Chapter II: Part 2

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Value of imports, 1883, $103,071,415; exports, $98,349,895. The chief imports were: opium, valued at $35,510,260; and cotton goods, valued at $30,888,465. Chief exports: tea,--value, $45,077,135; and silk, chiefly raw, $33,537,990. The coal fields of China are among the first in the world; about 3,000,000 tons are mined each year. The mines at Kai-p'ing, in 1883, produced 600 tons per day.

In June, 1876, a railway of twenty miles, between Shanghai and Woosung, was opened for traffic; but the following year it was purchased by the Chinese authorities, and closed. There are 20,000 Imperial roads in the empire. In 1884 there were 3,089 miles of telegraph line, with 5,482 miles of wire. {39}

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ANAM. An`nam'.

An empire of Indo-China under the protectorate of France. Area, 198,043 square miles. Population, 12,000,000. Drained by many rivers. In January, temperature 41deg throughout the north; in southern part of Cochin China, mean annual temperature is 83deg. The elephant, panther and tiger found in the forests of Anam.

Inhabitants essentially agricultural. Country rich in metals. Government is an absolute monarchy. Social equality exists among citizens. Buddhism and doctrines of Confucius are dominant. Hue is the capital; pop., 100,000.

BURMA. Bur'mah.

As a result of the late war with Great Britain, Burma was on Jan. 1, 1886, declared a part of the British Empire. The government is now administered by the Governor General of India, though the country is not yet incorporated with the Indian Empire. The late government was a despotism, dependent on the will of the King. The area is 190,500 square miles. Population estimated to be about 3,000,000. Capital, Mandalay; population, 70,000. Bhamo, on the Chinese frontier, is an important town. Education is in the hands of the priests, but is very general. Buddhism is the prevailing religion.

The country is not so fertile as British Burma; but wheat, corn, rice, pulse, indigo, cotton, tobacco, and a large variety of fruits are grown. The forests produce valuable timber trees in great variety. Minerals abound, but are not generally worked. Petroleum, however, is quite largely produced. Burma possessing no seacoast, the foreign trade is inconsiderable.

SIAM. S[=i]-am'.

A kingdom of Southeastern Asia, divided into 41 Provinces. The government is an absolute monarchy. Area and population are but imperfectly known; foreign estimates place the former at 280,564 square miles, and the population at about 5,750,000. Prevailing religion, Buddhism. Siam has no public debt. Capital, Bangkok; population, 600,000. There is a small standing army, and a general armament of the people in form of a militia.

Though much of the land is fertile, it is badly cultivated. Chief products, rice, gums, teak, sandalwood, rosewood, spices and fruits. Foreign commerce centres at Bangkok. Total value of exports from there in 1883, $8,525,655; imports, $4,783,570. Commercial marine numbers 44 sailing vessels and 1 steam vessel. In 1883, 884 vessels, of 185,612 tons, cleared the port of Bangkok.

MALAY. Ma-l[=a]'.

A peninsula of Asia; the southernmost point of the continent.

Area about 70,000 square miles. Estimated population, 650,000. Less known of the interior than of any other point in Asia. Surface very uneven. Climate is moist and hot: temperature on the Makran coast and in Persian Gulf, 110deg; and at times, 125deg. Out of 365 days, 190 are rainy; rainfall from 100 to 130 inches.

Politically, Malay consists of the Straits Settlements of Great Britain, 6 Provinces of Siam, and a number of small Malay States, either tributary to or in treaty with the above powers. The Straits Settlements comprise the Islands of Singapore and Penang and the territories of Malacca and Province of Wellesley. Area, 1,445 square miles; pop., 423,384. {41}

COREA. Ko-ree'a.

A kingdom of Eastern Asia. Area estimated at 82,000 square miles. Population, 16,227,885. Climate variable, on account of the unevenness of the country; the thermometer at times registers 15deg below zero.

The history of Corea dates back to 1120, when the Chinese gained possession of it. Seems first to have been subjugated by the Tartars. Japanese ruled it between 1692 and 1698, when it reverted to China. The country pays an annual tribute of 800 ounces of silver to the Chinese Emperor. The King of Corea is an absolute despot. Capital, Seoul; pop., 199,127.

Minerals are said to abound in the peninsula; but the low state of civilization in the country will not admit of their development. The country is mountainous, and the cultivable portion small; principal crops are rice, millet, beans and jute.

Value of imports, 1881, $1,944,735; exports, $1,882,650. Principal exports, ginseng, hides, rice and silk. Wheeled vehicles are unknown, and there are no bridges over the many streams. Doctrine of Confucius the established creed.

HONG KONG.

A colony of Great Britain, formerly a part of China. It consists of the Island of Hong Kong, ceded to Great Britain in 1841, and the opposite peninsula of Kow-loon, ceded to Great Britain, 1861. The government is administered by a Governor, aided by an Executive Council. There is also a Legislative Council. The chief city is Victoria. In 1883 the government sustained 87 schools, with 5,597 pupils. The total population of Hong Kong is 160,420, of whom but 7,990 are white persons.

Hong Kong forms the centre of trade for many different kinds of goods. Its commerce is virtually a part of that of China, and is chiefly carried on with Great Britain, the United States and Germany. Of the exports and imports only mercantile estimates are known; these place the former at about $10,000,000, and the latter at $20,000,000. The tea and silk trade of China is largely in the hands of Hong Kong firms. In 1882, 28,668 vessels, of 4,976,233 tons, entered the ports of Hong Kong.

ARABIA. A-ra'be-a.

A peninsula of Asia. Area, 1,000,000 square miles; length, 1,200 miles; breadth, 900 miles. Sandy desert comprises most of the country; fertile regions are shores of the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Seacoast, 1,200 miles in length. Heat intense: rainfall light.

Population variously estimated from 8,500,000 to 15,000,000. Claims descent from Ishmael; nomadic habits; Mohammedans in belief.

The pearl fisheries, which are of great commercial importance, begin at the Bahrein Islands, and extend southeast along the Persian Gulf, a distance of nearly 200 miles. The yearly produce is estimated to be worth, over $1,250,000.

Coffee, probably indigenous, chief article of export. Wheat, barley, beans, millet, dates and lentils form food of the natives. Rivers unimportant.

Arabia was never subject to one sovereign. Inhabitants broken up into petty tribes, each ruled by its own chief. {42}

INDIA. In'de-a.

An empire of Asia, divided into British territory and feudatory states, acknowledging sovereignty of Great Britain. Richest and most populous dependency of the English Crown. Area, 1,383,504 square miles. Population, 253,906,449.

Government is entrusted to Secretary of State for India; he is aided by a Council of 15 members. Executive authority vested in Governor General, appointed by the British Crown, and a Council of 7 members. Salary of Governor General, $125,000 per year.

Population dense. The density varies from 441 per square mile to 43; the average for all India being 184. Agriculture backward. Means of transportation poor but improving. Eight famines have visited India, and decimated the population of various Provinces. Soil is productive; rice, corn, millet, barley and wheat are grown; cotton, indigo, opium and sugar cane are largely exported.

