
The most considerable mountains in Africa are the At-
las, a ridge extending from the Western ocean, (to wliich
it gives che name of Atlantic ocean) as far as Egypt. The
mountains of the Moon, extending themselves between
Abyssinia and Monomopata, and are still higher than
those of Atlas. Those of Sierra Lcona, or mountains of
the Lions, which divide Nigritiafrom Guir.ea, and extend
as far as Ethiopia. These were styled by the ancients the
mountains of God, on account of their being subject to
thunder and ligKfMfeg^.
The mos: noted capes or promontories in this country
are Cape Verd, so called because ihe land is always cover-
ed wiih green trees and mossy grounds. It is the most
Wijsteriy point of the continent of Africa. Tlie cape of
Good Hope, so denominated by the Portuguese", when they
first went round it, in 1198, and discovered the passage
to Asia, is the south extremity of Africa, in the countty of
the Hottentots. There is.but ofm^trait in Africa, which
is called Babelmandeb, and is the coTnauinication between-
the Red bea and"^he Indian oceajjjSfe
Africa once con|^^iiied severM^K^orr^s and states, em-
inent for the liberal arts, for ^|^^p)d power, and the
most eictensive commerce. The Ic^^oms of Egypt and
Ethiopia, in particular, were much celebrated ; ^ind the
rich and powerful state of Carthi^e, that once foirM^bh
rival to Rome itself, extended her commer
of the then known world ; ev^'n the
visited by her fleets, till .Ji'.ba, who wa.*-
but tributary to the ropr.Llic ot Cartli
cd in the Romans, who, will) Uic a>.si
tanians, subdued Carth.ige, and by dej
E E 'J
342 EGYPT.
boring kingdoms and states. After this, the natives, ccn
stantly plundered, and consequently impoverished, by the
governors sent from Rome, neglected their trade, and cul-
tivated no more of their lands than might serve for their
subsistence. Upon the decline of the Roman empire, in
the fifth century, the north of Africa was overrun by the
Vandals, who contributed still more to the destruction of
arts and sciences ; and, to add to this country's calamity,
the Saracens made a sudden conquest of all the coasts of
Egypt and Barbary, in the seventh century. These were
succeeded by the Turks ; and both being of the Mahom-
etan religion, whose professors carried desolation with them
wherever they came, the ruin of that once flourishing part
of the world was thereby completed.
The inhabitants of this continent with respect to relig-
ion, may be divided into three s6rts ; Pagans, Mahome-
tans, and Christians, The first have bef?n considered the
most numerous, possessing the greatest part of the coun-
try, from the tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope,
being generally black. Bat recent discoveries lead us to
suppose the Mahometans a.'-e more nuqaerous, who areof a
tawny complexion, possessing Egypt, and almost all the
northern shores of Africa, or what is called the Barbary
coast, with many tribes in the interior. The people of
Abyssinia or the Upper Ethiopia, are denominated Cluis-
tians, but retain many Pagan and Jewish rites. There
are also some Jews on the north of Africa.
There are scarcely any tvi'o nations, or Indeed any two
learned men, that agree in the modern divisions of Africa ;
and for this reason, that scarcely any traveller has pene-
trated into the heart of the country ; consequently, we
jnust acknowledge ^r ignorance of the bounds, and even
the names of several x)f the inland nations, winch may be
still reckoned among the unknown and undiscovered part,
f the world.
i
^ EGYPT.
THIS once' celebrated country is bounded on the north
by the Mediterranean ; east by the Red ica, and Isthmus
f Suez 5 south by the mcu.ntains which separate it from
EGYPT. 34-5
Nubia ; west by the deserts of Lybia. Its length, from
north to south, is 500 miles ; its breadth 160.
Egypt is divided into Upper and Lower ; the former
extending in a long and narrow valley, the outline being-
formed by two ridges of mountains, beyond which on eacii
side, are sandy deserts. In this valley rolls the Nik', so
celebrated, that the natives near its source pay to it di-
vine honors. Lower Egypt includes all the country be-
tween Cairo and the Mediterranean, on the north and
south, and between Lybia and Suez on the east and west.
Bounded by sandy deserts, it contains slips of land, well
cultivated and fertile, on the borders of the river and ca-
nals ; and in the centre, the tract called the Delta, form-
ed by the branches of the Nile.
The climate of Egypt is excessively hot. The fertility
of its soil, and the excellence of its productions, are great-
ly celebrated by ancient writers.
To the overflowing of the Nile, Egypt is indebted for-
ks fertility. Its increase, occasioned by the torrents of
rain which fall yearly on the mountains of Abyssinia, is
not much perceived till the summer solstice. It continues
increasing till near the end of August, and often even in
September. The Nilome.er, at Elephantina, formerly de-
noted to what degree the inundation would rise. T'he ex-
perience of ages had afforded marks known to those whose
trust it was to watch.
Among the cultivated products are rice, wheat, barley,
lentils, millet, flax, beans, sugar canes, and medicinal plants.
