Ci.
Bk.
TEACHERS’ COLLECTION
TRINITY COLLEGE LIBRARY
DURHAM, N. C.
Rac’d A?A±S ML
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2015
https://archive.org/details/geographyreaders51 wins
GEOGRAPHY READERS— V
DISTAI^T COUNTRIES
ASIA, AFRICA
AUSTRALIA
BY
I. O. WINSLOW
cL^
BOSTON, U.S.A.
D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS
1910
WINSLOW’S
GEOGUAPIIY LEADERS
Tiir Eahtii and Its Peoim.r
The United States
Our American NEicnnons
Europe
Distant Countries
Copyright, 1010, dv
D. C. HEATH A C^O.
PREFACE
The purjDose of tins series is to occupy niicUlle ground
between the customary text-books and geographical I’eaders,
and to combine the essential advantages of both.
The two extremes, whether employed separately or to-
gether, fail to meet the practical needs of the average school-
room. The text-books adhere to the scientific method, at a
sacrifice of the practical or pedagogical method. The teacher
finds it difficult either to assign a definite lesson for study
from the books or to use them for class exercises in reading
and discussion. In their completeness the text-books con-
tain so much that selection is difficult, and the attempt to
teach the whole is disastrous.
Geographical readers, in the form of stories of travel,
go so far to the other extreme that they also fall outside
of the daily task of the geography teacher. Courses of
study very properly call for definite concepts and facts.
After serious attention has been given to these, there is but
little time to spare in the regular curriculum for lighter
reading.
There is need of books that shall select the essentials and
set them forth in such an explicit and straightforward man-
ner that they may be easily used, both for preparatory read-
ing and for study and recitation. It is the design of these
books to supply that want. Since they occupy a unique
position, they should not be judged according to - existing
standards, Imt according to practical needs.
Care bas been taken to make the series genuinely progres-
sive. Each book builds upon the foundation laid in previous
111
IV
PREFA.CE
books. Suck topics as have been treated in earlier books are
omitted, or brielly mentioned for the purpose of review, or
ti-eated from a more mature standpoint. In choice of words
and style there is a gradual advancement through the series
corresponding to tlie advancing ability of pupils of the
several grades.
Unusual attention has been given to the industrial and
commercial aspects of the subject, in the belief that these
are of fundamental importance and of natural interest to
clnldren. Tlie fact that political geography, or the geog-
ra])hy of locations, is wrought out in close connection with
such industrial and commercial development renders it more
significant and more easily remembered.
Topics of fundamental importance are fully explained in
the text, but many minor points, which may be easily ascer-
tained or inferred by pupils, are reserved and given at the
end of each chapter, either in the form of questions or brief
statements accompanied by questions. These exercises,
supplemented by map sketching and other work that is
here and there suggested, will provide definite lessons for
the study period, Avhich many teachers find it difficult to
arrange.
The review questions relate to j^rincipal points explained
in tlie text, and may be employed either for the daily assign-
ment of lessons or for occasional review. It is believed that
these questions, together with the exercises given in connec-
tion with each chapter, include as much as pupils of ele-
mentary grades should be expected to learn.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Asia 1
Siberia 10
Turkey in Asia 16
Arabia, I’ersia, and Afghanistan . . . . . . .26
India 3.5
Indufstries and Cities of India ........ 45
Review . .54
China 58
Chinese Industries 68
Remote Provinces and Smaller Countries 79
Jaiian ............ 84
Africa ............. 101
Egypt ........ .... 107
Northern Africa .......... 116
The Desert of Sahara . . . . . . . . .12.3
The Sudan 129
Central Africa 139
Southern Africa .......... 150
Australia ............ 165
Large Islands of the Pacific . . . . . . . .174
Small Islands of the Pacific ........ 181
Review ............. 185
Appendix ............ 188
Population and Areas . 188
Index and Pronouncing Vocabulara' ...... 190
LIST OF MAPS
i>Ar,E
f'oAiMF.iiciAi, IMai’ of tiik Wokli) (col(ir(>(I) . . . facing 1
Asia (colored) ........... 4-5
Africa (colored) ........... 105
Austrama (colored) .......... 107
VI
DISTANT COUNTRIES
DISTANT COUNTPJES
Our interest in the study of geography lies first in
onr own country, and after that in the countries most
nearly related to us. Although Europe is separated
from America by the broad Atlantic, a very large pro-
portion of the American people are familiar with that
continent, and hold it in high esteem, because it is either
their own former home or the home of their ancestors.
To some people the more distant lands seem less
important, because they are far away, and have not
reached the degree of civilization that is common in
Europe and America.
At the present time, however, these conditions are
rapidly changing. Nations of the Far East are surpris-
ing the world by the rapidity of their progress. The
fact that we ourselves have come into possession of the
Hawaiian Islands, in the midst of the Pacific, and of
the Pliilippines, thousands of miles farther away, has
made the opposite side of the earth seem much nearer
than before. At the same time a great increase in
commerce between our shores and remote regions has
rendered these of greater practical interest to us.
I . Asia
We often think of Asia as situated fav to the east,
beyond the continent of Europe. We forget that it
reaches so far around the earth that it almost touches
our northwestern possessions. It is only about fifty
1
2
DISTANT COUNTRIES
miles from the farthest point of Alaska, across Bering
Strait, to the Asiatic coast.
Asia is tlie large.st of the continents. It has more
territory than North America and Sontli America
combined. It contains nearly one third of all the land
In the Heart of the Himalayas
surface of the earth. In longitude it reaches from the
Mediterranean Sea to Bering Strait, a distance of six
thonsand miles. In latitude it extends from the trop-
ical regions near the equator to a point within a few
decrrees of the North Pole.
O
In the northern and western parts of this great con-
tinent are vast plains, but in the central and southern
portions are the highest mountains in the world. Even
the plateaus among these mountains are higher above the
sea- than the highest peaks of many mountain ranges.
ASIA
3
The mountains of Asia are of more recent formation
than many mountain systems. The crust of that part
;ToboIsk
i^KEST/
Kuenh
,^qha_.
STAN
of Aden
ASIA
1000
Madras
Scale of Statute 3Iiles
Capitals of Countries; ©
Other Places: •
Principal Railways;.
Proposed Railways:
• CEYL(
(^•Comorin
Colombol
TwE M.-N. W0BK5
70® Lorfgitade West 80® from G
lyuskiry~^\ NEW SI^ERIAV^
. \l- I'Va \ ISLANDS^
I ARCT\C
ar]iA-
Liiknu
SaukAyJ*
wMaidalaMy
130‘
0
DISTANT COUNTRIES
of the earth is still slowly l)eii(ling, and this causes the
mountains and the islands neai' the coast to rise slowly.
As the crust breaks and slips from time to time there
are violent eartlnpiakes, especially among the islands.
Throughout the central and northern parts of Asia
the extremes of temperature are not much modified hy
the sea. In the north the summers are warm, but very
short, and the winters extremely cold. At a point on
the Lena River, near the Arctic Circle, the average
temperature in January is about sixty degrees l.)elow
zero. This is a lower temperature than is found in any
other part of the known world, and that point may be
called the Cold Pole of the earth. In central Asia the
summers are warm, but the great elevation of the land
ca-uses the winters to be very cold. South of the lofty
TTimalaya Mountains the land descends to a low plain,
and the cliimite is tropical.
A large part of central Asia has -a very dry climate,
'fihis region is far from the ocean, and is surrounded by
mountains that withdraw^ the moisture from the winds
before they reach the interior.
The Avinds of southern Asia are called monsoons.
Their cause is similar to that of the land and sea breezes
that l)low along many shores. In summer the monsoons
blow toward the land, and in Avinter from the land
toAvard the sea. Duriim' the Avarm summer the land
O
and the air alcove it become heated. Cooler currents
of air from the sea then move toward the shore and
pass under the AA’armer and lighter currents. In Avinter
the reverse occurs. The laud is then cooler than the
ocean, anil there are ui>AAvard currents of Avarm air over
ASIA
7
the ocean, and beneath them colder currents that come
from the land. These monsoons have a marked effect
upon the climate of southern and southeastern Asia and
upon the desirability of those regions for habitation.
More than one half of all the people of the world live
in Asia. This is not because of the great size of that
continent, large portions of which are so uudesiral^le
Scene on the Plains of Northern Asia
that they have few inhalDitauts. About six sevenths of
the population live in the coastal sections of the south
and east. In those regions the soil in the great river
valleys is very fertile and the monsoons bring an
aljundant supply of rain. These conditions render
it possible for a dense population to support itself.
Under such favorable circumstances some of the
earliest peoples who dwelt in that part of the world
increased vastly in numbers and made great advance-
ment in civilization. Many of the most useful arts of
our own time were discovered and practiced by the
ancient people of Asia.
8
]:>ISTANT COUNTRIES
It has often Ijeen an advantage to a people, when
rising from Ijarbarisin, to Ije situated where distinUance
conld not come from ueigldjoring peoples. It was not
the Indians who lived in the most open ami fertile parts
of America
that made the
greatest prog-
ress, l)iit those
w Ii o could
not easily be
reached by hos-
tile tril)es. So,
in Asia, it
was the people
whose conn-
trie s were
1) o u n (1 e d Ijy
m o n n t a i n s ,
seas, or deserts
that attained
the higliest civ-
ilization. In
Asia, in o r e -
had the added
It is generally lielieved that long ago the ancestors
of most of the present Europeans emigrated from Asia.
Some of them are supposed to have come from the high-
lands of central Asia. That is now a very desolate
region, l)ut there is reason for believing that in ancient
times the climate was much better than it is now.
Copyright by Underwood & T^iiderwood, N.Y.
Primitive Life in the Early Home of the Aryans
over, the regions with natural harriers
advantage of favoralde soil and climate.
ASIA
9
In modern times the peoples of Europe have far out-
stripped the inhabitants of xAsia. In Europe communi-
cation among the different countries has been easier
than in Asia. Europeans have developed naviga-
tion and have ob-
tained the benefits
of intercourse with
the entire world.
The peoples of Asia
have been inclined
to remain in a
fixed condition.
Some of them
have relimous scru-
o
pies against de-
parting from the
custom s of the past.
The govern-
ments of most
Asiatic countries
have been absolute
monarchies. The masses of the people have had but
little enlightenment. They are mostly divided among
four great religions, called Brahminism, Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Mohammedanism. All of these
have some influence for good, but they teach many
notions that to us seem mysterious or absurd.
1. Name five seas tliat border on the eastern coast of Asia.
2. Name in order the seas, gulfs, and bays south of Asia.
3. Name the large rivers of Asia that flow into the Arctic Ocean.
4. Name three rivers that belong to the Pacific slope.
5. Name the principal rivers that flow into waters south of .Asia.
Great Stone Image of Buddha
10
DISTANT COUNTRIES
0. I\It. Everest, a peak of the Himalaya IMountains, is the highest
mouutain in the world. In what part of Asia is it?