Large quantities of bullion are imported for the manufacture of ornaments. In 1884, imports of gold, $27,347,280; silver, $37,042,530. Leading imports, 1883-84: cotton manufactures, $125,584,245; metals, $25,909,250; machinery, $8,955,740. Chief exports: raw cotton, $71,806,605; opium, $56,472,300; seeds, $50,450,990; wheat, $44,399,155; rice, $41,816,400. Total imports, 1884, $318,007,480; exports, $445,006,975.

Capital, Calcutta; population, 871,504; 60 towns of over 50,000 inhabitants. Over 19 dialects and languages spoken in the empire.

Number vessels entered Indian ports, 1884, 5,812; cleared, 5,850; number steamships entered by Suez Canal, 1,091; number vessels engaged in interportal trade, 103,503. Miles of railway, 1854, 21; in 1885 there were 10,832; unfinished, 1,823. Miles of telegraph, 21,740; messages, 1,799,179.

Education progressing. Schools, 109,212; scholars, 2,790,783; universities, 3; governmental schools, 15,845; commission of investigation appointed in 1883.

European and native army, 190,476 men. Native states have an army of 349,835 men; 4,237 guns.

CEYLON. See-lon'.

An island situated in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India. Area, 25,364 square miles; length, 260 miles; average breadth, 100 miles. Climate much pleasanter than that of Southern India. Ceylon was first settled in 1505; formed into a separate colony in 1798; fell under British rule in 1815.

By the constitution of 1831 and 1833, government is administered by a Governor, with an Executive Council and a Legislative Council. Minerals abound; precious stones are often found; pearl fisheries of western coast are famous. Bread-fruit, cinnamon, pepper, rice, cotton and tobacco are among the chief products of the soil.

Principal exports in 1883: coffee (the least since 1853), valued at $6,338,155; tea, $430,000; cinchona bark, $2,105,000; cocoanut oil, $2,030,000. Total exports in 1883, $16,654,500; imports, $22,643,335.

There were 164 miles of railway open for traffic in 1884; 16 miles in course of construction. Miles of telegraph were 989.

Estimated population, 1884, 2,822,009; 1,698,070 Buddhists, 493,630 Hindoos, 197,775 Mohammedans, and 147,977 Christians. The Europeans numbered about 5,000, of whom 4,000 were English. There were 1,703 schools, with nominal attendance of 102,109 pupils.

Colombo is the capital; pop., 111,942. {43}

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PERSIA. Per'she-a.

A kingdom of Western Asia. Area, 610,000 square miles. Population, 7,653,600. Temperature ranges from 10deg to 110deg; winters severe in central territory; summers hot and dry.

The government is an unlimited despotism. The Koran is law, the Shah being looked upon as the vicegerent of the prophet. Persia has no national debt. Persian army numbers 105,500 men on war basis; peace footing, 30,000.

Soil, in some of the extensive valleys, very fertile. Wheat and other cereals, cotton, sugar, rice, tobacco and opium yield well; silk is an important product of the country. Fruit trees and vegetables flourish. Mineral resources undeveloped. Diamonds have been taken from mines in Khorasan for centuries. Pearl fisheries of the Persian Gulf the most extensive in the world.

Commerce centres at Tabriz. Bushire and Lingah principal ports. Imports, by Lingah and Bushire, in 1883, $5,724,665. Exports, by same ports, $3,071,705; opium, $1,403,415; grain and pulse, $342,250. System of telegraph in the hands of Europeans; miles of line, 3,647; of wire, 5,947; offices, 78. Mail service from Julfa to Tabriz and Teheran, thence to Resht, established in 1877.

Capital, Teheran; pop., 100,000. Of total population, 1,963,800 live in cities, 1,909,800 are nomadic tribes, 3,780,000 inhabit country districts and villages. Education among the upper classes advanced; many colleges are sustained by government.

AFGHANISTAN. Af-gan`is-tan'.

Name given to plateau on northwest frontier of India. Estimated area, 278,000 square miles. Temperature at Ghazni, 10deg to 15deg below zero; at Kandahar, heat in summer reaches 120deg. No other country of equal area has such diversities of climate. Distinguished for the mountain passes, through which India has been frequently invaded.

Government is a despotism. Capital, Kabul. Population, 2,500,000, consisting of numerous warlike clans. The Amir is a military dictator, with a yearly revenue of $2,000,000, and a subsidy of $600,000 from India. Two-thirds of inhabitants Mohammedans.

Agricultural and pastoral pursuits the chief industries of the people; wheat the most important crop; rice, barley and millet grown. On terraces, 6,000 and 7,000 feet high, all the vegetables and fruits of Europe grow; in the south, sugar cane and date palm.

BELUCHISTAN. Bel-oo`chis-tan'.

A country of Asia lying east of Persia. Area, 140,000 square miles. Population, 1,000,000. Climate diverse; in higher parts, extremely cold; in valleys, heat is oppressive. Deficiency of water throughout the whole country. Surface rugged and barren.

The soil is unproductive, but has been cultivated until it supplies the natives with necessaries. Fruits and vegetables flourish near the towns.

The only exports are horses, grain and dates. Imports: Indian silk, cotton goods, rice, sugar, spices, and dye stuffs in small quantities.

The government is a despotism. Khan has unlimited power over life, person and property; resides at Kelat, the capital, a city with a population of 10,000. Inhabitants divided into many tribes, ruled by chiefs. {45}

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AFRICA.

A large insular continent lying south of Europe, from which it is separated by the Mediterranean. Area, 11,512,480 square miles; extreme length, 4,330 miles; extreme breadth, 4,000 miles; coast line, only about 16,000 miles, there being few indentations, and a lack of good harbors.

PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES.

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Name. | Area, | Population.| Capitals. | Pop.
| Sq. Mls. | | |
------------------+----------+------------+-----------------+---------
Abyssinia | 200,000 | 3,000,000 | Gondar | 7,000
Algeria | 161,476 | 3,310,412 | Algiers | 70,747
Cape Colony | 229,815 | 1,027,168 | Cape Town | 33,239
Congo Free State |1,056,200 | 27,000,000 | |
Egypt | 394,240 | 6,806,381 | Cairo | 368,108
Liberia | 14,300 | 1,068,000 | Monrovia | 3,000
Madagascar | 228,500 | 3,500,000 | Tananarivo | 100,000
Morocco | 219,000 | 5,000,000 | Marocco | 50,000
Mozambique | 38,000 | ? 300,000 | Mozambique | ? 35,000
Natal | 21,150 | 416,219 | Pietermaritzburg| 14,231
Nubia | ? 35,000 | ? 400,000 | Dongola |
Orange River Free | 70,000 | 133,518 | Bloemfontein | 2,567
State| | | |
Transvaal | 114,360 | 750,000 | Pretoria | 4,440
Tunis | 42,000 | 2,100,000 | Tunis | 120,000
Zanzibar | 625 | 300,000 | Zanzibar | 90,000
------------------+----------+------------+-----------------+---------

LENGTHS OF RIVERS.

Miles. Miles.
Congo 2,400 | Orange 1,600
Niger 2,900 | Senegal 1,000
Nile 5,100 | Zambesi 1,800

LATEST REPORTED EXPORTS.

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MAROCCO. Ma-rok'ko.

An empire of Africa, formerly the largest of the Barbary States. Area, 219,000 square miles. Population, 5,000,000. Atlas Mountains cross the country; rivers few and small. Atlantic coast line, 750 miles long; Mediterranean, 250 miles.