Tiie government is composed of a pacha, sent from
Constantinople, and 24 beys, who are at the head of the ar-
mies, and enjoy all the power. The real natives are the
Copts, who are the only descendants from the ancient E-
gyptians. These are Christians, though numerous super-
ititious practices are mingled with their worship. Tho
Arabs constitute two thirds of the present inhabitants.
There are a lew Turks, and some Syrians, Greeks and
Jews. I'he amount of the v,-hole is about 4,000,000.
The splendid and magnificent ruins, found in Egypt,
five evident p.oofs of the enlightened understanding of the
ancient inhabitants. Tlie pyramids arc reckoned one of
the greatest wonders of the world ; the largest takes up
slcven acres of grouud, and io 500 feet in perpendicular
344' NUBIA, DAR-FOOR.
height. Here are found caverns containing mummies, or
embalmed bodies, which are found in coffins, standing up-
right, where it is supposed thay have coatinued 4000 years.
Alexandria, on the Mediterranean sea, 40 miles west
of the Nile, was once the emporium of all the world.
RosETTA, 25 miles west of Alexandria, is a place of great
trade. Cairo, the present capital of Egypt, is a large and
populous, but a disagreeable place on account of its pes-
tilential air and narrow streets. The other towns of note
in Egypt, are Damietta, supposed to be the ancient Pelu-
slum ; Sayd, the ancient Thebes j and Suez, a seaport
on the Red Sea.
NUBIA.
TO the south of Egypt lies the kingdom of Nub'a, or
Senacr. The Nile runs through it ; on the banks of the
river it is fruitful, but in other places barren, sandy, and
destitute of water. The inhabicants make their bread and
drink of a small seed, called doca, or seif, which is very
ill tasted. Their houses have mud walls, are very low,
and are covered with leeds. The dress of the better sort
is a vest without sleeves, and they have no coverings for
their heads, legs and feet. The common people wrap a
piece of linen cloth about them, and the children go quite
naked. They are a stupid, debauched people, professing
to be Mahometans. The productions of the country are
gold, elephant's teeth, civel, and sandal wood ; and a great
many slaves are sent into Egypt. The principal towns,
known to the Europeans, are Dangola and Senna.
DAR-FOOR
IS a kingdom of Africa, whose population is supposed
to be 200,000 souls. The territory is extensive and woody.
In the dry season, nothing but barrenness is visible ; in
the rainy, the country is covered with vegetation. The
inhabitants are Mahometans. It lies southeast of Bergoo,
and west of Kordofan.
ABYSSINIA, EASTERN COAST. S45
ABYSSINIA.
THIS kingdom lies south of Sena:ir and Dar-Foor, 300
leagues long and 280 broad. The surface of the country
is generally rugged and mountainous, abounding in for-
ests and morasses. It is also interspersed with some fer-
tile valleys and plains. Besides the Nile, which has its
source in this country, there are some ether large rivers.
Ti;e principal collection of water is the lake er sea of
D^'nibea.
The climate of Abyssinia is tolerable. The rainy sea-
son begins In May and lasts tili September. The inhabit-
ants, 1,800,000 in number, are Christians, Mahom.etans,
Jews and Pagans. The professed religion of the country-
is C/iristianicy ; but it is mixed v-{th many Pagan and
Jewish ceremonies. Their houses are very mean. The
crown is hereditary. '1 he capital punishments are cruci-
fixion, fl.iying alive, stoning, and plucking out the eyes.
EASTERN COAST.
THE eastern coast of Africa, from the entrance of the
Red sea to the Cape ot Good Hope, is but little known.
It is pos-iCssed by numerous tribes, forming states and
kingdoms indej:'endent of each other.
'Phe coast of Ajan extends l.'3(]0 leagues along t!:e In-
dian ocean, and is divided into several states or kingdonif,
tiie nrincipal of which are Adel and Magadoxo. '1 he
country is i'ertile, producing plenty of provisions. It car-
ries on a prontabie commeice of provisions and horses,
which are exchanged with foreign merchants for silks, cot-
tons, and other cloths. The inhabitants arc Mahometans.
Zanguehar lies between " degrees north and 18 south
latitude. It includes several petty kingdoms, in which
the Portuguese have settlements. The inhabitants, except
tliose converted by the Portuguese, are either Mahome-
tans or Pagans, the latter m.uch the most numerous. 'Phe
principal states are Momba/.a, Lamo, Melinda, Quiola,
Mosambique and Sofala. The Portuguese trade for slaves,
346 SOUTHERN AND WESTERN COASTS.
ivory, gold, ostrich feathers, wax, and drugs. The pro=
ductions are much the san-.e as in other parts of Africa,
between the tropics.
SOUTHERN PARTS.
THE country of tlie Hottentots covers the southern
point of Africa ; bounded north by countries unknown ;
southeast, south and west by the sea. The coast is moun-
tainous, indented by bays. There are no considerable
kingdoms throughout this exi-jnsive country ; the whole
is inhabited by different tribes of Hottentots, governed by
chiefs, who have no fixed residence, hving Hlie the Arabs
in huls or portable houses, and rernoving their villages
whenever the pasture becomes too bare for the subsistence
of their cattle.