7. Name the countries of Asia.
8. What country near the easteni coast comsists of i.slands?
.0. How does the iiopulation of Asia compare with that of Europe?
10. Sketch a map of Asia, showing the mountain ranges, the largest
rivers, and the boundaries of the countries.
Siberian Mammoth
2. Siberia
Tlie portion of Asia that belongs to Eiissia is much
larger than the whole of the United States. It includes
the great northern country known as Siberia, and sev-
eral provinces farther south.
In its surface and climate Russia in Asia is much like
European Russia. It is a continuation of the great
plain of northern and central Europe. In the north is
the tundra, which is frozen to a great depth. Mosses
and lichens grow upon the surface in summer, but be-
neath is a mass of ice that is nearly four hundred feet
thick in places. In this frozen mass entire bodies of
huge animals called mammoths have been found with
SIBERIA
11
their flesh perfectly preserved, though they must have
been buried in the frozen tundra for thousands of years.
Animals such as these can live only in a warm climate,
and this probably indicates that the Far North was once
warmer than it is now. Much fossil ivory from the
tusks of the mammoths has been found in Siberia, show-
ing that great numbers of them once lived there.
O O
Mounted Cossack, Siberia
These cold regions are inhabited by a few scattered
people, most of whom belong to the Yellow^, or Mongo-
lian, Race. They live by hunting and keep reindeer and
dogs, as do some of the Eskimos of North America.
South of the tundra is the great forest belt, and
farther south are the broad regions of fertile lands and
the arid steppes.
Siberia is very sparsely inhabited. It does not con-
tain as many people as the single state of New A^ork.
Among the original natives are the Tartars and the
Cossacks. The latter are very fond of horses, and make
up the greater part of the Russian cavalry.
12
DISTANT COUNTRIES
'niere are many people in Sil)eria wlio have l)een
sent there as exiles from Russia in Enrope. Great
nmnhers of men and women, who have been accused
of criticising the government, or of stirring np rebellion,
have been arrested and transported to this Ijleak country
hundreds or thousands of miles from their liomes. At
]iresent, liowever, fewer ^jeojde are exiled than formerly.
Released Convict Village, Siberia
and the worst criminals are sent to the island of Sakha-
lin, the northern part of which belongs to Russia.
Recently many Russians and others have gone to
Siberia from choice, to settle there and take advantage
of the great natural resources of the country. The land,
however, has been settled slowly. There are large
tracts of fertile soil, immense timber forests, and mines
of Auiluable metals, l)ut the difficulty and expense of
reaching desiral)le ])oints and of sending products
to market long prevented the development of the
count'w.
SIBERIA
13
Russia is now giving great attention to the improvement
of its Asiatic possessions. The Trans-Siberian Railroad
was built by the government entirely across Siberia. This
is the longest continuous line of railroad in the world.
It reaches from St. Petersburg to the Pacific coast, a
distance of six thousand miles, about five thousand of
which are in Siberia. Settlements are springing up on
Station on Trans-Siberian Railroad, Manchuria
the fertile lands along the line of this and other railroads
that have been constructed. Machinery is easily imported,
and products can be sent to market. It is not unusual to
see at railway stations in Siberia American-made farm
implements and other manufactured articles. These a.re
shipped from our Pacific coast to ports of eastern Asia.
Lumbering in the great forests has become an impor-
tant industry, and there is an extensive trade in furs.
The land where the forests have been cleared away is
good for agriculture, and on the open plain immediately
south of the forests there is generally rain enough for
14
DISTANT COUNTRIES
farm crops. On the steppes, still farther south, herds
of live stock feed upon the grasses that grow in the
rainy season of spring.
In the province of Turkestan, south of the steppes,
there is a sufficient supply of moisture, and various
farm cro|)s are produced tliere. In that province and
the provinces farther south considerable cotton is raised.
Siberian Tarantass
A railroad connecting with the Caspian Sea, and
called tlie Trans-Caspian Railroad, has been built to aid
in the development of the region.
A great region southwest of Siberia is known as
Central Asia. It is chielly an arid desert with fertile
spots here and there. The central portion is called the
Kirghiz Steppes. The inhabitants are Tartar herders,
who do not live in permanent homes, but move about
with their horses, camels, sheep, and cattle.
The cities and towns of Asiatic Russia are, of course,
few and widely scattered. The most important city is
the port of Vladivostok, the Pacific terminus of the
SIBERIA
15
Trans-Siberian Railroad. It is the port of entrance of
eastern Siberia, and has been provided with strong forti-
fications. Its harbor freezes in winter, but in the lack
of other ports on the Pacific the Russians regard it as
very important. On account of the development of the
industries of Siberia, the trade of Vladivostok is rapidly
increasing.
Trans-Siberian Railroad Terminus, Vladivostok
Port Arthur, a seaport farther south, formerly be-
longed to the Russians, but they lost it in the recent
war with Japan.
Irkutsk is regarded as the capital city of Siberia. It
has long been the center of caravan trade between China
and Russia, but since the building of the railroad much
of this trade has been abandoned.
1. What natural boundaries separate Russia in Asia from Russia
in Europe?
2. What ocean and seas border upon Siberia?
3. What islands are north of Siberia?
4. IVhere is the peninsula of Kamchatka ?
16
DISTANT COUNTRIES
"). islands are near the extremity of this jieninsula?
(i. Where is the island of Sakhalin?
7. What are the three largest rivers of Siberia?
8. J^ake Baikal is the largest fresh-water lake in Asia. In what part
of Siberia is it ?
!t. Where are the provinces of Bokhara and Khiva?
10. About how
much farther south
is Port Arthur than
Vladivostok ?
11. Considerable
manufacturing is
done at Irkutsk and
Tomsk. About how
far apart are these
towns?
12. Tashkend is
an iinpoi’tant town
in respect to trade
and inanufactui'ing.
In what province is
it situated ?
13. Sketch an
outline niajr of Sibe-
ria, showing the chief
Greek Church, Siberia rivers, towns, and
railroads.
3. Turkey in Asia
The territory of the Turkish Empire in Asia is ten
times as large as the part of Turkey that is in Europe.
It is very irregular in form. Portions of it have special
names but indefinite limits.
A large section in the form of a peninsula, between
tlie Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, is known as
Asia Minor. This region is more truly the home of the
Turkish people than Turkey in Europe. It was from
this part of their empire that they crossed to Europe
TURKEY IN ASIA
17
and made their conquests. East of Asia Minor are the
moLintainous highlands of Kurdistan and Armenia. A
long, narrow country on the eastern coast of the IMedi-
terranean Sea is called Syria. A strip drained by the
Tigris and Euphrates rivers has the name jMesopotamia.
Turkey also includes the Avestern, south Avestern, and
northeastern portions of the great peninsula of Arabia.
Turkish Abater Carriers
Asiatic Turkey is mostly coAmred Avith short mountain
ranges and plateaus. The climate is generally very
dry except along the coast, Avhere the AA’inds from the
seas bring; moisture.
The prevailing conditions among the people resemlile
those existing under Turkish rule in Europe. Indus-
tries are in a very baclvAvard state. Much of the Avork
is done by the methods that Avere used iu ancient times.
This is largely because the region has been repeatedly
laid Avaste by Avars, and one nation after another has
18
ASIA
ruled over it. The Greeks occupied parts of Asia Minor
several centuries before Christ. After them came the
Romans, and then tribes of Tartars from the north
gained possession.
Another reason for want of progress has been the
])olicy of the Turkish government, which has oppressed
the peo])le by taxation, treated them with crnelty, and
rendered them no assistance in making improvements.
Ruins of Temple of Diana, Ephesus
Many important events of ancient history occurred in
Asia Minor. Ruins of cities and temples that have been
excavated bear witness to the various peoples who have
dwelt there.
In parts of this region there is, at present, a mixture
of many races. In western Asia I\Iinor, Turks, Arme-
nians, and Kurds have long been in almost ceaseless
conflict. Tlie Kurds are a branch of the Yellow Race.
Tliey have lived in this mountainons district for many
centnries. More than two thousand years ago the
TURKEY IN ASIA
19
Armenians overcame them, but the Armenians were
afterward conquered l:)y the Turks.
lu Asia Minor the soil is generally very fertile, Imt
on account of )md government it produces less than in
ancient times. The farmers live in villages as in some
countries of Europe, and many of the farms are long dis-
tances from the
homes. At
harvest time
the tax gath-
erer is sure to
take for tlie
government a
large part of
the crops.
Wheat and
cotton are the
chief products.
In many of
the valleys are
irrigated or-
chards yielding
figs, olives, and
other fruits.
In some re-
gions the land
is best suited to herding, and many sheep and goats are
raised.
Most of the manufacturing is done by hand. Wool is
skillfully dyed and woven into beautiful rugs and carpets
that have a wide reputation. Fine shawls are made from
Copyright by Vnderwood & Underwood, N. V.
Inlaid Pearl Work, Damascus
20
ASIA
the liair of goats. Some silk, also, is woven into Turkish
fabrics. 'I’his work is done so slowly and carefully that
it may require several months to make a single rug.
Pearl tishiug is an importaut industry iu the waters
of the Persian Gulf. It is the chief occupation of thou-
sands of villagers along the Turkish shore. Pearls are
found inside the shells of oysters. In the center of each
Copyright by Keystone View Co.
Beirut, Syria
Ijeautiful round pearl there is always a tiny particle of
sand or some other hard substance. It is supposed that
when such a particle gets into a shell, the oyster builds
a smooth covering around it to prevent it from irritat-
ing. As one coat after another is added to the pearl, it
gradually increases in size. Oysters, yielding pearls of
various kinds and colors, are found in the shallow waters
near India and Australia and in some other parts of the
world, ljut the pearl ])eds of the Persian Gulf are the
TURKEY IN ASIA
21
most valuable. Besides the pearls, the shells are also
of great value for the manufacture of jewelry and for
other ornamental purposes.
In Asiatic Turkey are several old and interesting
cities, though none are of very great size. Smyrna, on
the coast of Asia Minor, is one of the leading ports of
the Mediterranean. It is an important commercial cen-
ter. It has a sheltered harbor, and is connected with
the interior by railroads. It exports many rugs and figs.
Beirut, on the Syrian coast, has recently come into
prominence as a commercial seaport. It is an important
center for the railroads that are being extended into
various sections of the empire.
The ancient city of Damascus is still a center for cara-
van trade. It is the starting point for annual pilgrim-
as;es that faithful Mohammedans make to their sacred
city of Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed.
