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THE BOSTONSCHOOL ATLAS,
THE BOSTONSCHOOL ATLAS,
EMBRACING A COMPENDIUM OF GEOGRAPHY. BY B. FRANKLIN EDMANDS. Table of Contents. TWELFTH EDITION; STEREOTYPED, CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING MAPS AND CHARTS. Embellished with Instructive Engravings. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY ROBERT S. DAVIS, SUCCESSOR TO LINCOLN, EDMANDS, & CO., No. 77, Washington Street. 1840....
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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
A careful examination of Maps is a sure and at the same time the most convenient method of acquiring a knowledge of Geography. With a view of furnishing to young classes an economical means of commencing a course of geographical study, this work has been prepared; and it is believed that a thorough acquaintance with its contents will impart such general ideas, as will prepare them to enter upon a more minute investigation of the subject, when they shall have arrived at a proper age. The use of t
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WATER.
WATER.
Comprises Oceans, Seas, Lakes, Gulfs or Bays, Havens or Harbours, Straits, Channels, Sounds, and Rivers. An Ocean is a large expanse of water not separated by land. A Sea is a lesser extent of water than an ocean, almost surrounded by land. A Lake is a large collection of water in the interior of a country;—generally fresh. A salt water lake is called a Sea . A Gulf or Bay is a part of the sea extending up into the land. A Haven or Harbour is a small portion of water, almost enclosed by land, wh
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LAND.
LAND.
Is divided into Continents, Islands, Peninsulas, Isthmuses, and Capes; and is diversified by Plains, Mountains, and Valleys. A Continent is a large tract of land nowhere entirely separated by water. There are two continents, viz. the Western and Eastern. An Island is a portion of land surrounded by water. A Peninsula is a portion of land almost surrounded by water. An Isthmus is the neck of land which joins a peninsula to the main land. A Cape is a point of land, projecting into the sea. A mount
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SURFACE OF THE EARTH.
SURFACE OF THE EARTH.
In a general point of view, the surface of the earth may properly be considered as one vast ocean, in which are placed a great number of islands, whose sizes are various. Two of these islands are called CONTINENTS ;—because it has hitherto been impossible to sail round them, owing to the frozen state of the waters of the Arctic seas. That which has been for the longer space of time inhabited by civilized nations, is called the eastern , or old continent , and contains Asia, Europe, and Africa. T
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GRAND DIVISIONS OF THE OCEAN.
GRAND DIVISIONS OF THE OCEAN.
The ocean is subdivided into portions, which are known by different names, viz. the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic or Northern, and Antarctic or Southern oceans. The situation of these may be seen by reference to the map of the world. The Atlantic ocean varies in extent, from seven hundred to four thousand miles in breadth from west to east, and is nine thousand miles in length. The Pacific ocean extends from north to south about eight thousand miles, and from west to east about eleven thousa
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MOUNTAINS, &c.
MOUNTAINS, &c.
Mountains form the principal feature which presents itself on viewing the surface of the land . These immense heights have their descents, more or less steep, and their exteriors greatly diversified. Some of them present a surface of naked and rugged rocks piled one upon another; others show an abrupt and almost perpendicular surface, which conveys to an observer an idea that the mountain has been cut from top to bottom, so as to show the interior. Sometimes mountains seem, when viewed from part
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LAKES.
LAKES.
Lakes are of four distinct classes. 1. Those which have no streams of water running into nor from them. They are generally very small, and of little consequence. 2. Those which have streams flowing from them, but none flowing into them. These are mostly supplied with water from subterraneous springs. Some of this class form the sources of large rivers, and are generally situated on elevated land. 3. Those which have streams flowing both into and from them. These, by a continual flow of fresh riv
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CAVERNS.
CAVERNS.
In many parts of the earth are found caverns, or deep cavities and grottoes, which are remarkable on account of their great extent, and for the grand and imposing appearance of the rocks which compose the sides and roof. Fingal’s cave, in the island Staffa, one of the western islands of Scotland, is a noted cave. FINGAL’S CAVE. It is thus described by a celebrated traveller. ‘The mind can hardly form an idea more magnificent than such a space, supported on each side by ranges of basaltic columns
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MINERALS.
MINERALS.
The earth contains many mineral substances beneath its surface, which are useful to man. These substances are dug out, and thus immense mines are formed. Gold and silver are obtained in great quantities in South America. Iron, the most useful of metals, is obtained in various parts of the world. Annexed is a representation of the iron mine at Dalmora, in Europe. The iron ore is not dug out as in mines of coal, tin, &c. but is torn up by means of gunpowder. IRON MINE. The descent into thi
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GRAND DIVISIONS OF THE EARTH.
GRAND DIVISIONS OF THE EARTH.