At the souchetn point of the continent, is the Cape of
Good Hope, containing a town, in which are about 5500
whites, and 10,000 b'n.cks. Ir, was settled by the Portu-
guese and D:uch, but was taken by the English in I8OG5
and stiil remains in their possession.
WESTERN COAST.
CONGO is a general name for the country between the
equiuoxiai line and 18 degrees south latitude, containing
the kingdoms of Congo proper, Loango, Angola, and
Bengutla. It was discovered by the Portuguese, in 1481.
It is sometimes cidled Lov/er Guinea. The Portugucie
have a great many settlements on the coast, as v.cil as in
llie inland couiitry. Thcie are many desert places wi.hin
land, in which are elephants, tigers, leopards, monkeys, and
monstrous serpents ; but near the coast, the soil isexcecd-
int^ly fertile ; and there are fruiis of many kinds, besides
pr.ra trees, from which the inhabitants get wine and oil.
They are skilful in weaving cotton cloth. Their articles
of tralhc are slaves, cassia, ivory, and tamarinds. The
greater part of them go almost naked. They worship the
suo; n,oon, and stars, and also animals of different kinds ;
but thf Portuguese have made many converts to Christian-^
STATES OF BARBA6.Y. MOROCCO. 34?
ty. Congo, properly so called, is only 150 miles broad,
along the coast, but is 872 Inland. From March to Sep-
tembei is the winter season, when it rains almost every-
day ; and the summer is from October to March, when
the weather is very hot. The river Zaire is full of croco-
diles and river horics The principal town is St. Salvador.
Upper-Guinea, so called to distinguish it from Congo,
is divided into three parts j the Grain coast, Guinea prop-
er, and Benin, and extends about 500 leagues along the
coast. The Grain coabt produces rice, peas, beans, lem-
ons, indigo, and cc^lton. The Europeans have no settle-
ments here The principal traffic is in slaves.
The Gold Coast is so named from the immense quan-
tities of gold it produces. The climate is very hot. Eu-
ropeans kave a few settlements here. The soil is very fer-
tile. The inhabitants are rich, and live in gre^t harmony.
The I\oRY Cox\sr lies beiwern Cape .- ppoilonia and
Cape Palm.i^, containing several towns, bituared at the
mouths of livers ca Jed by the same n;nnes The interior
country is little known, 'he natives refusing the Europeans
leave lo settle, or even to trade among them, excepi by
n:eans of the coast negroes, a;:d this with caution. The
chief commodities are g^ki, ivory. ;:;..' sir.ves. The inhab-
itants of this district have been more careful to defend
themselves against the assaults vi the siave ships, than most
of their countrymen. Suspicion and jealousy are their
predominant qualities.
STATES OF B UiBARY.
BARBARY is an extensi\e country, stretching 1200
miles along the Meditcrrancin, and between SCO and -iOO
inland. It is divided into 5 kingdoms, Morocco, Fez,
Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli.
MOl^OCCO.
THE empin; ci Morocco comprelic-htls ?. considerable
part fi the an^.i.ht Mauiitania, lyin.'j; i>el\veen '28 rv.' :()''
north iatituUe ; buui:ued west by the Ali.intic ; oi >y
34.8 MOROCCO.
the river Mulvia, which separates it from Algiers ; north
by the straits of Gibraltar ; soyth by Mount Atlas. Its
greatest length from northeast to southwest, is above 590
miles, and where widest, not more than 260 broad.
The air is temperate, especially near Mount Atlas ;
the soil sandy and dry in some places, and fertile in others.
The number of inhabitants is estimated at 5,000,000.
Their religion is Mahometanism. They are robust, and
skilful in managing a horse, and wielding a lance^.; but
jealous, deceitful, superstitious, and cruel.
There are many Christian slaves and some merchants
on the coast, beside a multitude of Jews, who carry en al-
most all the trade ; especially by land, with the negroes,
to whom they send large caravans, which carry with ihem
woollen goods, silk, salt, &c. and in return have slaves,
gold, and elephant's teeth.
In the deserts are lions, tigers, leopards, and serpents
of several kinds. The fruits are dates, Hgs, almonds, lem-
ons, oranges, and pomegranates They have also flax and
hemp, but little timber.
The emperor is absolute ; he often exercises great cru-
elties. His naval force consists chiefly of rovers, who
sometimes take large prizes He can bring 100,000 men
into the field, half of vihich are foot, and half horse ; but
they are poorly armed, and know little of the a-t of war.
Morocco, the capital, is in a beautiful valley, formed
by a chain of mountains north, and those of the Atlas
south and east. The city, exposed to the devasiations of
different conquerors, has preserved nothing but its form.
The ex'.ent ot the walls, which remain almost entire, sup-
poses a city that mi^ht contain 00 000 souls: at present,
it is little better than a desert. The ruins of houses seive
only to harbor thieves, who lurk there to rob pasi^engers.
The emperor's palace, at the extremity of the city, Iront-
ing Mount Alias, is a very extensive 'and solid building.