For thirteen centuries it has been regarded as the duty
of the followers of the Prophet to make this pilgrimage
22
ASIA
at some time in their life. About two hundred thousand
people every year endure great hardship in crossing the
nine hundred miles of desert. Many have perished on
the journey, but Mohammedans believe that if they
die in the attempt to reach the Holy City, they will be
immediately taken to a beautiful paradise. There is
now a railroad from Damascus to Mecca, built largely
to accommodate these throngs of Mohammedan travelers.
Pilgrims on the Way to Mecca
Bagdad is situated in a fertile spot covered with gar-
dens and palm groves. It will probably become an im-
portant center of trade as the industries of the plains
of Mesopotamia are developed.
The ancient cities of Babylon and Nineveh were in
Mesoi)otamia. The only traces of them now are mounds
of laiins. Excavations made among these ruins have
added much to our knowledge of ancient times.
The land in the valley of tlie Tigris and Euphrates
rivers is very fertile and by the use of irrigation once
supported a large population. It is believed to be
TURKEY IN ASIA
23
capable of producing grain enougli for fifty million
people. The Turks have neglected the resources of this
region, hut England, France, and Germany have all be-
come interested in it on account of the great ojDportn-
nities for agriculture, commerce, and colonization. Each
of these three countries has obtained the right to build
railroads into the valley. A new railway is to extend
from the town of Scutari, on the Bosporus, through the
city of Bagdad, to the head of the Persian Gulf.
Native Boats used on the Tigris
Mesopotamia is a level region, and the rivers have
sufficient water for irrigation. Some of the ancient
irrio-ation ditches will be renewed and others will be
o
constructed. It is proltable that this great valley will
at some time become one of the chief grain-producing
reffions of the world.
o
A small section along the coast of Syria is the most
familiar portion of the Turkish Empire because it is the
Holy Land of Christendom. It is called Palestine. It
was the Promised Land ” into which the Jews entered
24
ASIA
Avlien the}" l)ecanie a powerful people and had learned
to IjelieA^e in one God. Tliis is the land in which Christ
was l)orn, and many Christian people throughout the
Avorld visit it to view the scenes of Bible history.
.\t the time of the lurtli of Christ, Palestine Avas
under the Roman goA^ernment. During previous periods
Persians and Egj’ptians had held control over it. It is
The Heart of Jerusalem
one liundred and fifty miles long, and has an average
Avidth of ahout fifty miles. The Jordan River runs
through it, and its valley is the loAvest on the earth.
Tlie Dead Sea, into Avhich the Jordan floAvs, is thirteen
hundred feet loAver than the Mediterranean.
Interest in Palestine naturally centers in Jerusalem.
The present city is upon the site of the ancient one, but
an accumulation of many centuries has buried the build-
ings of the time of Christ several feet beneath the present
surface. Jenisalem is built upon a plateau and is sur-
TURKEY IN ASIA
25
rounded by a high ^vall. The houses are mostly of stone,
with flat roofs. They are closely crowded together on
narrow streets. Where Solomon’s Temple once stood
is an immense Turkish mosque, called the Alosque of
Omar. The population of the city is composed of Turks,
Armenians, Jews, and many visitors from all the Chris-
tian countries of the world.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
1. The island of Cyprus is tributary to Turlcey, but is also an imjior-
taut naval station of Great Britain. AVhere is it situated ?
2. AVliat mountain is near the meeting point of Turkey, Persia, and
Russia V
d. In what direction from Beirut is Damascus?
4. About how long is the journey from Damascus to Alecca?
5. Aledina contains the tomb of Alohammed. In what direction is
it from Mecca ?
6. Aleppo is an important city. In what direction is it from Da-
mascus ?
7. Name the town that is the terminus of the Bagdad Railway, near
the head of the Persian Gulf.
8. From Hodeida much of the famous “ IMocha ” coffee is exported.
In what direction is Hodeida from IMocha?
9. Sketch a map of Turkey in Asia, showing the rivers, cities, and
surrounding bodies of water.
2C
DISTANT COUNTRIES
4. Arabia, Persia, and Afghanistan
Arabia, Persia, and Afghanistan are three countries
of coinparativelj small importance. In the greater part
of their territory the climate is dry and the soil is not
very productive. The people are ignorant, and their
customs and methods of life are very simple and crude.
Wilderness of Sin, Arabia
The large peninsula of Arabia is a plateau bordered
by mountains on the south and west. Narrow sections
around the coast receive the greatest amount of mois-
ture. Some of these fertile sections are under the control
of Turkey; others l)elong to Great Britain. A large part
of the interior, which is Araljia proper, is a sandy desert.
No rivers flow through it and no railroads have been
built across it. Here and there a little underground
water comes to the surface, and in certain places water
ARABIA, PERSIA, AND AFGHANISTAN
27
can be obtained by digging wells. This desert region is
about one third as large as the United States.
It seems strange that an}' people should make such
an undesirable region their aljiding place, but the an-
cestors of the present inhabitants have dwelt there for
centuries. This is not because of any lack of strength
and hardihood. The Arabians have fine forms, great
Bedouin Sheik and Attendants
strength, and much intelligence. Their Idstory illustrates
the fact that long-continued surroundings and customs,
however hard, tend to remove the desire for change.
Though Turkey claims Arabia as a part of its domin-
ion, it really controls only the region bordering on the
coast. Petty Aralnan chiefs, called sheiks, divide the
interior among themselves.
The Arabians who inhabit the desert are called Bed-
ouins. They live in tents and care for herds of camels
and horses. In some sections, also, many herds of
28
DISTANT COUNTRIES
cattle, sheep, and goats are to be seen. Tliese herds are
driven from ])lace to place as the seasons change.
In some of the valleys, especially in the northern part,
the soil is fertile and can he irrigated. In such places
the inhahitants dwell in villages and raise grain, coffee,
dates, and other crops. They live mostly in flat-roofed
houses made of sun-dried bricks.
Camels in Arabia
Aralhans are fond of trading, and deal much with
one another. They trade little with the outer world,
hut sell coffee, dates, and wool to foi'eign merchants.
Aralna is supposed to have been the original home of
the horse and the camel. The people are still very fond
of horses and take great pains in raisijig them. Arabian
horses are reo;arded as amons? the finest in the world.
The camel is the necessary beast of burden for convey-
ing goods long distances across the desert. Long trains
of these patient animals are continually passing between
the interior and the towns of the coast. The Arabians
consider the meat of camels very choice.
ARABIA, PERSIA, AND AFGHANISTAN
29
A strip along the southeastern coast of the Arabian
peninsula, named Oman, was once an independent king-
dom, but is now under the control of Great Britain.
The city of Aden, on the southern coast, also belongs to
the British. It has very strong fortifications to guard
the entrance to the Red Sea. It is the chief seaport
of Arabia, and is a very convenient coaling station for
Aden
ships passing east and west between the ports of Europe
and those of Asia and Australia. Coffee, dates, and
other products are brought on camels to Aden, where
they are shipped to distant markets. It is a free port,
open to the ships of all nations, and has Ijecome a great
distributing center.
Persia is a high table-land surrounded by mountains,
and consists largely of desert. The native Persians are
mostly Mohammedans. They are courteous and refined
in manners. There are also many Turks in Persia.
The government has been an afjsolute monarchy
30
DISTANT COUNTRIES
under a ruler called the Shah. Not long ago, however,
a revolution occurred, and the Shah granted to the
people a constitution and a parliament. Afterward
stiff e arose between different factions, and other nations
were oliliged to interfere to preserve order.
Russia owns the land north of Persia, and would be
glad to secure rights in that country in order to obtain
a port on the
Persian Gulf,
1-)ut Great Brit-
ain is anxious
to retain control
of the w^aters
between Persia
and Arabia. In
the year 1907
these two na-
tions entered
into an agree-
ment that Persia
should continue
to be a separate
nation, but that
it should be di-
vided into two
Palace of the Shah, Teheran “ ZOneS of in-
fluence ” under
Great Britain and Russia. Russia has charge over the
northern part and Great Britain over the portion near-
est the Persian Gulf.
The Persian peasants have a hard struggle to obtain
ARABIA, PERSIA, AND AFGHANISTAN
31
a living. In the regions near the Caspian Sea and along
the southern shore a small amount of land is cultivated
by irrigation, but in most places water is obtained
with great difficulty. Some grain, cotton, and tobacco
are produced. Persian fruits are of excellent quality.
Weaving Persian Carpet
Much camel’s hair cloth and many beautiful carpets
and rugs are manufactured by hand and sold to foreign
merchants.
Most of the people live in mud huts, in villages sur-
rounded by walls as a protection against robbers. There
are few roads across the country, and most of the mer-
chandise is carried by caravans of camels and other pack
animals. Persian caravans often consist of hundreds of
camels, each fastened by a rope from a ring in its nose
to the saddle of the one in front.
32
DISTANT COUNTRIES
Along the coast of Persia are foniul many pearls and
})carl shells like those along the opposite coast of Arabia.
Tehei'an, the capital city, is mostly composed of small
houses made of sun-dried bricks. It contains some
beautiful Mohammedan mosques. One of the shahs
once fancied that he could make his city look like Paris,
Interior of Chamber in a Persian House
and hence laid out a few very wide streets, but most of
the streets are narroiv and neglected.
Tabriz is in a region wliere the climate is good and
the soil fertile. It is also in a favorable situation for
trade with other countries.
Afgluuiistan is a country eveii less favored by nature
than Persia or Araltia. It is largely covered with bar-
ren sand and rocks, and is hemmed in Ity mountains.
It is cold in winter, but hot and dry in summer.
ARABIA, PERSIA, AND AFGHANISTAN
33
The Afghans are Init little known to the outside
world. Tliey manage to subsist upon what they can
produce from the scanty tracts of fertile land. Most of the
inhabitants consist of wandering tril)es, who keep herds
of sheep, goats, and camels, and make articles of wool
and hair. Their ruler, called the Ameer, is an absolute
Nomads in Afghanistan
monarch, and controls his sulpects chiefly througli fear.
The people are brave, but cruel, and fight with fierce
hatred against foreign invaders.
The country lies Ijetween Russian possessions on the
north and the British possession of India on the south-
east, and both Russia and Great Britain have tried to
gain control of it. On this account Afghanistan is
sometimes called the “ Buffer State ” between Russia
34
DISTANT COUNTRIES
and India. The famous Khyber Pass on the Afghanis-
tan frontier is the only place in the mountains where a
hostile force could enter India from the north. It is
kept strongly fortihed and guarded by a British garri-
son.
Caravan at Khyber Pass
1. Name tlie bodies of water around the Aralnan peninsula.
2. Why is Aden sometimes called the “ Gibraltar of tlie East ”?
3. On what waters does a vessel sail in carrying goods from Aden to
London ?