The Earth has generally been considered by geographers under four Grand Divisions , viz. America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Besides these, there are four clusters of Islands, which according to some geographers constitute other divisions, viz. Australasia, Polynesia, the East India Islands, and the West India Islands. AMERICA is the largest of the divisions, and was unknown to the civilized world till the year 1492, when it was discovered by Christopher Columbus. It however takes its name from A
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CIVIL AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY.
CIVIL AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY.
The principal Political Divisions, are Empires , Kingdoms , and Republics . An Empire consists of several large countries, governed by one sovereign, called an emperor. A Kingdom is generally of a lesser extent than an empire, and is governed by a king. If the power of an emperor, or of a king, be limited by law, the government is called a limited monarchy ; if there be no legal restraint to the will of the sovereign, it is called an absolute monarchy . A Republic is a country, the government of
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STATE OF SOCIETY.
STATE OF SOCIETY.
Nations are either Savage, Barbarous, Civilized, or Enlightened. 1. Savages are those who are ignorant of the art of writing, and whose ideas are confined to objects which strike the senses. They are inclined to be superstitious, cruel, and revengeful, but are in general free from the acquired vices of more enlightened people. They live together in tribes, and have a deadly hatred towards all other tribes. They delight in war, and are noted for the patient endurance of fatigue, and contempt of p
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NORTH AMERICA.
NORTH AMERICA.
1. By whom and in what year was America discovered? 2. After whom was it named? 3. What is remarkable in the climate of America? 4. What are the principal divisions of North America? 5. In what part are the British Possessions? 6. Mexico? 7. The United States? 8. Greenland? 9. The Russian Possessions? 10. Guatimala? 11 to 16. How is each one of these divisions bounded? 17. What range of mountains extends through the whole length of North America? 18. What is its course? 19. Near which coast is t
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UNITED STATES.
UNITED STATES.
Note. The pupil must not think that the opposite map gives a view of the whole extent of the territory of the United States; it represents only that part which is divided into States, and settled. A view of the whole is given on the map of North America; and by comparing the two maps, he will easily understand what part is here represented. 1. The United States constitute a Republic; how is the government administered? 2. How many States and Territories are in this Republic, including Oregon Ter
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MAINE.
MAINE.
This map represents only the southern part of the State of Maine; the northern part is covered with extensive forests. For the whole shape of the State, the pupils must refer to the Map of the United States; and by comparing the two maps, they will easily comprehend what portion of the State is here represented. This State has many lakes and rivers, but some of them are not well suited to navigation. 1. How many counties are there in Maine? [2] 2. Which of them lie along the shore of the Atlanti
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NEW HAMPSHIRE.... and ... VERMONT.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.... and ... VERMONT.
1. Which of these States is more eastwardly? 2. Which extends further north? 3. Which of them has any sea-coast? 4. What state lies east from New Hampshire? 5. What state south? 6. How many counties are there in New Hampshire? 7. What counties border upon Massachusetts? 8. What on Maine? 9. What counties lie along the Connecticut river? 10. What counties in the interior? 11. What mountains are there in this State? 12. In what part of the State are the Pigwacket mountains? 13. In what county are
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MASSACHUSETTS, CONNECTICUT,AND RHODE ISLAND.
MASSACHUSETTS, CONNECTICUT,AND RHODE ISLAND.
1. Which is the largest of these States? 2. Which is smallest? 3. Into how many counties is Massachusetts divided? 4. What county is in the western part? 5. Through which does the Connecticut river flow? 6. Which is the largest county? 7. Which counties lie in the northeastern part? 8. Which in the southeastern part? 9. Boston and Chelsea constitute what county? 10. What mountains form the western boundary of Massachusetts? 11. Where are the Hoosack mountains? 12. In what part, and in what town
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NEW YORK.
NEW YORK.
1. New York is divided into 56 counties; how many of them are on Long Island? 2. Which lie north from the 44th parallel of latitude? 3. Through which does the Hudson river flow? 4. What counties border on the river St. Lawrence? 5. Through what counties does the Delaware and Hudson canal run? 6. What counties lie west from the meridian of Washington? 7. What are some of the interior counties? 8. On what island is Richmond county? 9. What counties border on Lake Ontario? 10. On Lake Champlain? 11
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PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY,AND DELAWARE.
PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY,AND DELAWARE.
1. Name some of the counties that lie along the northern boundary of Pennsylvania? 2. The eastern? 3. The western? 4. The southern? 5. In the interior? 6. Through what counties does the Monongahela river flow? 7. The Alleghany river? 8. What county borders on Lake Erie? 9. What range of mountains runs through the State? 10. What other mountains are in the State? 11. What lake borders on the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania? 12. What river forms the eastern boundary? 13. What river rises in Ne
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WESTERN STATES.
WESTERN STATES.