The principal gates are Gothic arcles, of cut stone, enjbel-
lisheci with u; -^niOnts in tlie Arabian taste. Within the
walls are varjr.u:- courts and gardens, elegantly laid out
by European ;,',.; deners.
The kingd>.'-. .'f Fuz is united to tlieenj^'-e of Moroc*
CO. Its capita > '^f tlic same nmuc, is considered by the
Moors as a sacred a.sylum, and an object of devotion.
ALGIERS. 349
This city, %vhich in past ages attracted the attention of
travellers, is not preferable to the other cities of the em-
pire, except by its situation, schools, industry, and some-
what more by its urbanity. It has 80,000 inhabitants.
ALGIERS.
Tke kingdom of Algiers comprehends part of the an-
cient Mauritania, Avhich included the ancient Numidia,
and forms one of the most considerable districts of the
coast of Barbary. It is bounded north by the Mediterra-
nean, east by the river Zane, Avhich divides it from Tunis ;
west by the Maillooiah, and the mountains of Trara, which
separate it from Morocco, south by the Sajiara, or is'umid-
ian desert. The superficial extent of the whole king^Iom
amounts, according to the calculation of M. \ on Zach, to
4262 geographical square miles, and contams 1,500,.' 00
inhabitariis.
The teiriiory of Algiers is principally distinguished by-
its capital. Haifa mile northeast of the city commences
the plain of Mettijiah, v/hich stretches 50 miles in length
and 20 in In-eadth, as far as the brarrch of Mount Atlas, at
the foot of which lies the town of Belida. This plain is bet-
ter cultivated than the other districts of the kingdom. The
country seats and mascharcas, as they call the farms of the
principal inhabitants of Algiers, are found in these plains ;
and it is chiefly from them that the metropolis is supplied
with provisions. The strength of the kingdom consists iii
its land and sea forces. Its strong cities arc few, and it has
fewer garrisons, which are weakly fortified and guarded.
The naval force of Algiers is more foi-midable than its
army. It consists of 20 ships ; one of v/hich belongs to
':hc government, and is assigned to the admiral : all the
rest belong to private persons. The conmiercc of Algiers
is principally carried on by their corsairs or pirates. Free
Christians, Jews, native or foreign, Arabians and Moors,
ue permitted to exercise a free commerce, both \ry sea
:ind land, together with other trades and manufactures in
silk, cotton, wool, leather, and other commodities.
The religion of the Aigerincs differs from that of tlie
Turks only in their adopting a greater variety of supcrsti-
F F
350 TUNIS.
tions. They acknowledge ilie Koran as the rule of their
faith and practice, but are remiss in the observance of it.
The population of Algiers is less than in other countries
of the same extent, where arts, sciences, and industry are
not so much restrained. The number of Turks here is
about 9 or 10,000. Beside these are the Moors, a degrad-
ed people ; and the Arabian tribes, who, without blending
with the Moors, or most ancient possessors of the country,
have uniformly maintained their separation from others,
paitly in a state of independence, and partly as tributaries
to the Dey.
Algiers, the capital of the kingdom, is built on the de-
clivity of a mountain, and is in the form oi an amphithea-
tre, next the harbor. The houses, apparently rising one
above another, make a very fine appearance from the sea.
The tops are all flat ; and the inhabitants walk upon them
in the evening to take the air ; besides, they are covered
M'ith earth, and serve for gardens. The streets are nar-
low and serve to keep off the extreme heat of the sun.
The mole of the liarbor is 500 paces in length, extending
from the continent to a small island, where there is a large
battery of guns. The town is said by some to contain
about 150,000 inhabitants; others say, 100,000 Mahome-
tans, 15,000 Jews, and 2000 Christian slaves ; others re-
duce the number of all to 80,000. Their chief subsistence
is derived from their piracies ; for they make prizes of the
ships of all Christian nations, that are not at peace with
them.
TUNIS.
THE kingdom of Tunis is bounded north by the Medi-
terranean, cast by that sea and Tripoli, south and south-
west by Biledulgerid, west by Algiers. It extends 300
miles from east to vest, and 250 from north to south.
The air in general is healthy, but the soil in the east
part but indifferent, for want of water. Toward the mid-
dle, the mountains and valleys abound in fruits, but the
west part is the most fertile, being watered by rivers. The
environs of Tunis are very dry, on which account corn is
generally dear. The inroads of the Arabs oblige the in-
habitants to sow their barley and rye in the sul)urbs, and
TRIPOLI. S5l
to enclose their gardens with walls. There are plcrity of
citrons, lemons, oranges, tiatcs, grapes, and other f; iiits.
There are also olive trees, roses, and odoriferous plants.
In the woods and mountains are lions, wild beeves, os-
triches, rnonki ys, camciii^ns, roebucks, hares, pheasants,
par'.ril i;t:s, and ot'ncr sorts of uirds and beasts.