4. Where are the Elburz IMountains ?
5. In what part of Persia is the capital city?
fi. In what part of Persia is Tabriz?
7. Ispahan is noted as a center of IMohammedan learning. In what
part of Persia is it ?
8. What great mountain range extends across Afglianistan ?
h. Kabul-; the capital of Afghanistan, is on a fertile plain on the
route of trade between central Asia and India. In what part of Afghan-
istan is it?
10. Herat is in' a strong military position, and has been called the
“ Gate of India.” In what direction is it from Kabul?
INDIA
35
11. Give reasons vrhy Russia and Great Britain would like to have
possession of Afghanistan.
1’2. Sketch a map of Persia and Afghanistan and locate the important
towns.
Persian Brick-makers
5. India
The country of India, which is sometimes called
Hindustan, is in sharp contrast with the countries
of northern and western Asia. It has a warm climate
and fertile soil, and supports a dense population.
The lofty Himalaya Mountains on the northern bor-
der are covered with perjietual snow. Among these
mountains are more than one hundred peaks over four
miles high, and above an altitude of three miles the snow
never entirely melts. The name of this mountain range
signifies the ‘‘Abode of Snow.” Upon its long slopes
almost every variety of climate may lie found. At some
distance below the snow line maple, oak, and chestnut
36
DISTANT COUNTRIES
trees, and wild berries, suggest the climate of tlie cooler
portions of temperate regions.
The southern slopes descend to the warm, low plains
of the valleys of the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra
I'ivers. These plains are covered with fine soil that
for long ages has been carried down from the mountains.
Among the Snow Peaks above the Clouds
The southern part of India is a plateau, or elevated
table-land. It is often called the Deccan, which means
southland. On this i)lateau the soil is excellent and
the rainfall abunda.nt.
The monsoons blow over India from the south-
west in summer and from the northeast in winter. The
summer winds bring a great amount of moisture from
the Indian Ocean and produce an abundance of rain on
the tnountain slopes near the western coast. The sum-
mer wind generally leaves a supply of rain upon the table-
INDIA
37
lands also, but after leaving these produces but little upon
the lowlands of the northern liver valleys. When the
air currents reach the cold Himalayas, their temperature
is reduced so much that the rainfall is again very great.
A region among these mountains directly north of the
delta of the Ganges is believed to be the rainiest place
Himalayan Laborers
in the world. At one point there is a rainfall of about forty
feet every year, chietiy in the months of July and August.
This great amount of rain and the melting suow of the
mountain glaciers supply the large rivers, and from their
waters the lowlands are irrigated.
In winter the monsoon from the northeast gathers
moisture from the Bay of Bengal and deposits rain
on the eastern slopes.
This fertile country has been for centuries the home
of the Hindus. These are a dark-skinned people, but
their language and history indicate that they belong to
38
DISTANT COUNTRIES
the Caucasian Race. It is probable that their ancestors
once lived in the region north of the Himalayas. Other
lu’anches of the race emigrated toward the west, but
the Hindus found their way across the mountains to
the south. Not
only was the nat-
ural fertility of
the region favor-
able, but its sepa-
ration from other
countries Id y
mountains and
seas afforded them
considerable pro-
tection against
foreign invasion.
They therefore
prospered and
developed a re-
markable form of
civilization. Cen-
turies ago they
had a written language and a literature. They liad a
well-organized government, and built some of the most
beautiful temples in the world.
Although India is only about one half as large as the
United States, it contains about three times as many in-
haljitants. There are in India about two hundred people
per square mile, while in the United States the average
is not far from thirty per square mile.
The three hundred million inhabitants of India are
Young Hindu Prince
INDIA
39
by no means a united people. They include more than
twenty nationalities. More than two hundred million
are Hindus and about sixty million are Moham-
medans. Through the efforts of missionaries several
million have adopted the Christian religion.
The peoples of India have many peculiar customs and
strange religious beliefs. The common religion of the
Bullock Cart of a High-caste Brahmin
Hindus is Brahminism. It teaches that existence in
this life is an evil, that it is a virtue to suffer pain, and
that the one thing desirable is to return to the source of
all life from which we came. This reli2;ion teaches the
doctrine of castes, or fixed classes of society, according
to which the Hindu must always live among the same
class of peo])le and follow the same occupation as his
father. The Brahmins belono; to the hio;hest of all
castes. No one can be a Brahmin unless his father was
one. Certain kinds of work are performed by the mem-
40
DISTANT COUNTRIES
hers of particular castes, and uo one can do any work
tliat belongs to another caste. Members of the highest
castes regard themselves as polluted if any one of lower
caste touches them. This unfortunate system tends to
discourage progress, and ever since the belief and practice
l:)ecame common, the Hindus have I'emained practically
in a lixed condition.
Twenty Thousand Hindu Pilgrims waiting at the Ganges
In the belief that the Ganges River is sacred, millions
of Hindus, for several thousand years, have made pil-
grimages to its banks in order to become cleansed from
their sins. They not only drink the water and bathe
in it, but carry it away in casks for hundreds of miles.
Many build their homes near the river, so that when
they die the ashes of their cremated bodies may be cast
into its waters.
INDIA
41
Another belief is that after death the spirit exists
again, either in the form of another human being or in
that of a lower animal. On this account the Hindus
regard it as a sin to kill an animal of any kind, or to
eat meat. Sheep and goats are raised for their wool,
cattle are kept to serve as draft animals, and camels
are used to some extent for transporting goods.
Elephants of State with Trappings
The elephants of India are remarkably intelligent, and
when tamed, are of great value. They are used for con-
veying loads, for plowing, and for doing work that re-
quires great strength, such as piling large timbers in
lumber yards. They are so useful that tlie hunting
and capture of wild elephants is now controlled by the
government.
But there are other animals in India that are a source
of terror to the inhabitants. In some places there are
vast jungles of tangled thickets, and these are the haunts
of tigers, panthers, wolves, hyenas, wild dogs, and other
dangerous animals. In the darkness of nie-ht tis;ers
o o o
42
DISTANT COUNTRIES
often steal into the villages, spring silently upon their
victims, and carry them off to the neighboring jungle.
A single tiger has been known to visit a village
night after night, until more than one hundred people
have ]jeen carried away. Sometimes entire villages
have been aban-
doned by their
inhabitants be-
cause of repeated
visits of wild
beasts. In the
whole of India
several thousand
persons are eaten
by wild animals
every year.
and
nearly twenty
thousand are
killed by poison-
ous snakes.
Long ago Eng-
lish merchants
settled along the
coast of India to
carry on trade
with the natives. As the numbers of such settlers in-
creased, the British government was called upon to
protect their interests, and finally, in 1858, the whole
country became a part of the British Empire. The
King of England is also Emperor of India. At the
head of the government is a Britisli Governor-general,
Temple at Khatmandu
INDIA
43
called the Viceroy. Some of the officials under him
are British, but most of them are natives. Parts of the
country are still ruled by native princes, but all these
princes have British advisers.
The method of the British in ruling India has l)een,
not to force the people to adopt changes in government
at once, but rather to guide and advise them in the
Government Buildings at Calcutta
mana2:ement of their own affairs. It is remarkaltle that
such a vast number of native people have been peace-
fully governed by such a small numlter of foreign officials.
There are only about six or seven thousand white people
engaged in government service among three hundred
million natives.
Some of the native leaders have endeavored to arouse
their people against the British, but there arc so many
different classes and castes that union among them is
impossible. If British rule should cease, strife and
bloodshed wmuld be likely to break out at once. The
masses of the people are too ignorant to appreciate the
44
DISTANT COUNTRIES
benefits of their present government. The British have
founded many thousand schools and colleges in India.
They have l)uilt chnrclies, telegraph lines, and irrigation
works, and improved vaidous industries of tlie people.
The work has been comparatively slow, for it is very
ditiicidt to overcome the prejudices of the natives.
A Village in India
1. In \^•llat zones does India lie?
‘ 2 . On what countries does it border?
.'S. t\'hat waters are separated by the peninsula of India?
1. How far nortli of the equator is its southern extremity?
5. AVhat countiy of North America is in about the same latitude as
India?
(i. Explain why the climate of that country is much cooler than the
climate of India.
7. lAdiy is India drier in winter than in summer?
8. IVhy does the monsoou blow toward the land in summer?
9. What is the greatest length of India, from north to south?
10. IIow far is it across India, from the Persian border to Siam ?
11. Name three large rivers of India.
l‘i. The Indian Em]iire includes Baluchistan and Burma. In what
jiarts of the empire are they?
INDUSTRIES AND CITIES OF INDIA
45
6. Industries and Cities of India
India is almost entirely an agricultural country.
About nine tenths of the people obtain their living by
cultivating the soil. It requires a large amount of
produce to supply such an enormous population, but the
land is so productive that in ordinary years there is
much to spare for export.
Native Plowing
India has the most extensive irrigation works in the
world. They extend over more than one fourth of the
cultivated land. They are constructed not only where
rain is deficient throughout the year, but also where it
is deficient in summer only. In such regions the crops
are kept growing by irrigation during the dry winter.
It seems surprising that, notwithstanding the natural
fertility of the land, most of the people are very poor.
One reason for this is the fact that the population is
crowded. Many live upon very small farms, which in
40
DISTANT C(4UNTRIES
favoraljle seasons yield but little more than enough to
SLi]:)ply their families. There is not much surplus to
sell or to store for future use. Consequeiitly, when
drought occurs,
unless the land
is irrigated, the
people are reduced
to starvation. On
account of their
religious prejudice
against taking the
lives of animals,
three fourths of
the inhabitants
would s o o n e r
starve than eat
meat. Even if
there were no
such prejudice,
but little land
could be spared
for pasturing live
stock.
In the river valleys and along the coast the common
food is rice. This can be easily raised wherever the
land is low enough to l)e flooded with water. In the
])rovince of llunna, once a separate country, but now
the eastern part of India, a great amount of rice is
produced, and much is exported. On the higher land,
where rice will not thrive, the people generally live upon
millet.
Pounding Rice
INDUSTRIES AND CITIES OF INDIA
47
Wheat thrives on the central plateau and on tire dry
plains of the northwest. In prosperous years much
wheat is shipped to Europe. India now ranks among
the great wheat-producing countries of the world.
During the American Civil War, when the supply of
cotton from our Southern States for British cotton
Weaving Cloth in the Naja Hills
factories was largely reduced, there was a great devel-
opment of the cotton industry in India, and that country
still produces more cotton than any other except our
own. The usual cotton crop of India is about two mil-
lion bales, while that of the United States amounts to
five or six times as much.
One of the special products of India is indigo, which
is a dyestuff used for coloring cotton and woolen goods
and for bluing in laundries. It is obtained from plants
that grow to a height of four or five feet. These are
gathered and soaked in water. The indigo passes
DISTANT COUNTRIES
IS
out of the plants into the water, and after the water
is drawn off, the dye is prepared for market.