1. Name the Western States. 2. Which lie north from the Ohio river? 3. Which south? 4. Which west from Mississippi river? 5. Which does Mississippi river bound on the west? 6. What two large rivers run through Kentucky and Tennessee? 7. The Territory which lies north and west from Missouri state extends westward, to the Oregon Territory; what is it called? 8. What Territory lies south from Missouri state? 9. What States south from Tennessee?—[ For answer to this question refer to the United Stat
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NEW ENGLAND.
NEW ENGLAND.
New England includes the six States lying east from Hudson river and Lake Champlain. This general name was given to this part of the country by the first settlers, or, as they are generally called, ‘the pilgrim fathers,’ who left England, their native country, and landed at Plymouth, in December, 1620, in order that they might enjoy religious freedom. This section of the United States is distinguished for the industry of its inhabitants, and for being the most populous part of the Union. Great a
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MIDDLE STATES.
MIDDLE STATES.
THE PATTERSON VIADUCT. The Middle States are so called from their relative situation. The distinguishing characteristic of this section of country is the extensive system of internal improvement by means of canals and railroads, by which the prosperity of those States is much promoted. Railroads are laid down on the most level routes between the places to be connected. They are formed by rails of iron laid on a foundation of stone or wood. The wheels of the carriages are made to run upon these r
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WESTERN STATES.
WESTERN STATES.
The Western States have all sprung into existence within the period of the last fifteen years, and their growth has been unparalleled, both in the increase of population and wealth. Probably no district of country on earth, possesses so great a proportion of soil capable of yielding the necessaries and luxuries of life, in so great abundance. The seasons are regularly divided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and the climate is generally healthful. Furs, minerals, cotton, indigo, tobacco,
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SOUTHERN STATES.
SOUTHERN STATES.
Mount Vernon. Seat of General Washington. That part of the Southern States near the Atlantic ocean and the gulf of Mexico is low and sandy. The greater portion of this section of the country is barren, except the parts near the rivers, which are exceedingly fertile. After proceeding towards the interior about 75 or 100 miles, the country becomes mountainous and productive. Tobacco, cotton, rice and sugar are the staple productions. The owners of the lands where these articles are cultivated are
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TERRITORIES.
TERRITORIES.
The Territory of Florida has a great similarity to the Southern States generally. It is well stocked with timber, and furnishes a great quantity for ship building. Its climate and soil are well adapted to the growth of sugar cane, coffee, cotton and rice. Arkansas Territory is in the eastern part flat and swampy—in the western uneven—and in the middle pleasant and healthful. The North West Territory has been but little explored; it is chiefly in possession of the Indians. Green Bay and Prairie d
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SOUTH AMERICA.
SOUTH AMERICA.
1. What productions are found in greater perfection in America , than in the other parts of the earth? 2. What are the principal divisions of South America? 3. In what part is Amazonia? 4. By what name is the northeastern part of the Republic of Colombia known? 5. By what name is the western part distinguished? 6. How is Colombia situated? 7. Peru? 8. Bolivia? 9. Guiana? 10. Brazil? 11. The United Provinces? 12. Chili? 13. Patagonia? 14 to 21. How are these countries severally bounded? 22. What
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EUROPE.
EUROPE.
1. For what is Europe celebrated? 2. What are its principal divisions? 3. How is Denmark [7] bounded? 4 to 19. How is each of the other divisions bounded? 20. In what part of Europe is Russia? 21. Spain? 22. Norway? [8] 23. Where are the Ural mountains? 24. What mountains are in Italy? 25. In Switzerland? 26. In Austria? 27. Where are the Pyrenees? 23. How are the Hæmus mountains situated? 29. The Dofrafeld mountains? 30. What Volcano is on the island Sicily? 31. Where is Mount Hecla, another vo
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BRITISH ISLES.
BRITISH ISLES.
1. The British Isles constitute a Kingdom; how is it governed? 2. Name the countries of the British Isles. 3. How is England bounded? 4. Are there any lofty mountains in England? 5. What sea lies west from the northern part of England? 6. What sea lies east from England? 7. What is a Channel? 8. At the mouth of what river is Bristol channel? 9. Where is the Wash? 10. Where is the British channel? 11. Straits of Dover? 12. What river forms part of the northern boundary of England? 13. In what par
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ASIA.
ASIA.
1. For what is Asia remarkable? 2. Which of the countries of Asia is largest? 3. In what part is Arabia? 4. China? 5. What countries lie between Turkey and Hindostan? 6. How is Siberia bounded? 7. Arabia? 8. Turkey? 9. Persia? 10. Independent Tartary? 11. Hindostan? 12. Afghanistan? 13. Beloochistan? 14. China? 15. Birman Empire? [10] 16. Siam? 17. Anam? [11] 18. The Caucasian country, or Circassia and Georgia? 19. Malaya? 20. What ranges of mountains are on the boundaries of Siberia? 21. Where
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AFRICA.