The Sultan's authority is supreme in spiritual and temporal matters. Estimated yearly revenue of Sultan, $2,500,000. Marocco has three capitals: Fez (pop., 80,000) is the chief; Marocco, the old metropolis (pop., 50,000); and Mequinez (pop., 56,000).

Both climate and soil are well suited to the production of wheat, barley, corn and other grains; agriculture is neglected for pastoral pursuits. Marocco supposed to be rich in minerals.

Foreigners control the maritime trade; Tangier is the main port; seven others open to foreign commerce. Import of cotton, 1882, valued at $3,401,130; sugar, $1,390,240; rice, flour, etc., $1,462,090. Exports, 1882: wool, $1,116,850; shoes, $527,420; almonds, $394,000; cattle, $393,880. In 1882, 1,050 vessels, of 314,794 tons, entered, and 1,047, of 315,559 tons, cleared, the ports of Marocco.

ALGERIA. Al-jee're-a.

Situated in North Africa; the most important French colonial possession. Area, about 161,476 square miles. Coast line, 550 miles. Climate variable; mean annual temperature at Algiers, 66.5deg.

Government of settled districts administered by a Governor General; others under military rule. Civil government divided into three departments, each of which sends 2 Deputies and 1 Senator to the French Chambers. Algiers the capital; pop., 1881, 70,747. Total population of Algeria, 1881, 3,310,412; French, 233,937.

Agriculture the principal industry; in 1881, 2,328,636 thus engaged. In 1882, 40,000,000 acres in farms; 5,460,000 under cereals; wheat product, 559,500 tons; barley, 790,000; number of acres devoted to vine culture, 99,000. Olive oil manufactured in 1880, 574,000 gals. Yield of tobacco, from 20,000 acres, 9,490,000 lbs. In 1882 there were 1,027,913 cattle, 5,142,321 sheep, 3,056,660 goats.

Imports, 1883, $47,639,790; exports, $33,788,880. In 1883, 4,803 vessels, of 1,954,423 tons, entered Algerian ports. Number miles railway, 993. Miles of line of telegraph in 1882, 3,645. In 1881 there were 619 students in the higher schools; number of secondary schools, 16; pupils, 3,561; 916 infant and primary schools, with 79,201 pupils.

TUNIS. Tu'niss.

A kingdom or regency of Africa, formerly one of the Barbary States; since 1881 under the protectorate of France. The government is practically administered by a Minister Resident and two Secretaries. The area of the country is about 42,000 square miles, and the population is estimated to number 2,100,000. Capital, Tunis; population variously estimated from 100,000 to 120,000.

There are twelve ports open to foreign trade. The imports average $5,500,000 per annum, and the exports $6,500,000. The principal articles of export are wheat, barley, esparto grass (used in making paper), olive oil, dates, wool and skins. Principal imports, manufactured goods, liquors, sugar and flour.

In 1883, 3,768 vessels, of 1,524,429 tons, entered Tunisian ports; of these 1,222, of 1,018,538 tons, were French. Tunis has about 200 miles of railway, and 2,500 miles of telegraph. {49}

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EGYPT. E'jipt.

A dependency of Turkey, situated in North Africa. Estimated area, 394,240 square miles. Population, 6,806,381. Territory covered by sandy deserts, except where the annual inundations of the Nile render it fertile. Rain falls once in three or four years. The agricultural population forms 61 per cent. of the total.

Egypt is a Province of the Ottoman Empire; yet it is independent at the same time, and its sovereignty is dependent on the will of stronger powers, England being dominant. Absolute executive power is in the hands of the Khedive, under the supervision of England. Provincial Councils and a Legislative Council advise with the Khedive on matters purely local. Cairo, capital; pop., 368,106.

Under the Pharaohs, Egypt was an agricultural country. It is distinguished for the prominent part it played in ancient history, its ruins, and situation with reference to the Suez Canal.

Commerce extensive, consists largely of goods in transit; carries on a large trade with Central Africa. In 1883, imports, $42,984,880; exports, $61,549,425. Principal export, cotton; value, 1883, $37,328,905.

The railway system, 1884, consisted of a single line, 1,276 miles long. Miles of government telegraph, 1884, 2,767. Eastern telegraph company have a line to Cairo, 455 miles in length.

Population of chief towns, 1882: Alexandria, 208,755; Damietta, 34,046; Tantah, 33,735; Mansourah, 26,784; Zagazig, 19,046; Rosetta, 16,671; Port Said, 16,560; Suez, 10,913.

The Nile is the only river in Egypt. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea; opened for navigation, November, 1869; length, 100 miles; number of vessels passed through in 1883, 3,307, of 8,106,001 tons; gross receipts, $13,227,530; net profits, $7,172,700. In 1883, postoffice carried 9,587,000 letters.

NUBIA. Nu'be-a.

A country of Eastern Africa. From 1821 to 1884 Nubia was under the dominion of Egypt. Since the southern boundary of Egypt can not yet be regarded as fixed, it is impossible to give trustworthy statistics of the area and population of Nubia. The fertile part of the country lies chiefly in the valley of the Nile. The climate is hot and dry, but generally healthful. Chief products are barley, cotton, indigo, durrah, dates, tobacco, senna and coffee. An extensive transit trade is carried on with Egypt and interior Africa, in gold dust, ostrich feathers and senna. The entire valley contains the remains of ancient buildings, the most numerous lying below Dongola.

ABYSSINIA, (Ab-is-sin'e-a.) or HABESH.

An isolated country of Eastern Africa, consisting of three divisions, Amhara, Tigre and Shoa. Tigre and Amhara constitute one kingdom, and Shoa another; they are all divided into a great number of smaller provinces. Gondar, in Amhara, is the capital of all Ethiopia. Capital of Shoa, Ankobar; of Tigre, Adowa. Area about 200,000 square miles. Population about 3,000,000. Drained by numerous rivers emptying into the Nile.

Lowland soil grows wheat, cotton, maize, rice, sugar cane and flax. No foreign trade except exportation of small quantities of ivory, musk, coffee and gold dust; manufactures limited. Inhabitants a mixture of many races, warlike and uncivilized. {51}

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MADAGASCAR. Mad`a-gas'kar.

The largest African island; the third largest in the world. Area, 228,500 square miles. Population, 3,500,000. Near the centre of island, within an arc of 90 miles, there are 100 extinct volcanoes. Mean yearly temperature about 77deg.

Government is an absolute monarchy, limited by powerful customs. The island has been swayed by the dynasty of the Hovas since 1810. Since the treaty of Tamatave, March 17, 1886, the country has been under the protectorate of France. Commercial and diplomatic relations established between the island and United States, Great Britain and France, in this century, previous to 1868. Capital, Tananarivo; population estimated at 100,000.

Soil generally fertile; forests of valuable timber abound. Chief products are rice, sugar, silk, cotton, bananas, potatoes, India rubber. Stock raising and agriculture are the main industries. Chief exports are cattle, hides, coffee, lard, sugar, vanilla, wax, gum, rice and seeds; principal imports are metal goods, rum and cotton goods. Silver five-franc piece the only legal coin; franc is cut into pieces for smaller coins. Tamatave principal port; pop., 6,000; number of ships entering her harbor during last six months of 1882, 116. In the same time the value of imports at Tamatave from the United States was $207,410; value of exports to United States, $257,485.