The lorm ot governniciit is aristocratic ; that is, by a
council, whose president is the dey, an oiliccr not uidike
the doi^e ot Venice. Ti^e meml)ers of this divan, or coun-'
cil, arc chosen by t!ie dcy, and he in hia turn is elected 1)/
the div.in, wldch is composed of soldiers, who have more
than once taken ofT the dey's head.
Tunis has 1,000,000 inhabitants, who carry on a p;reat
trade in Unen and woollen cloth. In the city of Tunis,
.done, are about 3000 clothiers and weavers. I'hey havo
also a trade in horses, olives, oils, soap, ostriches' eggsj..-
and feathers.
The established religion is Mahometanisiti, and the in-
liabitants consist of Moors, Turks, Arabs, Jews, and Chris-
tian slaves.
Tuxis, the capital, is on the point of the gulf of Golet-
ta, about ten miles from the site of the famous city of-
Carthage. It is four mile . in circumference. The Tu-
nisians are tlie most civilized nation of Barbary, with little
'>f the insolent hau,.;htiness of the Algerines ; aft\iirs of
government are transacted with despatch ; the Americans,
English, French, Dutch, and severnil other slates, having
consuls here, who are treated with civility and respect.
The Mahometans licre liave 9 colleges fror students, beside
a great number of smaller school'.;. Tunis is a place of
great trade.
TRIPOLI.
TRIPOLI is bounded north by the Mediterranean,
cast by the desert of Barca, south by Fczzan, west by
Biledulgeridand 'I'unis. It is a fertile country, except the
east part, which is a desert. It is 925 miles along the
coast ; the breadth is various. It had the title of a king-
don), but is now a republic, governed by a dey, elected by
*he soldiers.
Tripoli, which contains 1,000,000 iuhabitants, is distir,-
352 TRIPOLI.
squished into Marhime and Inland ; the inhabitants of tiie
former chielly subsist upon commerGe and piracy ; the
latter on plunder and robbery. Each division has some
cities, towns, and villages, most of which are very poor,
and tliinly irihubitcd. These people are reduced to the
lowest degree of misery and wretchedness, through the
cruel exactions of the government, or the Ircqaent depre-
tlations of the Arabs.
The governn-.er.i, religion, laws, and customs of this
liingdcia are the same wiih those of Algiers and 'funis,
Tiie revenues arise chieily from their corsairs, which sel-
dom exceed seven or eight, and of these only one can
properly be sryled a ship ; the rest are small guUeyii, poor-
jy manned ar.d equipped.
Their commerce chiefly consists in slaves, either such
as are taken by their corsairs, or such as they traffic for
with their neighbors ; th.e greatest part of both they send
jnto Turkey, where they can dispose of them to the best
advantage.
One circumstance in the conduct of this regency, de-
serves notice ; they are more scrupulous observers of
their treaties with ether nations than any of their neigh-
bors ; which punctuality, whether it proceeds from real
probity, or a consciousness of their own weakness, is nev-
eriheiess of no small ad vantage to navigation and commerce.
Tripoli, the capital, retains but few traces of its aixic'nc
splendor ; the ho'Jsss are low -and mean, and the streets
narrow, dirty, and irregular : there are, however, aomc
monuments still standing, which evince its former mag-
nificence ; particularly a triumphal arch, one h.aif of
which now lies buried in the sand.
The counti'y around is adorned with a multiplicity of
handsome villas, cultivated chiefly by Christian slaves.
BARCA, the ancient Lybia, lies between Tripoli and
Egypt, and is governed by a sangiac, dependent on the
bashaw of Tripoli. The climate is vc: y unequal ; along
the coasts the land is fertile and well peopled, but the in-
terior is sterile and desert. Thrcugli this dreary, and in-
hospitable region, so fatal to Cambyses and his followers^
our gallant countryman, General Eaton, during the late
hostilities with Tripoli, led a small, but intrepid band of
.roops 10 tlie attack of Derne. They lefi Egypt in t.b5
AFRICAN ISLANDS. 3.53
beginning of April, 1805, crossed the desert of Bavca,
and after encountcnii;^ excessive hardships and fatigue,
arrived beiore Derne, on the frontiers of Tripoli, which
they took by storm on the 2rih of the same month ;, at-
tacked r nd pvit to route the army of the Bashaw, sent to
oppose their progress ; and contributed most eflfeciually
to compel that insolent power to enter into an immediate
treaty of peace with the United States ; by which a great
number of A.ncricans, then prisoiiers at Tripoli, were re-
stored to freedom and their country.
Here was the temple of Jupiter Ammon, so difficult o!:"-
acccss on account of t!ic burning sands.
AFRICAN ISLANDS.
AT the mouih of the Red sea lies the island of Zocc-
tra, belonging to the Arabs. It is a }>>pulous and plenti-
ful country, and particularly noted for aloes.
MADAGAScAiiisscparaied from the continent by a chan-
nel, calicu the channel of Mosambique. Tiiis island is 800
miles lon;^, 150 broad, divided into 28 provinces, and wa-
tered by some considerable rivers; lis population is esti-
mated at 4,000,000, wb.o are Arabs and negroes,
Tiie country produces oxen,slieep, goats, and cotton in
abundance. Euony, gum gutiae, cucumbers, peas, beans,
barley, rice, and citrons, are plenty. Cai'ilaujan plants,
b.iiiaua, and orange trees flourish. Rock crystals, copper,
silver, gold, ii'on, and precious stones are fjuml here. A
great variety of ornamental plants, of fruii ;.rees, antl val-
uable timber, trow on this ibland.