A great amount of valuable fiber is obtained from a
]dant called jute. This thrives on the lowlands along
the hanks of the lower part of the Ganges River. The
jute ])lant grows to a height of ten or twelve feet. It
Weaving Jute in Southern India
is cut down, and the long fibers are separated and
cleaned in a manner similar to that in which linen
libers are obtained from the flax plant. About twenty
nnllion dollars worth of jute and articles manufactured
troni it are exported from India every year. They are
sent mostly to Great Britain and America. The fiber
is used in making rugs and carpets, and for bagging,
burlap, rope, and many other purposes.
An immense amount of opium is produced in India
from great fields of poppies. Tlie seed pods of the
plant are cut or scratched, and the substance that oozes
INDUSTRIES AND CITIES OF INDIA
49
out is scraped off and dried. The British government
controls the trade in opium. Every planter is obliged
to sell his crop to the government. A great part of the
opium is shipped to China, where it is used by millions
of Chinese, who smoke it. From this trade in opium the
British government obtains a large revenue.
O O
Banyan Tree
The finest timl)er of the forests of India is teak. It
is especially valuable because it will last a long time
without decay. It is used in many countries for the
woodwork of warships, because it is not so easily splin-
tered and damaged by cannon shots as other kinds
of wood. Teak logs are floated down the rivers to
mills, where they are sawed into square tindjers, and
these are shipped away to Great Britain and other
countries. In the forests of India there are also many
bamboo, palm, banyan, and sandalwood trees.
The greater part of the rubies of the world come from
the province of Bui’ina. These are among the most
valuable of gems. They are found near the Irawadi
50
DISTANT COUNTRIES
River, at some distance above the city of Mandalay.
The rnljies are in a layer of earth at a considerable
depth below the surface.
d'he large island of Ceylon is separated from India
by a strait so shallow that ships cannot ]>ass throngh it.
Tills island is often regarded as a part of India, ljut it is
Picking Tea
really a separate province of Great Britain. Its central
portion consists of mountains, some of them more than
eight thousand feet high. It is one of the most beauti-
ful countries in the world. It has a fertile soil, an
almndance of raiii, and a very warm climate. Ceylon
produces a large amount of tea. This is grown on
plantations on the mountain slopes. Most of the tea
used in Great Britain, and some of the supply for the
United States, now comes from Ceylon and India.
Ceylon also produces coffee, cocoa, and rubber.
INDUSTRIES AND CITIES OF INDIA
51
The chief city of India is Calcutta. It is the largest
of all British cities, with the exception of Loudon. It
is situated near the mouth of the Ganges River, and is
the center of commerce for the great river valley.
Near Calcutta are beds of coal, much of which is used
to produce steam for factories where paper and jute
fiber are manufactured.
Calcutta
Calcutta is the residence of the Viceroy and of many
English merchants and manufacturers. In Calcutta
and in other cities of India the English quarter, which
is separated from the homes of the natives, has all the
beauty and the conveniences of European cities.
Bombay, on the western coast, has a fine harbor pro-
tected hy islands. It is near the chief cotton districts
of the country, and manufactures much cloth, besides
shipping away large quantities of raw cotton. Much of
the surplus wheat of the country is shipped from Bom-
bay. Long lines of railroad lead to the city from
different parts of India, and it is the great center of
commerce between India and Europe, America, and
countries of eastern Asia.
52
DISTANT COUNTRIES
Benares is tlie center of learning and culture. For
many centuries it has been the sacred city to which
faithful Hindus have resorted. It extends three miles
along the bank of the Ganges. Stone steps lead down
to the river for the benefit of those who bathe in its
waters.
Benares from the Top of the Great Mosque
Centuries atjo Mohammedan Mongols sttcceeded in
passing across the mountains from the north and es-
tablishing an empire in northern India. Their capital
city was Delhi. This was therefore a great Mohamme-
dan center, and contains splendid mosques. In recent
times it has Itecome an important manufacturing city.
At Agra, a short distance from Delhi, is the cele-
brated temple, the Taj Mahal, Avhich many regard as
the most ))eautiful building in the world. It was erected
by one of the Mohammedan emperors as a memorial to
INDUSTRIES AND CITIES OF INDIA
53
liis wife. Beneath the dome are the tombs of the
emperor and the empress. The temple is snrronnded
by gardens of palm trees and fruit trees.
1. ^Vhy did the completion of the Suez Canal give a great stimulus
to the cultivation of wheat in India?
2. How has the building of many railroads across the country tended
to increase the exjrort of wheat?
i
The Taj Mahal
.3. Dundee, in Scotland, is the greatest center of jute manufactures.
On what waters does a vessel sail in going from Calcutta to Dundee?
4. Much linseed oil is produced in India. For what is it used?
5. Give reasons why Bombay has a greater amount of European trade
than Calcutta.
6. Rangoon is a great rice-shipping port. In what jMrt of Burma is
it?
7. IMandalay is a large city of Burma. About how far is it from
Rangoon ?
8. In what direction from Benares is tlie city of Lucknow ?
9. What is the chief city of Baluchistan ?
10. Madras is the most important city of southern India. On what
part of the coast is it situated ?
11. IMake a map of India, showing the principal rivers and cities.
54
DISTANT COUNTRIES
REVIEW
1. How large is tlie continent of Asia?
2. Desci'ibe the land surface of the continent.
d. Tell alioiit the extremes of temperature in central and northern
Asia.
4. Why] las central Asia a dry climate?
5 . Explain the monsoons.
(i. How large i.s the jiopulation of Asia?
Russian Peasants in Siberia
7. 4\’liy is the greater paid of the population in the southern and
eastern parts ?
8. Wdiat conditions f;woi-ed progress among some of the ancient
jieople of Asia?
0. 'W'hy have tlie people of Europe i)rogressed more than those of
Asia?
10. Tell about the governments and religions of Asia.
11. How large is Siberia?
12. Tell about interesting discoveries in tlie Siberian tundra.
Id. Tell about the inhabitants of the tundra.
1 1. Describe the surface of tlie remainder of Siberia.
1.5. Who were the original natives of Siberia?
It). Tell about Russian exiles in Siberia.
17. Why has settlement of that country been slow?
18. Tell about the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
REVIEW
55 ■
19. What are the chief industries of the country?
20. Tell about Turkestan and other southern provinces.
21. Describe central Asia and its inhabitants.
22. Tell about Vladivostok.
23. Tell about Port Arthur.
21. Tell about the capital city of Siberia.
2.1. Describe Turkey in Asia.
20. Tell about Asia l\Iinor.
Interior of a beautiful Residence in Damascus
27. Give the names and locations of other parts of Turkey in Asia.
28. Describe the laud surface and climate of Asiatic Turkey.
29. Give the history and present condition of the people.
30. Tell about the Turkish government.
31. Explain the troubles among the peoples of eastern A.sia IMinor.
32. Explain the agricultural conditions in Asia Minor.
33. What articles are manufactured in Turkey?
31. Describe the pearl fishery.
35. How are pearls formed ?
36. For what purposes is the shell of the pearl oyster used ?
37. Describe the city of Smyrna.
38. Explain the growing importance of Beirut.
39. Tell about Damascus.
56
DISTANT COUNTRIES
40. De.scrihe Uie city of ISagdud and its vicinity.
■tl. 'I'cll al)ont tlie interest of Euroj^ean countries in tlie region of
tlie Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
42. Describe iUesopotainia.
Id. Tell about Palestine.
41. Describe the city of Jerusalem.
4."). ])escribe Arabia.
K3. d'ell about tlie Ai-abians.
47. Tell about the government of Arabia.
48. Describe the inhabitants of the desert region of Arabia.
4f). Tell aliout the inhabitants of the fertile valleys.
f)0. What articles are exirorted from Arabia?
.51. Tell about .Arabian horses and camels.
52. Al’hat are the Jlritish possessions on the Arabian coast?
5d. Explain the importance of the port of Aden.
51. Describe the land surface of Persia.
55. Of whom do the inhabitants of Persia consist?
5(). Explain the government of Per.^iia.
57. Tell about the agreement between Russia and Great Britain.
58. AVhat are the chief industries of the people?
5.9. 'Pell about Persian caravans.
GO. Desci’ibe the capital city.
(il. Describe the surroundings of the city of 'J’abriz.
02. Describe the counti-y of Afghanistan.
(id. Tell about its people and their occujiations.
04. Al’hy is it called the “ JSuffer State ”?
05. IVhy is the Kliyber Pa.ss guarded by tlie British ?
06. Describe the Himalaya ^Mountains.
()7. Describe the river valleys south of the Himalayas.
08. "What is the Deccan ?
09. IDiat parts of India receive much rain fi-om the summer mon-
soons?
70. Tell about tbe rainiest region in the woihl.
71. W1 lere does the winter monsoon cause rain ?
72. Give a brief bistory of the Himlus.
7d. 'Pell about the density of the population of India.
71. Tell about classes of people in India.
75. AVliat is the religion of the Hindus?
7(i. Explain the .system of castes.
77. 'What do the Hindus believe about the Ganges River?
78. Why will not Hindus kill animals?
79. Tell about the elephants of India.
REVIEW
57
80. Tell about the troubles from dangerous animals.
81. Explain bow the British gained possession of India.
82. Explain the present form of government.
83. State some of the improvements made by the Briti.sh.
81. Tell about the chief occujiation of the people of India.
85. Explain the system of irrigation.
8(1. Give reasons why most of the people are very poor.
Sorting Cocoa in Ceylon
87. What are the most common articles of food in India?
88. Ei'om what part of India is a great amount of rice exported ?
8.9. Tell about the production of wheat.
90. What led to the development of the cotton industry in India?
91. Explain how indigo is jiroduced.
92. How is jute produced ?
93. How is opium obtained ?
91. State one of the purposes for which teak timber is used.
95. Name trees, besides teak, that are common in the forests of India.
90. Where are rulries obtained ?
97. Describe the island of Ceylon.
98. Wliat are some of the products of Ceylon ?
99. Describe the city of Calcutta.
100. Explain why Bombay is an important commercial center.
101. Tell about Benares.
102. Give tlie history of tlie city of Delhi.
103. Describe the Taj Mahal.
58
DISTANT COUNTRIES
7. China
Tlie Empire of China, which comprises the greater
part of eastern Asia, is about the size of the United
States, inclnding Alaska. In its physical features it
closely resemldes the eastern portion of our country.
It contains mountainous and hilly sections and vast
Upper Yangtse River
plains. The great rivers, which rise among the moun-
tains in the western part, have Ijroad, fertile valleys in
their lower courses.
China is in about the same latitude as the United
States, and its climate is similar to ours. A large
part of tlie country has a sufficient supply of rain.
