9. History. Portugal was held, in common with Spain, by the Moors from Africa for many centuries, and was annexed to that kingdom in 1580. 10. In 1640, it was recovered by John, Duke of Braganza, and in 1808 it was seized by the French, while the roval family fled to South America. 11. By the help of the English, the French were repelled and peace restored. Since which the court has been in trouble; the usurper, Miguel, now fills the throne. Questions on the above Lesson. 1. What is remarked of Portugal ? 6. What of her soil and climate? 8. What of her religion? 9. Her history up to 1580? 10. Her state in 1640 ? 11. What befel her in 1808? 12. Who aided in the war? 13. What her subsequent state? 14. Her course from New-York? SECTION V. ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY. (Lesson 1.) THE WESTERN CONTINENT. NOTE. For a sketch of the discovery of this continent, see Reading Exercises, in this part of the work. 1. The western continent consists of two grand divisions, styled North America and South America; the dividing line is the famous Isthmus of Darien. 2. This continent was unknown to the civilized world until 1492; but it was well known, probably, from the earliest ages, to a race of men whom we style Indians. 3. Since its discovery, it has fallen piece-meal, either by purchase, conquest, or fraud, into the hands of some of the most distinguished nations of Europe. North America. 4. This half of the continent has the following grand divisions: -First. The British and Russian possessions, lying in the north, and extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 5. Second. The United States of North America, lying south of the British and Russian possessions, and extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 6. Third. The late Spanish possessions in North America, lying south and west of the United States, extending to South America, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Mexican Republic. 7. To these divisions may be added the islands lying on the coast of the continent, which are also in the hands principally of Europeans. 8. Mountains. The most prominent ranges are the White Green, Alleghany, Appalachian, Stony, and Cordilleras; and Mount Elias, on the north-west coast. 9. Lakes. Slave Lake, Superiour, Mich'igan, Hu'ron, E'rie, Ontario, and many of a smaller class. 10. Rivers. Mackenzie, Nel'son, St. Lawrence, Rio Bravo, Columbia, Mississip'pi, and Poto'mac. 11. Gulfs and Bays. Baf'fin's, Hud'son's, James', and Chesapeake bays; and the gulfs of California, Campeach'y, and Mex'ico. 12. Capes. Fare'well, Cod, May, Charles, Henry, Look'out, Fear, Blanco, and Lu'cas.. 13. Peninsulas, &c. Nova Scotia, California, Alas'ca, and Yucatan', and the Isthmus of Darien. 14. Straits. Baffin's, Davis', Hudson's, Beh'ring's, and Belle Isle. 15. Islands. Newfoundland', Long Island, the Bermudas, and the West Indies. Questions on the above Lesson: 1: What of the western continent? (Lesson 2.) 9. The mountains of N. America? BRITISH AND RUSSIAN AMERICA. 1. A vast region of country lying toward the north pole of the earth, and extending from the northern Atlantic to the northern Pacific, is claimed and partially possessed by these powers. 2. Russia has the west, and the British the east, but the dividing line is not known; and much of the country is visited for hunting and trapping only. 3. The British possessions are divided into Upper and Lower Canada, and New-Brunswick, &c. A part of each is indifferently populated. 4. Chief Towns. Quebec', Montreal', and Halifax, are the three largest. Quebec is the capital, and one of the strongest places in the British empire. 5. Commerce. These provinces carry on a brisk trade with the mother country, in fur, fish, and lumber. They are governed by officers appointed by the crown. 6. Soil and Climate. The northern regions are cold and barren, thinly inhabited by a dwarfish race; the southern parts are productive, and the climate is serene and healthy. 7. History. British America was originally held by the French, but in the French and Indian war of 1763, it was taken by the English, and has been retained to this day. Questions on the above Lesson. 1. What of British and Russian 3. How is the region divided? 3. How is British America divided? 4. What are the chief towns? 7. What the soil and climate? 8. By whom first held? 10. Which way from New York? (Lesson 3.) UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. 1. The United States occupy the central and most temperate part of North America; they present a broad and conspicuous belt, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. There are 24 states, besides several large territories. 2. Chief Towns. New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, and New-Orleans. New-York is the largest, but Washington is the seat of the national government. 3. Rivers. No part of the earth is better watered; the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohi'o, and Potomac, are among the largest rivers of the world. 4. Lakes. These lie principally in the north, and form a chain of great extent; some of them are larger than the seas of the old world. 5. Mountains. The Apalachian chain pervades the Union; the Rocky mountains lie toward the Pacific. 6. Capes, Bays, &c. The whole coast of the Atlantic is beautifully indented with capes and bays, estuaries and promontories, and studded with numerous islands. 7. Soil and Climate. No country furnishes a richer soil or more salubrious climate. The productions of the earth are abundant, and generally very certain. 8. Religion. The people have the liberty of choosing their own religion, and their own mode and time of worship; hence, there are many sects, and some of them very numerous. 9. Government. This is a democratic republic; the executive power is vested in a president, appointed by the people. At the same time, each state is independent as to its own internal affairs. 10. History. The United States were first settled by emigrants |