Standing army, 20,000. Three-fourths of people Pagans. Christianity the state religion. Education is compulsory; 1,167 schools, with 150,906 pupils, in Imerina, the chief Province.

MOZAMBIQUE. Mo-zam-beek'.

A colonial possession of Portugal on the east coast of Africa. Area, 38,000 square miles. A few settlements and military posts exercise feeble authority over the inhabitants. The climate is genial, and the soil capable of producing wheat, maize, tobacco, cotton and sugar cane. The chief towns are: St. Sebastian (pop., 1,510), Ibo (pop. about 2,000), Sofala (pop. 2,000), and St. Thiajo Major. The forests abound in valuable timber trees; pearl fisheries are important, and the mineral deposits are of exceptional value. The gold mines of Mauica are supposed to be the richest in East Africa. Ivory is obtained in large quantities for the Indian market; annual value about $350,000. Other exports are India rubber, gums, oil, beeswax and corn. Shipping trade is carried on by about 400 vessels. The capital is Mozambique.

ZANZIBAR. Zan`ze-bar'.

An empire of Eastern Africa, consisting of the Island of Zanzibar, and settlements along the coast from Cape Delgado as far as 3deg north latitude. The limits of the Sultan's dominions inland are not known; but, beyond a few travel routes, his authority extends but a little way from the coast. The island has an area of 625 square miles, and a population variously estimated from 150,000 to 300,000. Population of the town of Zanzibar, 90,000; of Bagamoyo, on the opposite mainland, 10,000.

The religion of the country is Mohammedanism. Christian missions are established on the island and far into the mainland. Value of imports, 1882, $4,000,000; exports, $5,000,000. The exports are ivory, cloves, India rubber and gum. In 1882, 85 vessels, of 89,773 tons, entered the ports. The imports are chiefly cotton cloths, rice, cereals, kerosene oil and guns. {53}

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CAPE COLONY.

A colony in South Africa, originally founded by the Dutch, in 1652. Since 1806 controlled by Great Britain. Climate generally dry and salubrious. At Cape of Good Hope, mean annual temperature is placed at about 62deg. Average rainfall per year, 24 inches. Total area of Cape Colony, 229,815 square miles. Estimated population, 1,027,168. Capital, Cape Town; pop., 33,239.

The government is administered by a Governor, an Executive and a Legislative Council and House of Assembly. Colonists are employed in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. Ostrich breeding is successfully carried on. Sheep farms often comprise from 8,000 to 15,000 acres and upward. Total cultivated area in 1875, 580,000 acres. Vines occupied 18,000 acres, yielding 4,484,665 gallons of wine. The colony had, in 1875, 1,111,713 head of cattle, 10,976,663 sheep, and 3,065,202 goats. The principal exports from the colony in 1883 were: wool, valued at $8,015,700; ostrich feathers, $4,656,900; grease wool, $1,948,025; hides and skins, $2,180,250; copper ore, $2,270,565; Angora hair, $1,359,020; diamonds, $13,712,350. Total exports in 1883 valued at $22,044,490; total imports, $32,351,955.

Vast majority of the population members of Dutch Reformed church, the Episcopalian ranking next in number. Cape Colony has 1 university and 5 colleges; education not compulsory; 71 per cent. of children who have attained school age are in school.

Army in 1883 consisted of 1,614 officers and men. By a law of 1878, every able-bodied colonist between 18 and 50 years is liable to military service beyond, as well as within, colonial limits. In 1884 the total length of government railway was 1,213 miles; telegraph, 4,031 miles.

ORANGE RIVER FREE STATE.

An independent republic of South Africa. Founded by Boers from Cape Colony, in 1836; constitution proclaimed 1854. Area, 70,000 square miles. Population, 133,518: colored or native, 72,496; whites, 61,022. Annual amount devoted to education, $1,000,000. Capital, Bloemfontein; pop., 2,567.

Law-making power vested in a popular Assembly of 55 members; executive, in President, elected for 5 years. Climate salubrious. Agricultural and pastoral pursuits the chief industries. In 1881 there were 6,000 farms; total number of acres, 23,592,400; cultivated, 114,916; number of horses, 131,594; 5,056,301 merino sheep, 673,924 goats; ostriches, 2,253. There are many rich coal mines. Diamonds and other precious stones are found. Miles of telegraph in operation, 559

NATAL. Na-tal'.

Previous to 1856, Natal formed part of Cape Colony; in that year it was erected into a separate colony under Great Britain. The government is administered by a Governor, an Executive Council, and a Legislative Council. Estimated area, 21,150 square miles. Pop., 1881, 416,210; white, 28,463; native, 329,253; coolies, 20,196. Principal town, Durban; pop., 16,630. Capital, Pietermaritzburg; pop., 14,231.

Value of imports, 1883, $8,755,535; exports, $4,158,735. Principal exports: hides, $255,040; ostrich feathers, $72,530; unrefined sugar, $610,420; wool, $2,595,805. Principal imports are manufactured goods and flour. In 1883, 328 vessels, of 232,097 tons, entered, and 326, of 231,892 tons, cleared, the ports. There are 105 miles of railway built, and 120 under construction. {55}

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TRANSVAAL. Trans-val'.

A South African republic founded by Boers who left Cape Colony in 1835 for Natal, quitted the latter country on its annexation to Great Britain, and settled in the territory north of the Vaal river. Recognized as an independent state in 1852. Executive authority is in the hands of a President, assisted by a Council of 4 members; legislative vested in a Volksraad of 44 members. Area of republic, 114,360 square miles. Population estimated, 1884, at 50,000 whites, of whom 40,000 are Dutch, and about 700,000 natives. Chief city, Pretoria; population, 4,440.

The country is favorable for agriculture and stock raising. Chief crop, wheat; sugar, coffee and cotton are grown. Cattle, sheep and ostriches are reared. There is a great deal of mineral wealth, which has been but little developed. The yearly exports are valued at $3,000,000, and are principally grain, cattle, hides, wool, ostrich feathers, butter, ivory, gold and other minerals.

LIBERIA. Li-bee're-a.

A republic of South Africa, founded in 1820 as a colony by the American Colonization Society in behalf of liberated slaves from the United States. Liberia was declared an independent state in 1847. The government is modeled after that of the United States. The republic has 600 miles of coast line, and extends inland about 100 miles; area, 14,300 square miles. The population is wholly African, and numbers 18,000 Americo-Liberians and 1,050,000 aborigines. Capital, Monrovia; population, 3,000. The Liberians have established churches and schools, and possess a number of printing presses. The climate, which is still fatal to Europeans, has been much improved by systematic drainage.

The country is well watered, and the natural resources are very great. Cotton and coffee are both indigenous, the former yielding two crops per year. The oil palm is abundant, palm oil, ivory, India rubber and nuts being the chief exports.

CONGO FREE STATE.

The Act defining and constituting the Congo Free State was signed by the International Congo Conference at Berlin, February 26, 1885. The area of the State is estimated at 1,056,200 square miles, with a population of 27,000,000. While the Congo state is under the sovereignty of the King of Belgium, the latter country or government has no power or responsibility in relation to it. The state is divided into four Provinces,--the Lower Congo, the Upper Congo, Livingstone Falls and the Pool, and the district between the Pool and Equator. The government is in the hands of an Administrator General, under whom are a number of white subordinates, chiefs of Provinces and other officials.