Along the eastern coast there is rain in both sum-
mer and winter. In the interior the summer mon-
soons bring rain, but the north winds of winter are dry.
The Chinese Empire consists of China proper, or the
CHINA
59
Middle Kingdom, in the southeastern part, including
somewhat less than one half of the entire territory, and
the large outlying provinces of Tibet, Chinese Tur-
kestan, Mongolia, and Manchuria. China proper is
divided into eighteen provinces.
The Chinese are descended from mixed peoples.
They belong for the most part to the Mongolian, or
Yellow, Race. Their ances-
tors have occupied this por-
tion of Asia for thousands of
years. In general the Chi-
nese have a hio;h degree of
natural ability and intelligence.
The inhabitants of northern
China are larger in stature
and of a more vigorous type of
manhood than those in the
southern section. AVe are
most familiar with the people
of the south, because the Chi-
nese immigrants to America
are chiefly from that region.
We should not base onr idea
of the Chinese race upon these
immigrants, for they come mostly from the lower classes.
Nearly three fourths of our Chinese inhabitants are in
the state of California, and the fear that the presence
of so many would lead to difficulties in the future has
led to laws forbidding the further entrance of Chinese
laborers into this country.
China is so far away from us, and wn see so few of its
Woman of North China
GO
ASIA
people, that we do not realize how large a part of the
world’s popidation it contains. The eastern portion of
the country is covered with many thousands of villages
and has many large cities, the names of some of which
are hardl}" kmnvn to ns. The entire empire probably
contains nearly four hundred and fifty million people.
View in Eastern China
There are more people in China than in the whole of
Europe, and more than there are in North America,
South America, and Africa combined. In fact, China
contains more than one fourth of all the inhabitants of
the earth.
The Chinese were among the first people of the world
to Itecome civilized. They invented the mariner’s com-
pass, the art of making gunpowder, and the production
of silk goods and porcelain ware. No one of tlie neigh-
Itoring nations had reached such high attainments as the
Chinese, and on that account they have generally held
all foreigners in low esteem.
CHINA
61
The Great Wall of China is an indication of the enter-
prise and power of the people of former generations.
This wall separates the Middle Kingdom from the
northern provinces, and extends from the sea toward
the west for a distance of about fifteen hundred miles.
It is thirty feet high and twenty feet wide, w'ith high
Great Wall of China
towers at regular intervals. It runs up and down across
the country, even over the peaks of high 'mountains.
It was built for the purpose of keeping back the Tartar
tribes of the north. While the wall was being con-
structed, a large army was necessary to protect the
workmen against those tribes. The wdiole undertaking
must have required the labor of millions of men. For-
merly Chinese soldiers were continually stationed upon
the walls and in the towers, and for many centuries
they held in check the Tartar horsemen of the northern
steppes. At last, however, these became powerful
G2
ASIA
enough to overcome the Chinese and enter the country.
After this the conquering Tartars became the ruling
class in China. In the seventeenth centiuy the Manchu
Tartars came into power. The custom of shaving the
head and Avearing the queue originated with them.
The religious ideas of the Chinese have had a great
effect upon their civilization. The three great religions
are Ihiddliism, A\diich is also common in India ; Taoism,
Confucian Temple at Nanking
Avhich teaches the l.'elief in many gods ruling over the
needs and activities of life, such as fire, rain, agriculture,
and medicine ; and Confucianism, which was founded by
Confucius.
Confucianism is .tlie leading religion of the country.
Among other principles, it teaches the people to rever-
ence the past and to obey the laws of their ancestors.
According to these principles, Chinese children are se-
verely punished for any disrespect to their parents.
The people have gradually become accustomed to an
CHINA
63
acceptance of all three of the great religions, and it
often happens that the same temple serves for all.
Because of their l^elief in the excellence of what their
ancestors have done, the Chinese have opposed all
attempts to make improvements of any kind. Tlieir
hatred of foreigners has been largely due to fear of the
changes that foreig:uers strive to introduce.
O o ,
Chinese Carpenters
Aside from religions scruples, Chinese workmen have
been opposed to the introduction of new labor-saving
inventions from foreign nations. The same difficulty
has arisen in other countries, when newly invented ma-
chines have taken the place of hand labor. When a
machine is adopted that will do the work of a numlter
of men, many people lose their occupation. For a time
this is a hardship to the few, but to the people as a whole
it is a great benefit.
G4
ASIA
Tlie Chinese have clung to their old notions, while
otlier peo[)les liave advanced; and consecjuently Cliina, as
a nation, lias been growing weaker, while other nations
have been erowintr strono;er.
o o o
The opportunity to carry on trade with the vast popvda-
tion of China is much sought by the great commercial
nations ot the world. As dealings with merchants of
these powerful nations increased, it seemed proliable.
Chinese Officials
a few years ago, that the Chinese Empire would lie
brought under the control of some foreign power, as
India liecaine a part of the British Empire, or that it
would he divided among several of the great powers of
Euro})e. The French had already gained possession of
French Indo-China. The Russians had obtained Port
Arthur, a strongly fortified seaport, and had been given
the privilege of extending a branch of their Siberian
CHINA
65
Railway through Chinese territory. The Germans had
seized the harbor and adjacent territory at Kianchaii.
The British, also, had obtained privileges at the port of
Weihaiwei. There was danger of a terrible war over the
division of Chinese territory.
But the leaders among the Chinese have become aroused,
and are now rapidly adopting modern improvements and
doing everything in their power to strengthen tlieir nation.
In this they have had the sympathy and assistance of the
United States. Recently railroads have been built, tele-
graph and telephone systems have been introduced, and
many newspapers have been established.
Chinese officials are making great efforts to reform their
educational system. For two thonsaud years, many Chi-
nese children have been educated, but their education
has been largely confined to a study of the ancient
writings of Confucius. At the end of their course they
have been required to take severe examinations. These
66
ASIA
have l)een conducted in a curious way. The halls where
they were held consisted of a great number of small
booths, or cells, in which students sat alone and worked
for da\'s upon their tasks. Success in the examination
woidd insure appcjintment to some public office.
lu 1905 these examinations were abolished and a new
Minister of Education was appointed. Tlie government
is now establish-
ing schools simi-
lar to those of
other nations.
T h 0 u s a n d s of
Chinese students
have been sent
to be educated in
Japan and in the
United States,
Germany, and
England.
The govern-
ment of China is
an al:isolute mon-
archy. Each
province has a governor with officials under him, and
over all is the Emperor, who is supposed to have supreme
power. The empire is so large, however, and communica-
tion has been so slow and difficult that the central govern-
ment lias had l)ut little control o^'er some of the remote
provinces. Punishments are very severe. Tlie death pen-
alty is inflicted for offenses that would seem to us trivial.
The Chinese people are naturally industrious and skill-
CHINA
67
fill. They have much strength and endurance. Horses
and other draft animals are scarce among them, Imt hu-
man labor is cheap. Men pull barges along the canals
and rivers, carry heavy burdens on their backs, and
transport freight and passengers on great wheelbarrows,
from one city to another.
The Chinese have had
many absurd customs. For
example, the women of the
higher classes have had their
feet bound into a deformed
shape, in order to make them
appear smaller. But such
practices are now discouraged
by the government and are
gradually passing away.
The ordinary Chinese house
is made of mud, with a
thatched roof. In the large
cities, of which there are
many, most of the houses are
of one story and are closely
crowded together. Many of
the streets are mere alleys from four to eight feet
wude, and are so crowded with people that it is often
necessary for persons to step into the doorways of shops
to permit others to pass. Thousands of people spend
their lives in house-boats on rivers and canals.
1. Name all the bodies of water along the coast of China.
2. Name the countries that border on the Chinese Empire.
3. Wliat large island lies south of the eastern part of China?
Chinese Girl with Small Feet
6S
ASIA
■1. Ill wliat direction from China are the riiilipi:>ine Islands?
Ahoiit how far is it across the sea from Alanila to Canton?
(i. Wliat large island lies east of China and nortli of tlie riiilij'pines ?
V. Aliout how far is it from the British jiossession of AVeihaiwei to
the Cerman possession of Kiauchau?
8. Xaine a city of the United States about as far north as Peking.
!). Xame a city of tlie United States that has about the same latitude
as the port of Shanghai.
10. Sketch a map of Cliina, and write the names of the outlying prov-
inces in tlieir proper locations.
Chinese Modes of Punishment
8. Chinese Industries
The chief wealth of this great empire consists in
its agricnltural land. The climate and soil are generally
favorable for crops, and in the densely populated re-
gions every acre available is utilized, even to the v^ery
summits of the mountains. The rich soil of the great
plains and river valleys of the eastern portion is of a
3’ellow color, and is called loess. Much of it consists
CHINESE INDUSTRIES
69
of mud deposited bj the rivers. Such deposits have raised
the bed of the Hoaug, or Yellow, River, so that its bauks
are higher than the surroimdiug laud, like the banks of
the lower Mississippi and some other rivers. The Hoang
has sometimes overflowed and drowned thousands of
23eople. The mouth of this river was formerly near that
of the Yangtse, but not long ago it broke through its
banks and took a new course into the Gulf of Pechili.
Farm Laborers near Shanghai
A large proportion of the Chinese are farmers. They
are very industrious. Tlie division of the land among
so many gives each family hardly more than a
mere garden, but through industry and skillful cultiva-
tion it is made to yield large crops. Most of the farm
work is done l^y hand. In the southern section the
water buffalo is used for some kinds of v/ork, and some-
times donkej's are kept on the farms, but often plows in
the fields are drawn fjy men.
M'herever there is not sufficient rain, irrigation is em-
ployed. Y'ater for the purpose is often raised from the
70
ASIA
rivers or canals by crude water wheels, turned l>y buffa-
loes or ])y men.
One of the cluef sonrces of income for the Chinese
is the cnltnre of mulberry trees in the warm valleys,
and the j^ro-
dnction of silk.
The conntry
produces about
one half of all
the raw silk of
the world. The
wealthy classes
of tlie Chinese
wear much silk
which is mann-
factnred on
hand looms in
the home s.
About one half
of the silk prod-
nct of the
conntry is exported to Europe and the United States.
ddie masses of the peo})le dress in cotton. A great
amount is required for so many millions. Nearly every
farmer raises cotton, and cloth for the family is made
from it l)y the women of the honsehold. Besides what
is groAvn in the conntry, mnch raw cotton and many
cotton goods are imported. The supply for the south-
ern part of China has come mainly from Great Brit-
ain, and that for the northern part from the United
States.
Copyright by Keystone View Co.
Reeling Silk from Cocoons
CHINESE INDUSTRIES
71
The principal food of southern China is rice, which
is cultivated on the lowlands near the coast. In the
Yangtse River valley a vast amount is raised. The
crop is all needed to feed the people at home, hence
the export of rice is forbidden by law.
