prise, and skill of the people in Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce, than on its fertility or natural riches; and these in turn, depend on the state of knowledge, information, and freedom. It would appear therefore, that the number and character of the people are the ultimate foundation of national power; and that its increase is usually proportioned, (under similar circumstances,) to the increase of knowledge, industry, and improve

ments.

In illustration of these principles, Spain, with her fertile and extensive dominions, and inexhaustible mines of gold and silver, has been a poor country; while the little republic of Holland, a marshy tract rescued from the sea by persevering industry, has been immensely wealthy, and very powerful.

1281. In surveying the state of EUROPE, we find in conformity with the preceding views, that Great Britain, which holds the highest rank with respect to knowledge, arts, and enterprise, possesses power which no other nation can control; and her commerce and naval force, have enabled her to exert an influence on every quarter of the globe, far more extensive than that of any other existing empire. France, Austria, and Prussia also belong to the first class of European states; and the immense population and extent of Russia places this empire among them, although it is inferior to the rest in arts and improvements. These are the only powers which exert a decided influence on their neighbours; and they have, in fact, settled the condition of Europe for some time past.

1282. In the second rank, are Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey. These states are not controlled directly by any other power, and could not be controlled without difficulty; but they exert little influence upon surrounding nations, or the general state of Europe.

1283. In the third rank, are Naples, Portugal, Bavaria, Saxony, Wurtemburg, Hanover, Denmark, and Switzerland. They are too feeble to resist the surrounding states without assistance, but they are important as auxiliaries, and are often courted and protected for that purpose, by more powerful nations.

1284. In the fourth rank, are Baden, Tuscany, Rome, and the small states of Germany and Italy. These are entirely dependent on the large states for existence; and frequently have owed their preservation to the mutual jealousies of the principal

powers.

1285. In ASIA, Russia controls a larger portion of territory, and is more formidable, than any other power. The Tartar, or Chinese Empire, is next in extent, and has great resources; but

it is confined entirely to its own territories. The small, but populous Empire, of Japan, seems to possess ample means of self defence also; but has no communication with its neighbours.

Persia and Turkey are feeble states, which cannot even restrain the robbers of their own territories. Arabia is divided among too many chiefs to possess any united power; and Affghanistan, although a powerful collection of tribes, is enfeebled for want of [247] firm union. Hindoostan is in the same condition; but is chiefly under the influence of Great Britain.

In Farther India, there are two important, energetic states— the empires of Burmah, and of Anam or Tonkin. They appear to have power sufficient to control the whole peninsula, and are rapidly advancing in national improvements. The Malays are formidable as robbers and pirates, but have no power as a nation.

1286. The Asiatic Isles and Polynesia are divided among numerous chiefs and kings, none of whom exert an extensive influence. In Polynesia, the kings of the Sandwich Isles, and Society Isles, are the most powerful, and these islands are advancing most rapidly in civilization.

1287. In AFRICA, the Barbary States were once formidable even to European nations by their piracies; but they have gradually declined like Turkey, and are now of little consequence. Egypt, under the government of an intelligent and energetic bey is rising in respectability and power. The greater part of Africa is divided among numerous kings and chiefs, some of whom are powerful, while others scarcely possess a territory equal to an American village. They are perpetually at war, and the extent and power of each is continually varying. Congo appears to be the principal state south of the equator. Ashantee has lately assumed a commanding station among the nations of Upper Guinea. Of the interior tribes, we know very little.

On the whole, it may be observed, with respect to Asia and Africa, that no native power, except Turkey, exerts any important influence on the rest of the world; and that the extent and condition of states is continually fluctuating. The influence and dominions of Russia and England, are rapidly extending in Asia.

MEXICO, and the countries of SOUTH AMERICA have become independent, and possess immense natural resources. But the state of confusion in which they have been involved, and which still prevails in some of them, and the low state of arts and improvement, must for a long time prevent them from taking an important rank on the political scale.

1288. The UNITED STATES are the only independent power of importance remaining to be described. They are happily removed

from the jealousies of European powers; and therefore it is not necessary to estimate their ability for engaging in their wars.