Free commerce, in its widest sense, has been established in the basin of the Congo, and for a distance of 360 miles along the Atlantic. In this territory, no import duties can be levied for twenty years, and the Powers reserve the right to decide if freedom of entry shall be maintained beyond that period. The principal articles for export are said to be palm oil, ivory, rubber, gum copal, ground nuts, orchilla weed and cam-wood; principal imports are textiles, spirits, tobacco, guns and powder. {57}

{58}

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{59}

OCEANIA.

A fifth division of the globe, comprising island groups and the large islands of the Pacific. The divisions are Australasia, Malaysia and Polynesia.

Australasia extends from equator to 47deg south latitude, and from 112deg to about 170deg east longitude. It includes Australia, Papua, New Zealand and Tasmania.

Malaysia comprises the islands and groups lying just off the coast of Southeastern Asia, and contains the large islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Celebes, Java, Sumatra and Borneo.

Polynesia includes Islands and island groups between Philippines and 100deg west longitude. Among the most important groups are Caroline, Feejee, Friendly, Gilbert, Hawaiian, Marshall and Society Islands.

--------------------+----------+-----------+-------------+--------
| Area Sq. | Pop. | Capital. | Pop.
| Miles. | | |
--------------------+----------+-----------+-------------+--------
New South Wales | 316,320 | 840,614 | Sydney | 220,427
New Zealand | 105,342 | 532,000 | Wellington | 20,563
Queensland | 668,224 | 36,695 | Brisbane | 36,109
South Australia | 903,690 | 293,509 | Adelaide | 38,479
Tasmania | 26,375 | 122,479 | Hobart | 21,118
Victoria | 87,884 | 915,948 | Melbourne | 291,464
West Australia | 975,920 | 29,708 | Perth | 5,044
|----------|-----------| |
Total Australasia |3,083,755 | 2,770,953 | |
|----------|-----------| |
Hawaiian Islands | 6,667 | 57,985 | Honolulu | 7,000
Borneo | 12,745 | 2,183,974 |{Brunai | 20,000
| | |{Banjarmasin | 30,000
Celebes | 71,791 | 2,000,000 | Macassar | 20,000
Java | 50,848 |20,259,450 | Batavia | 99,109
Mindanao | 36,000 | 732,802 | Selangan | 10,000
Luzon | 37,505 | 4,450,191 | Manila | 160,000
Sumatra | 177,000 | 3,000,000 |{Acheen | 45,000
| | |{Padang | 10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------

AUSTRALASIA.--Crop Production, 1882.

Wheat 81,763,098 bu. | Other cereals 889,789 bu.
Oats 16,430,205 " | Potatoes 346,834 tons.
Barley 1,928,595 " | Hay 862,602 "
Maize 5,611,903 " | Wine 1,496,175 gals.
Gold produced 1881 $ 30,510,709
Coin and bullion exported 1882 38,480,960
Aggregate imports, 1882 310,698,578
Aggregate exports, 1882 246,407,125

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.--Exports, 1881.

Coffee $ 959,346 | Liquid Indigo $ 8,256
Cordage 137,031 | Rice 7,791
Hemp 8,889,872 | Sugar 12,403,993
Indigo 138,958 | Sapan-wood 58,230

SOCIETY ISLANDS, 1882.

IMPORTS. | EXPORTS.
General Merchandise $702,475 | Gen. Mdse.
Cotton, copra, | (re-exp'rt'd) $358,604
mother-of-pearl | Cotton, copra,
shell and other | mother-of-pearl
produce 367,975 | shell, etc. 516,583
| Fire Wood & cocoanuts. 1,041
---------- | --------
Total $1,070,450 | Total $876,228

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, 1883--Domestic Exports.

Sugar 114,107,155 lbs. | Rice 11,619,000 lbs.
Molasses 193,997 gals. | Coffee 16,057 lbs.
Paddy 1,368,705 lbs. | Bananas 44,902 bunches.

{60}

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{61}

NETHERLANDS INDIES.

The Netherlands Indies are by far the most important colonial possessions of the Netherlands. They cover all the Dutch possessions in the East Indies, and include Java, Madura, Banca, Sumatra, Bingtang, Billiton, Celebes, the Moluccas, Lombok Bali, and many smaller islands and parts of New Guinea, Borneo and Timor. Area of the colonies estimated at 636,329 square miles; population, 27,784,959. The superior administration is in the hands of a Governor General, assisted by a Council of 5 members.

The most important colony is Java, which politically includes the neighboring island of Madura. Total area, 50,848 square miles; population, 20,259,450. Java is governed under what is termed the culture system, which was established in 1832.

The strength of the total army in 1883 was 30,421 men, of whom 15,032 were Europeans, and 15,389 natives. There is a military academy near Batavia, and attached to every battalion is a school for soldiers. The navy, royal and colonial, consisted of 79 vessels and 5,029 men.

By far the larger part of the commerce of Dutch India is with the Netherlands. The average value of the total imports for three years was $62,500,000: exports, $75,000,000. About two-thirds of the imports were from the Netherlands, and three-fourths of the exports were sent to that country. The principal exports are sugar, coffee, rice, indigo and tobacco. Latest reports give value of coffee exported, $13,086,790; sugar, $19,625,470; indigo, $1,245,170; spices, $1,021,720; tobacco, $6,457,680.

The Netherlands Indies had, in 1882, 3,682 miles of telegraph, with 84 offices. Number of postoffices, 221. Java has now about 750 miles of railway.

HAWAII (SANDWICH ISLANDS). Ha-wi'ee.

A kingdom of Oceania, consisting of a group of 15 islands, of which 8 are inhabited. The government is a limited monarchy. Hawaii is the largest island; but Honolulu, the capital, is situated on the island of Oahu. Population of Honolulu, 7,000. Area of the islands, 6,667 square miles. At the last census, the population numbered 57,985: male, 34,103; female, 23,882; native, 44,088; Chinese, 5,916; white, 4,561, of whom 1,276 were Americans, 883 English, 436 Portuguese, 272 Germans, 81 French; half-caste, 3,420.

To a great extent the islands are mountainous, and there are numerous volcanoes, several of which are active. The volcano of Mauna Loa, on the Island of Hawaii, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The soil is exceedingly fertile and productive. Chief products, sugar and rice; but coffee, hides, bone, whale oil and wool are exported in considerable quantities. Value of exports, 1883, $8,121,200; imports, $5,624,240.

In 1883, 267 vessels, of 183,316 tons, entered, and 263 vessels, of 189,494 tons, cleared the ports. Of the former, 195 vessels were American. The islands own 64 vessels, of 15,588 tons. The islands of Hawaii and Maui are provided with telegraphs, and have about 32 miles of railway. Almost every house in Honolulu has its telephone.

There are numerous schools in the islands; the annual sum devoted to public instruction is $95,850. The King is a member of the Church of England; but all forms of religion are permitted and protected. {62}

AUSTRALASIA. Aws-tral-[=a]'she-a.

Under this bead are grouped all the Australian colonies belonging to Great Britain. They are seven in number, and geographically are comprised in the continent of Australia and the islands of Tasmania and New Zealand and part of New Guinea. Total area, 3,075,135 square miles. Population, 1883, 3,091,897.