Tea is raised on the hillsides and in the warm valleys
of the south. Where the climate is very warm, tea
plants are often grown in the shade of mulberry trees.
Planting Rice
Tea is the common beverage of the Chinese, and most
of the surplus is exported to Russia and the United
States. Haukau and Fuchau are great tea centers. In
the vicinity of these cities many thousands are engaged
in picking the leaves, assorting them, firing ” them,
and packing them in chests for the market. At Han-
kau much tea is prepared in the form of bricks for the
Russian market. The leaves are crushed and moistened,
and then pressed in molds. The bricks are then carried
on camels far away to the north and west.
In the north, where rice does not thrive, millet is
72
ASIA
the chief food, hut the wheat ero}) is increasing in im-
portance. The province of Shantung, in the valley of
the Hoang River, resembles tlie prairie regions of the
United States. lieat and ndllet are tlie great crops.
Grain is still nsnally threshed l)y a stone roller, drawn
))y an ox, or by the tramping of men and women. Witli
tlie introdnetion of American farm macliinery Shautnng
will become a source of immense wealth.
Plow Team, China
One of the industries of China, of which, the better
classes are l)y no means proud, is the production of opium.
A great amount, also, is imported from India. The his-
tory of the opium traffic is, in the ojjinion of many, a blot
u])on the reputation of Great Britain. Opium is profit-
ably ])rodnced in India, China is the greatest market for
it, and the British government obtains a large income Ijy
controlling the trade. In the year 1840 the Chinese en-
deavored to prevent the British from importing opium
into their country. A great quantity was finally thrown
CHINESE INDUSTRIES
73
into the water from the decks of British ships, as tea
was once thrown overboard from British ships in Boston
harbor. This refusal to receive the opium brought on a
war Ijetween Great Britain and China, and since that time
the British have carried on the trade without restraint.
Crude opiiun is produced in China in the same manner
as in India. It is a difficult process to prepare crude
opium Traders, Shanghai
opium for smoking. The Chinese prepare not onl}" their
own product, but also most of that which is imported
from India. When the process is completed, the prod-
uct is in the form of thick sirup and is put up in jars.
It is exceedingly (>ostly, and all the operatives of an
opium factory are carefully searched before they leave.
The Chinese people have expended more than one
hundred million dollars a year for opium. The habit of
smokiim: it is one of their chief vices. The better classes
and the government officials are much opposed to the
74
ASIA
production and use of it, and i]i connection with the
recent spirit of inform, edicts have been issued providing
for a gradual induction of the amount produced, and
forbidding the employment of opium users in the
government service. Probaldy Great Britain will assist
by reducing the amount shipjied into China from India.
ddie canal system of China has been the greatest in
the world. The Grand Canal, which extends from
Grand Canal at Ping Wong
Ilangchau to Peking and Tientsin, a distance of about
one thousand miles, was constructed more than four
hundred years ago. Many smaller canals extend from
the Grand Canal, and still smaller ones from these.
Besides providing a vast amount of transportation,
the canals serve many other useful purposes. They
yield large rpiautities of hsli, for which the rice fields,
when Hooded, are convenient hatching o-roimds. Mud
from the bottom of the canals is used on the land for a
fertilizer. Reeds that grow along the banks provide
material for basket weaving.
It is believed that China contains some of the most
CHINESE INDUSTRIES
75
extensive coal fields in the world. It has been estimated
that the coal already discovered would be sutficieut to
last the entire world for a thousand years. But this
coal will be of little value until railroatls are built for
transporting it, as English coal is still imported. The
development of the coal mines will be of great benefit
to the country.
There are but
few trees to yield
fuel or timber.
The forests that
once grew have
been mostly cut
down so that
there might be
enough cleared
land to produce
food for the peo-
ple.
Articles of
Chinese manu-
facture that are common in America show the natural
industry and skill of the Chinese people. The manu-
facture of firecrackers illustrates their patient work.
The small cylinders are formed from paper and tied
in bunches. Clay is next spread over one end and
pressed into each cylinder. Then powder is poured
into the other end and a fuse inserted. A China-
man can make several thousand firecrackers in a
day, and his pay for the day’s work is only a few
cents.
Wheelbarrow with Sail
76
ASIA
Tlu' making of pottery is an art in which the Chinese
have excelled fur many centnries. V ery line clay is found
in that country. It is molded on a wheel into suitable
forms, and then the articles are dried in the sun, dipped
in a li(pdd to give them a coat of glaze, and baked in
an oven. After this they are carefully decorated.
Peking, the capital city of the empire, is surrounded
by a wall twenty-live miles long, thirty feet high, and
twenty feet thick. One section, called the Imperial
City, is iiiclosed lyy another high wall. The Imperial
City contains the residences of the olhcials and the pul>
lic buildings. It is said that there are four thousand
walled cities in China. The streets are generally un-
attractive. Some of the large cities, however, have
special (piarters for the residences of foreigners, and
the.se quarters I'esemble Eui’opeau and American cities.
A itiiin a few years conditions in China will doidjtless
CHINESE INDUSTRIES
77
be greatly cliaiigeil. Tlie increase of foreign trade and
the encouragement given by the Cliinese government
will hasten the introduction of western ideas.
It is a satisfaction to the Anmrican people to know
that w^e have had much to do wnth the improvement of
conditions in China. For many years American mission-
street Scene in Peking
aides have been seeking to enlighten the Chinese people.
Since the time when the danger arose that China wmnld
be divided among the nations of Europe, America has
insisted upon retaining the integrity of China,” and
upon the policy of the “ o]ien door.” This means that
the empire shall not he divided, and that it shall he
open to the trade of all nations. Because of this, and
hecanse the Chinese understand that we have never
sought to obtain any of their territory, they are the
78
ASIA
more friendly to us and the more disposed to trade with
us. We now sell more cotton goods i]i China than are
sold there by all other countries condjined. We also
sell a great amount of keroseiie, flour, lumber, and
many locomotives.
House-boats in the River at Canton
1. AMiy does not China liave food snp 2 :>lies to sell to other countries?
2. Why do the Chinese need to ini[>ort lumber?
3. ^Vhy does it cost a great deal to send goods to many 2 >arts of
China ?
4. There is good iron ore in China. Give reasons why the iron
industi'y has not been developed.
5 . IMost of the American trade with China is through the ports of
Canton and Shanghai. About how far ai:iart are these jiorts ?
(j. Slianghai is the commercial center of northern China. It now
has a unniber of large cotton mills. It is near the moutli of what river?
7. In what direction from Shanghai is Peking?
(S. There is a railroad from Peking to Ilankau. About how long is it ?
0. Tientsin is the i>ort of Peking. In what direction from Peking
is it ?
10. Name the three largest Chinese cities in the order of their pojni-
lation-
11. Sketch a map of China jirojicr, showing the most imj^ortant
rivers and cities, and the names of the bodies of water along the coast.
REMOTE PROVINCES AND COUNTRIES 79
9. Remote Provinces and Smaller Countries
The great provinces of the Chinese Empire outside
of China proper are inhabited by people akin to the
Chinese, but in their government they are mostly in-
dependent.
The greater part of the province of Tibet is a plateau,
more than two miles above the level of the sea. It is
the highest plateau
in the world. It
is not an inviting
region. In some
parts of the year
the climate is very
dry, though five
great rivers rise
there.
The Tibetans
are Buddhists and
are very religious.
The priests are
their rulers. They
regard their capi-
tal, Lassa, as a
sacred city, and
guard it v^ery care-
fully against for-
eigners. But few white people have ever l)een permitted
to enter within tlie walls of Lassa.
These people have large herds of yaks, wdiich are ani-
mals somewhat like cows, wdth humps on their backs.
Tibetan Merchants
80
ASIA
The Tibetans export some gold, silver, salt, and wool,
and carry on a caravan trade 'with China and India.
Eastern Turkestan, or Chinese Turkestan, is mostly a
sandy desert inhabited l)y wandering herdsmen.
Mongolia includes the great Desert of Gobi. Its
jjeople are wandering tribes of herdsmen. They own
many camels, horses, and sheep.
Palace of the Grand Lama at Lassa
Manchuria is rich in natural resources. It contains
great timber forests, valuable minerals, and large tracts
of level, fertile land. It is about as far north as our
states of Minnesota and North Dakota, and is larger
than the state of Texas. The rainfall is sufficient, and
the climate is healthful. At present the chief products
are wheat, lumber, and live stock. Mauclinria resembles
Canada in the nature and extent of its undeveloped
wealth. It has been brought the more into public no-
tice because of tlie recent war l^etween Russia and Japan,
the greatest Ijattles of which were fought in Manchuria.
The province continues to belong to the Chinese Em-
REMOTE PROVINCES AND COUNTRIES 81
pire, although the Japanese have a great interest in
its development.
The whole region south of China proper and east of
India is known as Indo-China. It contains great jun-
gles, with many tigers, elephants, and poisonous snakes.
The central portion consists of the independent king-
dom of Siam. This is a very warm country. Its low
Royal Palace at Bangkok
river valleys are densely populated. The chief crop is
rice. This is almost the only food of both men and ani-
mals, and much of it is exported. A great amount of
teak timber, also, is exported. Many canals from the
rivers extend across the lowlands, and in the wet season
these overflow, and large sections of the country are
flooded. The people then travel about in boats. xA
large number live in house-boats during the entire year.
In the single city of Bangkok more than half a million
people live in house-boats. The King of Siam is rich,
but most of the people are very poor and ignorant.
Like the Chinese, they belong to the Mongolian Race.
French Indo-China belongs to France. It is one of the
82
ASIA
must im])ortaut and successful of the French colonies,
and the French have done much to improve it. It is
like Siam in its climate and resources. It produces rice
and teak lumber, and a small amount of cotton.
The middle portion of the long, narrow strip of the
i\Ialay Peninsula, l)etween the Indian Ocean and the
China Sea, is called the Malay States. It consists of a
Street in Singapore
numlter of small states under rulers called rajahs. Be-
sides prodiicts common to other parts of Indo-China,
these states contain valuable forests of hardwood trees.
The Straits Settlements, which consist of the southern
part of the Malay Peninsula and the small islands near,
are a colony of Great Britain. Tin is the most valuable
product of the region. About one half of the tin used
in the United States for making tin plate comes from
Singapore, where the tin of the Settlements is smelted
in the largest tin-smelting works in the world.
Singapore is a great commercial port of southern Asia.
All the large ships passing east and west through the
REMOTE PROVINCES AND COUNTRIES 83
Strait of Malacca stop there. Besides tin, we obtain
from Singapore pepper and other spices that grow on the
neighboring islands. Pepper berries grow upon climbing
shrubs. Black pepper is made from unripe berries and
white pepper from ripe ones.