PoiiTo .Sa^" jo, is a small island, about 20 miles in com-
pass, in lat. 52 5j N. anj 125 leagues W. of cope Blan-
co ; discovered and possessed by tl.e Pi;riugiicse. It has
one good harljor, safe from ail winds but the S. W.
Here tlic^India ships usually stop to refit, boih g(jing ar.d
returnin;.;. The island is iniuibiiud by Pcrlugiu^c, is very
rlchj and produces wheat and ui :.;'..'. '.'..!,, v, ill boars.
S54 AFRICAN ISLANDS.
and rabbits. Dragon's blood, honey, wax, and I'lsh, are-'
exported.
Madeira. The form of Madeira is a triangle, 150
miles in circuit, lying in lal. 32 30 N. and Ion. 16 50 W.
120 leagues W. of cape Cantin. It is divided into 2
provinces. The Portuguese discovered it in 1431. The.
population is said to air.ount to 70,000. The forces are
150 infantry, and 2000 militia, i'^z^nc/ia/, the capital, is
in a valley, on the S. coast. The harbor is deitndcd by
several batteries, and a castle. The town is divided into
6 paiishes, and contains 6 convents, as many churches,
and about 15,000 inhabitants, consisting of Portuguese,.
French, English, Irish, mulattoes, and blacks. The prin-
cipal merchants are English and Irish catholics, though
the island belongs to Portugal. The climate is agreeable,
and the soil very fertile. The chief exports are Madeira
wine, 20,000 hogsheads, and sweet meats. Every species
of tropical fruit grows to perfection.
The Canaries, belonging to the Spaniards, are famous
for Canary wine. The ancients called them the Furluurae
Isles. They are 10 or 12 m number ; the cliiefare Great
Canary, Teneriffe, Gomera and Ferro. Tencriffe is much
encumbered with mountains. The peak is an ascent in
the form of a sugar loaf, 15 miles in circumference, and
13.265 feet high. It is a volcano.
The climate is temperate and mild. The soil is gen-
erally fertile. The articles of culture are the vine, sugar-
cane, cotton, .vheat, barley, and rice. All the islands are
%vell supplietl with cattle.
Cape Verd Islvnds. These are a cluster of islands,
ISO leagues W. of Cape Verd, between lat. 16 and 18 N.
The principal r.re St. Anthony, St. Vincent, St. Nich-
olas, Bonavista, and St. Jago. They have long belonj,cd
10 the Portuguese. The inhabitants of all are said to
mount to 100,000, By long residence, '\nd by intcr-
mixtiu'e, they have become nearly of the negro complex-
ion and features. The manufactures of leather and salt
foim the principal riches. The soil is indifferent. Trop-
ical fruits abouiid.
GoREE. This is a little island, two miles in circuit,
.]osc to tl:e coast; S. of Cape Verd. The Dutch planted
AFRICAN ISLANDS. S55
kin I6ir. The French drove ihcin out in 1677, ancj
were lately driven out by tlie English.
FiiRNAND(j To is a!)out 30 leagues in circuit, in J^t.
3 20, N. and Ion. 10 45 E- near the coast of Benin. It
belongs to Spain, is liigh, has a fertile soil, and produces
niaiiioc, siig&r, rice, fruits, and tobacco.
Pkinck's Island lies directly S. of the former, in lat.
1 31 N. '20 leagues hi circuit. The town on the N. coast
has a good haibor, and contains 200 houses. The soil
is good, and the produce like that of Fernando Po. It
belongs to Sjjain,
S r. I'ho.mas is about 20 leagues in circuit, and lies a
little W. of S. fi'om Prince's Island, directly under the
equator, and aljout 50 leagues N. W. by W. from cape
Lopez. It was discovered and settled by the Portuguese,
in 1460, and made a sort of Botany Bay for the heroes of
the Lisbon Old Bailey. These are now amalgamated
with the negroes,
AxxABON is a high, mountainous, and fertile island,
about 6 leagues in circuit, in latitude 1 45' south., 80
leagues from cape Lopez. It was settled by the Portu-
guese, and is said now to belong to Spain.
St. Matthew. The Portuguese discovered it in 1516,
and soon after settled it. It lies in lat. 1 45 S.
Ascension. Lat.7 56 SOS.lon. 14 22 31 W. is lOmiles
long and 5 or 6 broad. It is barren and desoiate, but a-
bounds with turtle.
St. Helena is a beautiful island, 20 miles in circum-
ference, belonging to the Englisli I'2ast India Company.
It has some higii mountains, particularly one called Di-
nna's Peak, which is covered with wood to t!ie very top.