Each colony has a Governor, appointed by the Crown, in whom is vested the executive power. The legislative power of each is vested in a Parliament of two houses.

Minerals abound in all the colonies. The most extensive coal mines are those of New South Wales, the product of which in 1884 was 2,521,457 tons; value, $6,009,705. Gold product of the colony, 1883, 122,256 ounces; value, $1,705,620. Coal product of New Zealand, 1883, 421,764 tons. Gold discovered 1857. Value of total exports to March, 1884, $203,535,370. In Queensland, tin, copper, lead and coal are mined. Value of tin raised, 1883, $2,940,060. Gold discovered 1858. Product, 1882, 230,090 oz.; value, $4,148,275. The chief mineral of South Australia is copper, but valuable iron ores also exist. Value of copper and copper ore, 1883, $1,876,625. Tasmania is rich in iron, tin and coal. Value of tin exported, 1883, $1,882,230. Amount of gold produced, 46,577 oz.; value, $882,210. In 1851 gold was discovered in Victoria. Total product to 1883, 52,214,150 oz.; value, $1,044,283,000. Principal minerals of Western Australia are copper, lead and coal.

Principal agricultural products of the colonies: Wheat product of New South Wales, 1884, 4,345,437 bushels; corn, 4,538,604 bushels; sugar, 35,220,640 lbs.; wine, 589,604 gallons. New Zealand--Wheat, 9,827,136 bushels; oats, 9,231,339 bushels. Leading grain crop of Queensland, corn. Yield of sugar, 1883, 73,534,000 lbs.; cotton, 70,020 lbs. South Australia--Wheat, 14,649,230 bushels; wine, 430,520 gallons. Principal products of Tasmania, grain, hops and fruit; value of green and preserved fruits exported 1883, $881,120. Wheat product of Victoria, 1884, 15,570,245 bushels; oats, 4,717,624 bushels; barley, 1,069,803 bushels; potatoes, 161,088 tons; hay, 433,143 tons.

The following table shows the number of farm animals in the colonies in 1884:

------------------+------------+-----------+----------+---------------
Colonies. | Sheep. | Cattle. | Horses. | Pigs.
------------------+------------+-----------+----------+---------------
New South Wales | 34,000,000 | 1,646,753 | 326,964 | 189,050
New Zealand | 14,056,266 | 698,637 | 161,736 | 200,083
Queensland | 9,308,911 | 4,266,172 | 253,116 | 51,796
South Australia | 6,677,067 | 319,620 | 184,360 |
Tasmania | 1,831,069 | 130,525 | 26,840 | 55,774
Victoria | 10,739,021 | 1,297,546 | 286,779 | 233,525
Western Australia | 1,547,061 | 71,102 | 37,111 |
------------------+------------+-----------+----------+---------------

Value of total exports and imports of the colonies, 1883: New South Wales--Exports, $99,430,090; imports, $104,800,785. New Zealand--Exports, $35,479,995; imports, $39,870,190. Queensland--Exports, $26,383,040; imports, $31,166,755. South Australia--Exports, $24,417,305; imports, $31,550,275. Tasmania--Exports, $8,657,995; imports, $9,163,185. Victoria--Exports, $81,994,315; imports, $88,719,230. Western Australia--Exports, $2,235,050; imports, $2,584,230.

In 1883, New South Wales had 1,320 miles of railway, and 597 under construction; New Zealand, 1,486 miles; Queensland, 1,038 miles, and 454 under construction; South Australia, 990.75 miles, and 225 under construction; Tasmania, 167 miles, and 207 under construction; Victoria, 1,562 miles, and 130 under construction; Western Australia, 55 miles, and 68 under construction. {63}

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{64}

NORTH AMERICA.

Northern and largest division of Western Continent, separated from South America by Gulf of Mexico, and connected with it by Isthmus of Panama.

Area, 8,918,346 square miles; extends from Arctic Ocean to about 8deg north latitude; extreme width, over 3,000 miles. Eastern coast line to southern extremity of Mexico, about 13,000 miles; western, about 11,000 miles. Has remarkable lake and river systems: the latter includes the Mississippi and its tributaries, whose combined navigable length is about 40,000 miles, and it is estimated that the great lakes contain a third of all fresh waters on the globe. The political divisions are Greenland, Iceland, Dominion of Canada, Newfoundland, United States, Central America and Mexico.

Extent in latitude results in great variety of climate, while the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding oceans furnish to most localities abundant moisture.

Ottawa, capital of Dominion of Canada, and great lumber depot; pop., 27,412; St. Johns, capital of Newfoundland, and easternmost seaport of North America; pop., 22,583. Number lighthouses in United States, Canada and Spanish America, 1,127.

Record of great fires: New York, 1835; loss $29,199,000. San Francisco, 1851; loss, 2,500 blocks. Chicago, 1871; loss, $160,594,500. Boston, 1872; loss, $72,997,500.

Rich soil and excellent tillage combine to produce abundant food supply for home consumption and foreign export. Tobacco, cotton, woods, dye-stuffs, grain, flour, meat, eggs and butter are among the supplies exported. Value of grain crops, United States and Canada, $1,114,428,500. Annual import of fruit in United States since 1871, 6 lbs. per inhabitant.

Canada has 900,000,000 acres forest; income, $58,398,000. United States, 560,000,000 acres; income, $374,720,500. Mexico and Central America are rich in mahogany and dye-stuffs. Number acres forest felled daily by United States wood-cutters, 10,000; annual consumption of firewood, United States and Canada, 1,550,000,000 cubic feet; number saw-mills, 1882, 15,740.

Nearly every variety of minerals abundant; iron widely diffused. Copper especially plentiful in region of great lakes; gold and silver in mountain regions of both sides of continent; lead abundant in central United States; quicksilver, in California and Mexico, coal fields numerous, and supply almost inexhaustible; salt also widely distributed. Annual consumption of coal in United States and Canada, 72,000,000 tons; gold production, 1830-1880, United States and Spanish America, 4,262 tons.

Lakes and rivers well stocked with fish; coast fisheries productive and profitable, especially on banks of Newfoundland, and along coasts of Washington and Oregon. Newfoundland has a world-wide reputation for cod fisheries, and seal fisheries rank next in importance. Average annual catch of cod, about 1,500,000 quintals; number seals taken yearly, about 600,000; of herring, about 175,000 bbls. Value fisheries of United States and Canada, $16,546,100,000.

Population, over 60,000,000, Mexico numbering 10,046,872, and Canada, 4,324,810.

Greenland and Iceland are Danish colonies. Canada and Newfoundland belong to Great Britain. Executive power of Canada vested in the Governor General, a representative of the Queen; legislative power exercised by a Senate and House of Commons, each Province having its own Lieutenant Governor and legislature. Public affairs of Newfoundland managed by governor, executive council, and legislative assembly. {65}

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{66}

ONTARIO. On-t[=a]'re-o.

The most populous Province of the Dominion of Canada; established in 1867. Previous to 1791 formed part of the Province of Quebec; from 1791 to 1840 known as Upper Canada; in 1840 reunited with Quebec, under the name of Canada.

Area, census of 1881, 101,733 square miles. Total land occupied, 19,259,909 acres; improved, 11,294,109 acres, of which 8,370,266 acres were under crops; 2,619,038 acres in pasture, and 304,805 acres in gardens and orchards.