They possess immense natural resources, and an extensive and fertile territory, furnishing the most valuable products of two zones. The people are free. They are brave and independent in their character; intelligent and well educated beyond most other nations of the globe; and rapidly advancing in arts, manufactures, commerce, and wealth. No country has greater prosperity -none have more ample means of defence-and none have fewer reasons to fear the encroachments of foreign invaders, or fewer inducements to seek for foreign conquests.

NORTH AMERICA.

The Physical Geography of North America, including its mountains, natural divisions, surface, and waters, has been already described, (page 72 to 92.) It has every variety of CLIMATE, extending through all the regions, from the polar circles to the vicinity of the equator. (See Physical Chart of the World, and T 733-7, 745-8, 754-9, 766.) Its products have a corresponding variety; and a view of the most important VEGETABLES and ANIMALS will be obtained by examining these articles under each region, in connection with the Physical Chart of the World. It is rich in MINERAL treasures also, as described under that head.

Only three centuries have elapsed since any part of America was ranked among civilized nations; and the first European settlements north of Mexico, were commenced in 1607. The territory and resources of North America are amply sufficient for the foundation of empires, more extensive and powerful than those of Europe. The United States is the only portion, which has taken an important rank among the nations of the earth. Mexico and Guatemala are now independent republics. Nearly the whole civilized population of North America is found in the Mexican peninsula-the United States east of the Mississippi River-and the British provinces bordering on the United States. The vast region lying [249] north of latitude 500 is claimed by the Russians and British; and the territory south of this and west of longitude 960, belongs to Mexico and the United States. But the greater part of these regions is scarcely explored; and with the excep tion of trading houses, and the districts of California and Santa Fe, this largest section of the continent is inhabited only by the native tribes of Indians. The GOVERNMENT, RELIGION, and state of CIVILIZATION of each division may be learned, by referring to the Chart of the World in connexion with these articles; and a particular account of the state of knowledge, arts, &c., has been given under the proper heads.

ARCTIC REGIONS.

GREENLAND. (See ¶ 540.)

This dreary country has usually been called DANISH AMERICA, but is now believed to be unconnected with the Continent. It may be said to consist of rocks, ice, and snow, and is nearly destitute of vegetation. Even in the southern parts, a few small junipers, willows, and birches are the only trees to be found. The animals are such as can endure the most intense cold-the reindeer, the polar fox, and the bear. The walrus and seal frequent the shores. Fish and fowl are tolerably numerous.

The highest mountains are on the west side; and the three pinnacles of what is called the Stag's Horn are visible from the sea, at the distance of forty or sixty leagues.

The natives are a branch of the Esquimaux or American Samoiedes. It is supposed they do not exceed ten thousand, the number having been greatly reduced by the small-pox.

There are several settlements, established by the Danes and Norwegians and by Moravian missionaries, chiefly in the south-west.

This country was colonized and claimed by the Danes. At one period, the colonists were enabled to export cattle and provisions; but it is probably a possession of very small value to the mother country.

RUSSIAN AMERICA;

OR NORTH-WEST COAST.

The Russians may be regarded as the first discoverers of the north-western shores of America. They lay claim to the territory, and about 50,000 Indians acknowledge their authority.

This coast seems to be chiefly alpine; in some parts rising into snow-capped summits, with immense glaciers winding through it cavities. In this respect, and in its numerous creeks and isles, it bears no small resemblance to Norway. The most remarkable mountain seems to be that called St. Elias by the Russian navigators; and which, it is affirmed, is visible at sea at the distance of sixty leagues.

The inhabitants of the more northern regions of this coast appear to be Esquimaux. The savages of Nootka are said to be very cruel to the captives taken in and have frequently proved treacherous in their attacks on trading vessels. Whales form a favourite article of their food.

war,

[250] They obtain valuable furs from the seal and other animals; and many ships visit this coast to procure them for the Chinese market. (See ¶ 1274.) A chain of islands stretches from Kamschatka to the promontory of Alaska, which receives the general appellation of the Aleutian Isles.

BRITISH AMERICA.

Those parts of North America which still belong to Great Britain, are extensive and of considerable importance; but they are so thinly peopled, and in such a disadvantageous climate, that they sink into insignificance, when compared with Mexico and Guatemala, or the territories of the United States. The inhabitants of the former are estimated at eight millions; and those of the United States at ten; while those of the British possessions scarcely exceed 400,000.