AFRICA.
1. Is our knowledge of Africa as extensive as of other countries? 2. What countries lie in the northern part? 3. What countries on the coast of the Red Sea? 4. What countries in the southern part? 5. What in the interior? 6. What deserts in the northwestern part? 7. In the eastern? 8. Where is Liberia? 9. How is Egypt bounded? 10. What mountains are in the western part of Africa? 11. What mountains in the interior? 12. Where is Mount Atlas? 13. Table mountain? 14. What Lake lies in the interior
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GENERAL QUESTIONS.
GENERAL QUESTIONS.
1. What is diameter? 2. What is circumference? 3. How is the earth proved to be a globe or round body? 4. How many miles is it through the centre of the earth? 5. How many degrees round it? 6. How many miles round it? 7. If you were to sail from the island Owhyhee sixty degrees in a westerly direction, at what cluster of islands would you arrive? 8. How many degrees east and west is longitude reckoned? 9. What is the longitude of the New Hebrides? 10. Between what islands would a ship pass in sa
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WEST INDIA ISLANDS.
WEST INDIA ISLANDS.
A fertile soil, a hot and unhealthy climate in summer, and a pleasant and healthful winter, is common to all the West India Islands. Being situated in the torrid zone, they produce most of the tropical fruits, spices, &c. viz. indigo, coffee, cinnamon, cocoa, cloves, pine-apples, pomegranates, oranges, lemons, limes, figs, &c. Cuba, 700 miles long, is the largest, and belongs to Spain; its capital, Havanna, is a place of much commerce. St. Domingo, or Hayti, is next in size. In t
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EAST INDIA ISLANDS.
EAST INDIA ISLANDS.
Comprise two groups of islands, viz. the Isles of Sunda and the Philippine Islands. Borneo is the largest of these islands. It has an unhealthy climate, and a fertile soil. The Ourang Outang, the largest of the monkey species, is common in this island. Sumatra is a mountainous and wild country. Its forests abound with the elephant, rhinoceros, bear, and wild boar. Bencoolen, the only European settlement, belongs to England. Java has many volcanic mountains, an unhealthy climate, and fertile soil
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AUSTRALASIA.
AUSTRALASIA.
Embraces many large islands, lying in the south Pacific Ocean. New Holland is the largest island in the world, having a greater extent of surface than the United States. It is at present but little known. Its native inhabitants are said to approach nearer to the brute creation than any other savages. Van Dieman’s Land is a fertile island, belonging to the British. Of New Guinea little is known. New Britain and New Ireland have a fertile soil, and produce abundance of nutmegs. The inhabitants res
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POLYNESIA.
POLYNESIA.
This name is given to those islands lying in the Pacific ocean between Asia, the West India and Australasian islands on the one side, and America on the other. In this division Owhyhee, one of the Sandwich islands, is the largest. The inhabitants of the Sandwich, Ladrone and Navigator’s islands, are notorious thieves. Those of the Friendly, the Society, the Pelew islands, are hospitable and kind. Otaheite is the largest of the Society islands, and has a missionary establishment, as has also, Owh
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ELEMENTAL ASTRONOMY,
ELEMENTAL ASTRONOMY,
IN WHICH THE SCIENCE IS CONSIDERED PRINCIPALLY IN ITS RELATION TO THE EARTH. THE SEASONS. Astronomy is the science which treats of the System of the Universe. The system of which the Earth is a part, is called the Solar System ; and is composed of the Sun , the Planets , Satellites , and Comets . The Sun is the source of light and heat to the whole system, and is the centre of motion, round which all the other bodies revolve from west to east. The Planets are opaque or dark bodies, which revolve
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TIDES.
TIDES.
Tides are regular motions or successive rising and falling of the waters of oceans and seas. They are caused chiefly by the attraction of the moon, which draws up the waters as seen in cut No. 1. Thus, as the moon revolves round the earth, its attracting or drawing power passes with it over the surface of the ocean, and the elevation of the waters, following that attraction, is drawn along until the shore or coast of a country stops its progress; this causes, all along the coast, a rising of the
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QUESTIONS IN REVIEW OF THE COMPENDIUM.
QUESTIONS IN REVIEW OF THE COMPENDIUM.
Commencing at Page 9. 1. What does the surface of the earth most naturally appear to be? 2. What is the difference between an island and a continent? 3. What proofs are there that the ocean is not bottomless? 4. What is the chief characteristic of the waters of the ocean? 5. Why is the height of places calculated from the level of the sea? 6. What is the extent of each of the divisions of the ocean? 7. What is the prominent feature of the surface of the land? 8. What is a Defile?—9. A Plateau? 1
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