Temperature at Toronto: winter, 4.8deg to 62.5deg; summer, 38.7deg to 92.7deg; mean temperature, 44.16deg. Rainfall at Toronto, 28.43 inches.

The surface of the country is diversified by numerous lakes and rivers. The agricultural resources are very great, and the mineral wealth varied and rich.

Public affairs are administered by a Lieutenant Governor, assisted by an Executive Council of 6, and a House of Assembly of 89 members. Capital, Toronto; pop. 86,415. Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion; pop., 27,412. Ontario sends 24 members to the Dominion Senate.

Agricultural products, 1881: wheat, 27,406,091 bushels; barley, 14,279,841 bushels; oats, 40,209,929 bushels; rye, 1,598,871 bushels; peas and beans, 9,434,872 bushels; buckwheat, 841,649 bushels; corn, 8,096,782 bushels; potatoes, 18,994,559 bushels; turnips, 33,856,721 bushels; other root crops, 6,479,222 bushels; hay, 2,038,659 tons; grass and clover seed, 173,219 bushels; flaxseed, 38,208 bushels; tobacco, 160,251 pounds; hops, 615,967 pounds.

Latest reported orchard products: apples, 11,400,517 bushels; grapes, 3,697,555 pounds; other fruits, 644,707 bushels.

Amount of butter produced on farms, 54,862,365 pounds; cheese, 1,701,721 pounds; wool, 6,013,216 pounds; cloth, flannel and linen, 1,440,199 yards. Maple sugar produced 1881, 4,169,706 pounds; honey, 1,197,628 pounds; flax and hemp, 1,073,197 pounds. Value of fur product, $129,578.

Number of farm animals in the Province, 1881: horses, 590,298; oxen, 23,263; milch cows and other cattle, 1,678,904; sheep, 1,359,178; swine, 700,922.

Latest reported timber product: white pine, 12,262,570 cu. ft.; red pine, 1,848,927 cu. ft.; oak, 5,448,263 cu. ft.; tamarack 1,515,360 cu. ft.; walnut, 741,431 cu. ft.; birch and maple, 612,760 cu. ft.; elm, 2,925,382 cu. ft.; all other timber, 26,577,869 cu. ft.; number of pine logs, 14,945,670; other logs, 7,621,610.

The Province has 259 steam vessels, with a tonnage of 44,550; and 289 sailing vessels, with a tonnage of 55,058. There are 5 vessels with 14 men, and 1,129 boats with 2,101 men and 928,008 fathoms of nets engaged in the 681 fisheries. Product for 1881: herring, 15,605 barrels; whitefish, 38,301 barrels; trout, 55,497 barrels; other fish, 18,817 barrels; fish oil, 1,629 gallons.

Population of the Province, 1881, 1,923,228; male, 976,461; female, 946767

Number of churches, 5,075: of which 2,375 are Methodist, 852 Presbyterian, 680 Church of England, 389 Baptist, and 367 Roman Catholic. There are 21 hospitals, and 22 orphanages. Number of colleges and universities, 17; boarding schools, 44.

There is an excellent system of free schools under the control of a Minister of Education and a Chief Superintendent. School pop., 405,857. Number of high schools, public and private, 410; public elementary schools, 5,313. Number miles of railway in the Province, 5223 {67}

* * * * *

{68}

QUEBEC. Kwe-bek'.

One of the most important of the Canadian Provinces. Earliest settlement made by Europeans, in 1541; first permanent settlement made by the French on the present site of the city of Quebec, 1608. Country occupied by the French until 1759, when, through the victory of Gen. Wolfe, it fell into the hands of the English.

Area, census of 1881, 188,688 square miles. Total amount of land occupied, 12,625,877 acres; improved, 6,410,264 acres, of which 4,147,984 were under crop, 2,207,422 in pasture, and 54,858 in gardens and orchards. Population, 1,359,027: male, 678,175; female, 680,852.

While the climate is similar to that of Ontario, it is colder in winter, and warmer in summer. At Montreal the winters are very severe, the temperature often ranging from zero to 10deg and even 30deg below it, and in summer it is frequently 90deg in the shade.

Public affairs are administered by a Lieutenant Governor, assisted by an Executive Council, a Legislative Council of 24 members, and a Legislative Assembly of 65 members. The Province sends 24 members to the Dominion Senate. Quebec is the capital; population, 62,446. Montreal the commercial metropolis of the Province, and also of the Dominion; population, 140,747.

The surface of the country is varied, consisting of extensive forests, large rivers, lakes and prairies, and bold, rocky heights. The Province abounds in numerous minerals.

Agricultural products for 1881: wheat, 2,019,004 bushels; barley, 1,751,539 bushels; oats, 19,990,205 bushels; rye, 430,242 bushels; peas and beans, 4,170,456 bushels; buckwheat, 2,041,670 bushels; corn, 888,169 bushels; potatoes, 14,873,287 bushels; turnips, 1,572,476 bushels; hay, 1,612,104 tons; grass and clover seed, 119,306 bushels; tobacco, 2,356,581 pounds; hops, 218,542 pounds.

This Province produces three times as much maple sugar as all the others combined; total amount produced 1881, 15,687,835 pounds; amount of honey produced, 559,024 pounds; apples, 777,557 bushels; grapes, 158,031 pounds. Value of fur product, $163,310. Butter produced on farms, 1881, 30,630,397 pounds; cheese, 559,278 pounds; wool, 2,730,544 pounds; cloth and flannel, 2,958,180 yards; flax and hemp, 865,310 pounds; linen, 1,120,301 yards.

Farm animals in the Province, 1881: horses, 273,852; oxen, 49,237; milch cows and other cattle, 900,096; sheep, 889,833; swine, 329,199.

Public instruction is under a Superintendent of Education. School pop., 209,623. Number of elementary public schools, 4,404; pupils, 170,858; colleges, 44; academies, 246; special schools, 18; normal, 3; model, 333.

The forests are extensive, and the lumbering and shipbuilding interests are large. Timber product, 1881: pine, 5,495,183 cu. ft.; oak, 59,587 cu. ft.; tamarack, 2,707,745 cu. ft.; birch and maple, 2,784,395 cu. ft.; all other timber, 14,612,669 cu. ft. Number of logs produced, 13,582,407; masts and spars, 104,248.

There are in the Province 293 steam vessels; tonnage, 132,097: 757 sailing vessels; tonnage, 110,356. The fisheries furnish employment to 14,744 men; there are 146 vessels and 6,761 boats engaged in this industry. Products of the fisheries, 1881: cod, 462,388 quintals; herring, 130,354 barrels; mackerel, 10,725 barrels; sardines, 4,360 barrels; canned lobsters, 517,734 pounds; all other fish, 101,861 barrels; fish oil, 263,374 barrels.

The prevailing religion is Roman Catholic. The number adhering to that faith is 1,170,718, or about seven-eighths of the entire population. Number of churches in the Province, 1,280, of which 712 are Roman Catholic. Number of hospitals, 29; orphanages, 11. There are 1,911 miles of railway. {69}

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{70}

NOVA SCOTIA. No'va Sko'she-a.