The number of inhabita.its docs not exceed 2000, includ-
ing near otO soldiers and 600 slaves, who are supplied
with aii soils oi manufactures by the company's ships in
return iur it fre^liments. It lies between the continents of
Afiica ;.nd Suuth-America, about 1200 miles west of the
forniti', aiKl 1800 east of the latter. Ion. 5 49 west, lat. 15
5j si-mn.
BoLHHON is 60 miles long, and 40 broad, 370 miles E.
from Madagascai-. The island is difficult of access. Si.
Ucnis is the principal port. It has lately been taken by
il.c LnL'lish, Its firsi inhabitants were pirates, who
356 AFRICAN ISLANDS.
planted themiielves here in 1657. The island has now,
according to St. Pierre, 60,000 blacks, and 5000 otlier in-
habitants ; Ion. 55 30 E. lat. 20 52 S.
Mauritius, 150 miles in circumference, lies E. N". E,
of Bourbon, and 400 miles E. of Madagascar, was discov-
ered and settled by the Dutch, in 1598, and relinquished
in 1710. The French took possession soon after, and re-
tahied it till 1810, when it was taken by the English,
The climate is healthy ; but the soil not very fertile.
There are many mountains, some of which are so high,
that their tops are covered with snow : They produce the
best ebony in the world. The valleys arc well watered
with rivers, and are made very productive of cuhivalion,
of which indigo is the principal object. The town and
harbor are called Port Louis, and are strongly forlified ;
but in tliC huiricane months, the harbor cannot afford
shelter for more than 8 vessels. .
Tne number of inhabitants on the island exclusive of
the military, is 8000 whites, and 12,000 blacks.
CoMORA Islands, a cluster of islands in the Lidian
ocean, bciwetjn the coast of Zangucbar :lnd the N. part
of the island of Madagascar. They are 4 in number;
viz. Johanna, Mayotla, Mohilla, and Comora, which last
is 6 Icayucs long ar^cl 3 wide, and gives its name to the
group. It has no safe harbors, its high mountains are
richly cove; ed v.itli verdure and fruit trees, and give rise
to numerous fcrtilizini^ streams, on which are many beau-
tiful cascades. Tiic valleys between tlie mountains are
extensive, and in richness and beauty aie exceeded by
none in the world. U'liese islands produce rice, peas,
yams, Indian corn, pi;rs!air,, cocoa nuts, plantains, or-
anges, lemons, citrons, limes, pine apples, cucumbers,
tamarinds, sugar canes and honey.
The AzoiiES,or WEsrKaN- IsLiis, lie abon.it midway be-
tween the two coniir;ents, in uboui, 37 degrees north lati-
tude. They are nine in number, Terccra, St- Michael,
F'ayal, Gratiosa, St. George, Pico, Corvo, Floies, and
St. Muloes, fertile in corn; and wine, and a variety of iruits.
The climate is reniarkably salubrious. It is said that, no
poisonous or noxious animal can live oi. ihe Azorcc.
SOUTH SEA ISLES. 357
ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN,
THE islands of ihe Pacific oc;an have been classed by
borac geographers into iwo divisions, to which they have
f^iven the names of AusTiiAL Asia and Polynesia. In
tlie nrbt division arc compiehcnded
Nevv-lloiiand Ncw-Caledonia
Papau, or New-Guiuca New-Hebrides
New-Britain New-Zealand
New-Ire land Van Dieman's Land.
New-Holland was discovered in the beginning of tVie
seventeenth centm y, and was supposed to be part of a vast
southern continent. It lies between 11 and 43 degrees
south iatitvidc, and is nearly equal in extent lo the habita-
ble part (jf Europe. The inhabitants, according to Die-
man, are the irio^t miserable people in the world, without
houses or clothes. They are black, tall, thin, straight
bodied, with siv.all.linibs, large heads, and heavy brows .
the two fore teetii of their upper jaws are wanting in ali
of them, men and women, old and young ; ueiilicr have
they any beards. They are long visaged, and of a very
unpleasant aspect, liaving not one graceful feature iii tb^\i\
faces, in the WftV \'^iCi, the east coast w^as visited and
explored by captain Cook, who spent four months in ex-
auiining a distaucf^ of 2000 miles. He took possession of
this eastern coast in the name of tiie king of Great Brit-
ain, and gave it the name of New South Wales. In the
year 1773, Capt. Furneaux discovered it to be an island,
New-Guinea lies north of New-Holland, from which
it is separated by Endeavor straits. The land is low,
but fertile. Most of the trees and plants common to the
South Sea Islands are produced here ; parti'' ularly the
cocoa-nut, plantain, and bread fruit trees. Alarriagc is
here consummated by the parties covenanting before wit-
nesses.
Iv'kw-Britain lies to the north of New-Guinea. A
strait divides it into two islands, the northernmost of whicli
is called New-Ireland. 'I'hc shores of both iblands arc
rocky, the itiland parts are higli and mountainous, but cov-
ered with trees of various kinds, among which are the nut
S58 SOUTH SEA ISLES.
mej^, the cocoa-nut, and different kinds of palm. The
inhabitants are black, and woolly headed, like negroes,
but iiave not tlieir flat noses and thick lips.