On

The chief of these possessions is Canada, now divided into two provinces called Upper and Lower Canada, separated by the Ottawas River. The former is on the north of the great lakes; the lower division, on the River St. Lawrence. the eastern coast, south of the River St. Lawrence, are Nova Scotia, New-Brunswick, and the Islands of Newfoundland, Cape Breton, and St. Johns. Labrador, and the regions around Hudson's Bay, sometimes called New-Britain, are nominally subject to Great Britain also. All the British possessions are subject to a Governor-General, residing at Quebec.

The greater part of this region is important only for the fur-trade and fisheries. Manufactures are few, unless those of flour and lumber in Canada be reckoned among them. Commerce is chiefly in these articles, and in the necessaries of life.

LOWER CANADA.

Lower Canada nominally extends north of the St. Lawrence, into unexplored regions. But the only portion which is settled is the vale of the St. Lawrence, enclosed by two ridges of mountains running from south-west to north-east,

dividing the waters of this stream, from those of the northern and Atlantic declivities. (See ¶ 505.)

At the mouth of the St. Lawrence, the country is rugged and mountainous, and the climate very severe. But in the upper and more southerly portions of the province, the country is well watered and fertile, and the climate is milder. All parts, however, have the winters of Sweden, although situated in the latitude of France; and are liable to great and sudden heat in summer. (See ¶ 761.)

At Montreal, the spring generally commences six weeks earlier than at Quebec: vegetation is proportionably more vigorous and luxuriant; and the crops produced are more abundant, as they are seldom checked by the early frosts, which are common in the eastern parts of the province.

The greater part of the inhabitants are French, who are generally industrious. Their manners and customs are considerably tinctured with the French gayety and urbanity. The French women of the lower classes in Canada can generally read and write, and are thus superior to the men; but both are very ignorant and superstitious, and blindly devoted to their priests. They use the French language universally, English being restricted to the few British settlers.

The chief town is Quebec, built on a lofty point of land on the St. Lawrence; which is here sufficiently deep and spacious to float more than one hundred sail of the line. The upper town is on a rock of limestone, well fortified, both by nature and art; but the lower town is the chief seat of commerce.

Montreal is situated on an island in the River St. Lawrence. It is the [251] principal seat of the fur trade, and increasing in population and importance. Three Rivers, or Trois Rivieres, between Quebec and Montreal, is a place of some trade.

The Island of Cape Breton is connected with this province. It is chiefly valuable for its coal mines.

UPPER CANADA.

The soil of Upper Canada, it is stated by Bouchette, is generally a fine, dark loam, mixed with a rich vegetable mould, not exceeded in any portion of North America. From the eastern frontier of the province to Lake Ontario, a distance of about 170 miles, the land presents an almost uniform level of exquisite beauty, rising only a few feet above the banks of the St. Lawrence, and finely intersected in every direction by numerous streams. Several of these are navigable (with occasional obstructions from falis) for boats and canoes, while they offer many choice situations for the erection of mills. On the northern shores of Lake Ontario is a ridge of heights of no great elevation, and of inconsiderable breadth, from which the land soon descends again, and forms a level, fertile tract, extending to Lake Huron. Most of the settlements are between the River Niagara and Lake Huron, which is the finest part of the province.

The climate of Upper Canada is particularly salubrious; and epidemic diseases, either among men or cattle, are almost unknown. The winters are shorter, and not so rigorous as in Lower Canada. The spring opens, and agricultural labours commence, from six weeks to two months earlier than in the neighbourhood of Quebec. The summer heats are also more moderate, and the autumns are in general favourable for securing the produce of all the late crops.

The inhabitants are generally of English origin, and superior to those of the lower province. Many are emigrants from the United States.

York is the seat of government of Upper Canada. It is situated upon an excellent harbour of the same name, sufficiently large to contain a considerable fleet. Kingston is situated near The Thousand Isles, which lie in the passage from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence.

Queenstown is celebrated for a battle in the late war.

NEW-BRUNSWICK.

New-Brunswick resembles Lower Canada in its climate and character, but it is less populous. It has a good degree of fertility, especially in the neighbourhood of the St. Johns, and other rivers. Its forests produce pines of extraordinary size; and lumber and fish are the principal articles of export.