A Province of the Dominion of Canada, created in 1784; became part of the Dominion, 1867. Area, 20,907 square miles. Population, 1881, 440,572. Executive authority vested in Lieutenant Governor and Executive Council; legislative, in Legislative Council and House of Assembly.

Capital, Halifax; pop., 36,100. Capital of Cape Breton Island, Sydney. Soil generally fertile. Principal products are wheat, rye, oats, barley, potatoes and Indian corn. Grain product, 1880, 5,570,444 bushels; potatoes, 6,961,016 bushels; hay, 414,046 tons. Timber product, 1881, 3,144,323 cubic feet. Fisheries employ 755 vessels, 13,214 boats and 26,900 men; latest reports give 715,781 quintals of cod, haddock and hake; other fish, 301,756 barrels; lobsters, 3,841,467 lbs.; fish oil, 275,352 gallons.

There is a good system of common schools, organized In 1864. Annual expenditure for educational purposes, about $700,000. Miles of railway, 500; many short canals.

NEW BRUNSWICK.

Settled by French, 1639, and formed with Nova Scotia part of Arcadia. First British settlers came from Scotland, 1764. Province created 1784; became part of the Dominion, 1867.

Government vested in a Lieutenant Governor, an Executive, a Legislative Council and a House of Assembly. Area, 27,174 square miles. Population, 321,233. Capital, Fredericton; pop., 6,218.

Climate subject to extremes; temperature in winter, 30deg; in summer, 95deg. Soil exceedingly fertile. In 1881, acres in crops, 849,678; in pasture, 392,169. Products: grain, 5,490,896 bushels; potatoes, 6,961,016; hay, 414,046 tons. In 1881, wool product, 760,531 pounds. The number of horses in 1881 was 52,975; oxen, 8,812; horned cattle, 203,748; sheep, 221,163; swine, 53,087.

There is a good system of non-sectarian free schools in the Province. Telegraphic and railway communication throughout the Province. Number miles of railway, 1,148.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

A Province of the Dominion of Canada, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. First settled by the French, who ceded it to Great Britain in 1758. Province created 1768; admitted into the Dominion, 1873. Area, 27,174 square miles. Total land occupied, 1,126,653 acres; improved, 596,731 acres; under crops, 467,211 acres.

Climate milder than that of the adjoining continent. All ordinary cereals may be cultivated. Grain product, 1881: 4,301,110 bu.; potatoes, 6,042,191 bu.; turnips, 1,198,407 bu.; butter, 1,688,690 pounds; cheese, 196,273 pounds. Farm animals, 328,734.

Population, 108,891: male, 54,729; female, 54,162. Capital, Charlottetown; population, 11,485.

The government is vested in a Lieutenant Governor, an Executive and a Legislative Council and a House of Assembly.

The fisheries are very valuable. Products, 1881: cod, 18,736 quintals; herring, 21,501 bbls; mackerel, 91,792 bbls; canned lobsters, 3,275,316 lbs; oysters, 175,408 bbls; fish oil, 8,139 gals.

The Province owns 11 steam vessels, and 224 sailing vessels, with a tonnage of 45,237. Timber product, 1881, 910,200 cu. ft.

Number of churches, 231. Free school system introduced 1853. School population, 22,711. Number of district schools, 355; grammar, 15; high, 46; colleges, 3. Number of miles of railway, 200. {71}

* * * * *

{72}

MANITOBA. Man-i-to'ba.

A Province of the Dominion of Canada, formerly known as the Red River Settlement, and also Assiniboia; admitted into the Confederation in 1870. Area, 123,200 square miles. Population, 65,954. The climate is healthful and cold; average summer temperature, 65deg; winter, 3deg below zero.

Government is in the hands of a Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the Governor General of the Dominion, with an Executive Council of 6 members and a Legislative Assembly. Manitoba sends 3 Senators to the Dominion Senate. Capital, Winnipeg; pop., 7,985.

Surface level. Land occupied, 2,384,337 acres; improved, 250,416 acres; under crops, 230,264 acres. Principal crop, wheat; latest reported product, 1,033,673 bu.; oats, 1,270,268 bu.; barley, 253,604 bu. Farm animals, 1881: horses, 16,739; oxen, 12,269; milch cows and other cattle, 48,012. Butter made on farms, 957,152 lbs.; cheese, 19,613 lbs. Timber produced, 895,445 cu. ft.

The Canadian Pacific Railway has 670 miles in the Province. There are 4 colleges and 5 boarding schools. No. of churches, 88.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES.

This large possession was purchased by the Dominion from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1870. In 1882 a portion of it was subdivided into four districts: Assiniboia, 95,000 square miles; Saskatchewan, 114,000 square miles; Alberta, 100,000 square miles; Athabasca, 122,000 square miles.

Area of the Territories, 2,665,252 square miles. Total land occupied, 314,107 acres, of which 28,833 acres are improved. Furs from this country are found in every market of the world; value of the product for 1881, $428,177. Timber product, 109,873 cu. ft.

The country is well watered by numerous large lakes and rivers. There are at least 600,000 square miles fitted for agriculture. One of the most fertile belts is the Saskatchewan, through a portion of which the Canadian Pacific Railway passes.

Public affairs in the hands of a Lieutenant Governor and Council. Capital, Regina. Number of churches, 44. School population, 578.

Population, census of 1881, 56,446: male, 28,113; female, 28,333.

BRITISH COLUMBIA. Ko-l[)u]m'be-a'.

Colony established 1858; admitted into the Dominion, 1871. Area, including Vancouver's Island, 341,305 square miles. Population, 49,459. Climate milder than that of same latitude on the Atlantic coast. Country traversed by Rocky and Cascade Mountains. Loftiest peak, Mount Browne, 16,000 feet high. Government consists of a Lieutenant Governor, an Executive Council, and a Legislative Assembly, elected by the people. Capital, Victoria; pop., 5,925.

Amount of land occupied, 441,255 acres; improved, 184,885 acres. Grain product, 1881, 559,220 bu.; potatoes, 556,193 bu.; hops, 24,899 lbs. Farm animals, 151,202. Butter made on farms, 343,387 lbs.; cheese, 33,252. Value of fur product, $153,442. Timber product, 2,427,882 cu. ft. There are 406 fisheries. Salmon product, 50,105 bbls.; other fish, 12,767 bbls. Fish oil 237,492 gals.

The mineral wealth of the Province is very great, the chief source being coal. On the mainland and Vancouver's Island large deposits of bituminous coal are found, and on Queen Charlotte's Island a fine grade of anthracite. Gold is found in various localities. In ten years the yield in the Province exceeded $22,000,000. {73}

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{74}

ALASKA. A-las'-ka.

At the time of its discovery by the Russians, it was called by the natives Alayeska, which has changed through Alaksa and Alashka to its present form. Largest possession of United States; discovered by Vitus Behring, 1741; purchased from Russia, 1867.

Area, 531,409 square miles: Arctic division, 125,245; Yukon, 176,515; Kuskokvim, 114,975; Aleutian, 14,610; Kadiak, 70,884; Southeastern, 28,980. Extreme length, north and south, 1,100 miles; extreme breadth, 800 miles. Yukon, the great highway through the country, navigable in summer about 700 miles; coast line, exclusive of smaller indentations, over 4,000 miles.

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Alden's Handy Atlas of the WorldChapter II: Part 2

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