Nkw-Caledonia extends from 19 o 32" south latitude.
The inhabitayts are strong, active, and -well made ; their
hair is black, and mucli frizzled, but not Viooily ; their
beards are crisp and tliitk ; and their '.m\y coveririg is a
wrapper made from the bark of a tree. They cultivate
the soil with some art and industry, but subsist chiefly on
roots and flsli. Plantains and siit^ar caiics are not plenti-
ful ; bread fruit is very scarce, and the cocoa-nut trees
but thinly planted ; but their yams and taras are in great
abundance. Their houses are circular, like a bee hive,
and as close and warm ; being formed of small spars and
reeds, covered with long, coarse grass, and the floor laid
with tiry grass. They arc of a pacific disposition ; and
their wo<nen are much chuster than those of the more
eastern islands.
The NEw-nEHHiDEs are between the latitude of 14
and 26 south, and consist of a number of islands, of dif-
ferent names and dimensions.
Between 34 and 43 south latitude lies the island of
New-Zealand, surrounded by several smaller ones ; with
productions and inhabitants similar to those above de-
sci'lbed.
Van Dieman's Land is separated from New-IIollar.d
by a strait 30 leagues wide. It presents a most inhospit-
able shore ; the land is covered with trees. The inhab-
itants are naked, and have black woolly hair. Opossums-
and kangaroos are the principal animals.
Polynesia. The second grand division of the South
Sea Isles embraces the following islands.
The Pelew Isles The Marquesas
The Ladrones Ingraham's Isles
The Carolines The Society Isles
The Sandwich Isles The Friendly Isies.
The Pelew Isles lie between 5 and 9 N. lat. Ths
natives are simple in their manners, delicate in their senti-
ments, and friendly in their dispositions. Their arms ars-
SOUTH SEA. ISLES. 359
bamboo darts. Their principal food is cocoa nuts. The
country is covered with timber trees of a large size.
The Ladroxes or Marian Isles arc 15 in number,
S or 4 of which only are inhabited ; some of them are
volcanic. The largest contains 30,000 inhabitants.
The Carolines are about 30 in number, and very
populous. The inhabitants resemble those of the Philip-
pines. Each isle has its chief, but all respect one monarch.
Ilogolen, the principal isle, is 90 miles long. They ex-
tend eastward of the Pclews nearly in the same latitude.
The Sandwich Isles are 1 I in number, the principal
of which is Owhyhee. The climate is similar to that of
the West-Indies. The inhabitants are generally above
the middle size, with fine open countenances. Their
v/eapons of war are spears, daggers, clubs, and slings.
The MARquESAS are 5 in number, between 9 and 10
south latitude. The inhabitants are the finest race of
people in all these islands ; and for good shape and reg-
ular features, perhaps surpass all nations. They have
hogs, fowls, plantains, bread-fruit and cocoa-nut trees.
Ingraham's Isles, 7 in number, lie northwest of the
Marquesas. They were discovered by Capt. Ingraham
of Bosten, in 1791. Cotton of a superior quality grows
here. The inhabitants are similar to those of the Mar-
v'|uesas.
The Society Isles are a cluster lying near the 16th
degree south latitude, the principal of which is Otaheitc.
The vegetable productions of these islands are numerous
and luxuriant. The inhabitants of Ota^heite alone are es-
timated at 204,000. The people exceed the middle size
of Europeans in stature. In their dispositions, they are
brave, open, and generous, without either suspicion or
treachery. Except a few traces of natural cunning, and
some traces of dissimulation, equally artless and inoffen-
sive, they possess the most perfect simplicity of character.
Otaheite alone, it is supposed, can send out 1720 war ca-
noes, and 68,000 able men. The chief of each district
superintends the equipping of the fleet in that district;
but they must pass in review before the king, so that he
knows the state of ihc whole before they assemble to go
on service. DiHcrcnt deities arc worshipped in dillercnt
parts of the island. If they see others more prospcroi;..
360 SOUTH SEA ISLES.
than themselves, they adopt their gods and reject their
own. They believe the soul immortal, but have no dis-
tinct ideas of rewards and punishments. Though they
are the most friendly and amiable pagans in the world, hu-
man sacrifices are common. To atone for their sins they
murder their neighbors, offer them to their gods, and
leave their bones on the sand.
Easter Island, generally Kcckoned one of the Socie-
ty Isles, is a barren spot, and has no fresh water, except
in the crater of an extinguished volcano. The natives
are sometimes ariven to the necessity of drinking sea wa-
ter. They are about 2000 souls, a thievish, lewd race of
mortals. Their soil is fertile ; yams, potatoes, and ba-
nanas, are their principal support.
The Frpendly Islands were so namedby Capt. Cook,
from the hospitable disposition of the natives. The isl-
ands are 150 in number, avcU planted witli cocoa-nut and
bread fruit trees, plantains, sugar canes, Sec. The inhab-
itants amount to 200,000. They are active and industri-
ous, acquainted neither with riches, wants, nor oppres-
sion.
FINIS.
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