The island of Hongkong came into the possession of
Great Britain in 1841 as a result of the ‘‘ Opium War.”
It is only aljont eleven miles long and two or three miles
Victoria and Harbor at Hongkong
wide. It consists mostl}^ of rocky hills and cliffs, but it
has become a center of great importance in the com-
merce of the world. The port of Victoria upon that
island is a distributing center for the commerce of all
countries. Ships from all parts of the world and people
from almost every country are to be seen at its docks.
In some recent years this has been the leading port of
the world in the amount of its commerce.
1. "What country is south of Tibet?
2. In wliat part of Tibet is Lassa?
3. The chief cities of Manchuria are iMukden and Harbin. About
how far apart are they?
84
ASIA
4. AVhat country consists of the large peninsula southeast of INIan-
churiaV
5. In what part of Siam is the chief city of that country?
G. Tn what part of French Iiulo-China is the port of Saigon ?
7. What large island is on the opposite side of the Strait of INIalacca
from the Straits Settlements?
8. Near what large Chinese port is the island of Hongkong?
9. In what direction from Singairore is Hongkong?
1(1. About how long is the voyage from Singapore to Hongkong?
11. Al)out how far is it from Aden to Singapore?
I'i. Sketch a map of French Tndo-China, Siam, and the Malay Feiiiu-
sula, locating the important cities and towns.
Malays weaving Wickerwork
10. Japan
Tlie Empire of Japan consists of a long group, or
chain, of islands at some distance from the eastern
coast of Asia. It includes several large islands and a
great number of small ones, the entire number being
nearly four thousand. Many of the small islands, how-
ever, are of little importance. The chain extends from
northeast to southwest for about two thousand miles.
JAPAN
85
Like many other groups of islands, these are chiefly of
volcanic origin. Every year Japan has as many as fifty
earthquake shocks that are severe enough to be notice-
able. It is not often that great damage is done by these
earthquakes, ]jut care is taken to build the houses so
that they will not be shaken down.
Festival in Japan
Japan is similar to the British Isles in respect to size,
population, and climate. The surrounding waters modify
the extremes of heat and cold. The monsoons bring
rain in summer and rain or snow in winter. Since,
however, the empire extends through so many degrees
of latitude, there is a wide difference between the
climate of the far north and that of the south. Formosa
has a warm climate, Init Yezo is for Japan somewhat like
Alaska for us. Its inhabitants are called Ainos. They
lead lives similar to those of the natives of Alaska.
8G
ASIA
The islands of Japan were long ago occupied by people
of the Mongolian llace, wlio were much like the in-
habitants of the mainland of Asia. Separation from
other countries was favoralJe for improvement and for
the development of a strong and united nation, as it
was for the early progress of the English people.
The Japanese were like the Chinese in their opposi-
tion to foreigners, hut in the year 185o Commodore
Japanese Shrine
Perry, with United States warshijjs, entered the harbor
of Yokohama and explained to the leaders some of the
im})rovements of civilized nations. The result was that
the Japanese opened their ports to foreign trade.
The strength of this empire and its importance among
the nations are not to ))e measured by tlie size of its
islands, l)ut l)y the number and character of the people.
The combined area of the islands is about equal to that
of California, but the Japanese people nund^er about one
half as many as those of the whole United States.
JAPAN
87
The enterprise and efficiency of these people have
been brought to the attention of the world by their
success in conflicts witli other nations. The fact that
they defeated the Chinese in 1805 was an illustration
of the weakness of a vast einjjire that still adhered to
the worn-out ways of the past, in comparison with a
Fujiyama
small nation that had come into touch with the im-
provements of the present age.
The result of the great war wdth Russia in 1905 was
a surprise to the world, and gave Japan a place among
the most powerful modern nations. In their determina-
tion to reach ports on the open sea, the Russians had
turned then’ attention toward the Pacific, and had ex-
tended their railroad to Vladivostok and Port Arthur.
It appeared to be their purpose to gain control of ports
88
ASIA
on the Pacific coast and to secure a large anioimt of
Chinese territory. The Japanese believed tliat if this
should take place, they themselves iniglit become de-
pendent upon Russia. They therefore declared war foi'
the pur])ose of defending their national existence and
that of the Chinese. Through tlieir success a check Avas
])laced upon the amljition of Jxussia, and Japan became
Japanese Toy Store
the leading poAver in tliat part of the Avorld. This Avar
established the fact that the Japanese are good soldiers.
They are very ])atriotic and liave little fear of death.
The oliicers sIioav great forethouglit in all tlieir prejiara-
tioiis for Avar.
These people still retain many interesting and pe-
culiar Avays, and the mixture of the old Avith the ueAv
often presents a strange spectacle. Althongli the uses
of electricity and other late improvements are common
among them, they still employ many men, instead of
draft animals, to draav A^ehicles and carry burdens.
JAPAN
89
The success of the Japanese as a nation is partly due
to the great care bestowed ujjon the training and edu-
cation of their children. They are naturally fond of
children, and provide them when very young with a
great variety of toys. Education in the schools is com-
pulsory. School children in that country leave their
Japanese School Children
wooden shoes, or sandals, outside the door, and sit on
floor mats in their stockings to do their school work.
Japanese pupils have great difticulties to contend with,
in comparison with yonng Americans. Fifteen hundred
years ago the Japanese adopted the Chinese method of
writing, and have kept it ever since. There are forty-
seven characters in their alphabet, and besides these,
thousands of word signs must be committed to memory.
The Japanese are now thinking of adopting the
90
ASIA
Roman alpbaljet of western nations in place of their
chnnsy system, llinulreds of Japanese students are pur-
suing tlieir studies in Europe and America, for the pur-
pose of carrying home to Japan the best ideas of the
enlightened nations of the world.
The religious ideas and feelings of the Japanese are
almost as mixed as are those of the Chinese. Tlieir old-
Shinto Priests
est religion is called Shintoism, and consists of the wor-
ship of distinguished ancestors ; hut the more common
religion is Buddhism. Shrines and temples are very
numerous throughout the country.
The Japanese are great lovers of nature. They are
proud of their beautiful mountain scenery, and espe-
cially of their volcano, Fujiyama, which they regard as
sacred. They are especially fond of flowers, and trees
and flowers are cultivated everywhere.
Most of the Japanese till the soil, but since only a
JAPAN
91
small part of their land is suitable for cultivation, tlie
farms are not large. They furnisli an example of the
effect of careful methods in amaculture. From land
O
that is no greater in area than one of our smaller
states the Japanese produce enough food to support
forty or fifty million people.
Silk, rice, and tea are the leading products of the
country. Japanese silk is noted for the strength of its
fiber, and is especially used for the manufacture of rib-
bons and laces. Tea raised on Japanese hillsides is of a
fine quality. In common with the Chinese and other
Asiatic peoples, the Japanese make rice the leading
article of their diet.
The forests of the mountain slopes supply excellent
timber. A kind of cypress, called the lacquer tree, is
used in making furniture and lacquer ware. From the
92
ASIA
sap (A’ tliis tree a substance is prepared that produces a
very line polish.
'Idle lisli industry is of great importance. Besides
the fish tliat are ol)tained for food, large quantities are
used to fertilize tlie land. iMiicli fisliiny: is done with
•TO
l)irds called cormora-nts. 'Fhese are trained to dive into
the water and l)ring the fisli to their owners.
O
Japanese Dwelling House
Japan contains much coal, and ranks among the
leading countries in the production of copper. It also
produces a great amount of petroleum.
INIucli imumfacturiug is still done in Japanese homes,
but factories are being rapidly built and equipped with
machinery for the manufacture of silk and cotton goods.
Much paper of fine quality is made in Japan. It is used
for paper napkins and other articles. The country has
many advantages for manufacturing. Tlie people are
naturally skillful, and labor is cheap. There is sufiicient
JAPAN
93
coal, and it is easy to obtain ra^v materials from other
coimtrics to add to those produced at home.
The capital and largest city is Tokio. It contains
the home of the Emperor, or Mikado, and many govern-
ment buildings. Its houses are mostly of wood and
only one story
high, so that
the}^ may stand
the shock of
earthquakes.
Yokohama
was only a lish-
iiio; villa ore
when Commo-
dore Perry first
entered its har-
bor. Since it
is at the mouth
of the bay lead-
ing to Tokio
and has a l)et-
ter harbor than
that city, it is
an important
port.
Osaka, the second city in size, is Ijecoming a center
for the manufacture of cotton goods. Its mills are
equipped with machinery from America. Some cotton
is raised in Japan, but it is of a short-stapled variety,
and American cotton is imported and mixed with it to
increase the strength of the goods.
O O
Business Street in Tokio
94
ASIA
Nagasaki is on a laud-locked, or inoiintaiu-locked,
liar])or. There are coal fields conveniently near, and
the great shipyards of the country are located there.
Most of the commerce betweeii Jajmn and China passes
through that }>ort.
The island of Formosa formerly belonged to China,
but was ceded to Japan in 18'J5. The inhabitants are
mostly Chinese, ))ut there are also al)out one hundred
thousand savages, called “ head-hunters,” Avho are
supposed to be descendants of the original Formosans.
The Japanese are making many improvements in this
island. They have established schools, Iniilt hundreds
of miles of railroad, and introduced telegraph and tele-
phone lines.
F(jrmosa tea is well known throughout the United
States, to which it is exported in large quantities.
JAPAN
95
Nearly all of the world’s supply of camphor comes
from Formosa. Camphor trees resemble oaks. They
are usually left in the forests until they are very old and
large. They are then cut down and chopped into chips
that are boiled until the sap passes out of the wood
and rises in the form of vapor. Tiie vapor passes through
tubes in which it is cooled and condensed. It is then
Japanese Kitchen
a kind of oil mixed with camphor. The oil is pressed
out, and the camphor is ready for the market.
The southern half of the island of Sakhalin came into
the possession of the Japanese at the close of the war
with Russia. Its chief value lies in the abundance of
fish in its rivers and in the waters around its coast.
The peninsula of Korea projects from the mainland
of Asia toward tlie Japanese islands. It has recently
attracted much attention. Korea is known as the “ Her-
mit Nation,” because its people have preferred to have
ASIA
!)()
little to do with the outside world. The Koreans have
had a national existence since very ancient times, and
l)ecaiise they have not been subject to the influence of
foreigners, they have retained many peculiar customs.
The ])eople are notably large and strong. They have
been in the hal)it of doing the work that in most coun-
Korean Farm House
tries is done by lower animals, even to a greater extent
than the Ohinese and the Japanese. Different classes
among the Koreans are known by their dress. Many
Avear long gowns and very large hats.
Since the Avar with Russia, Korea has been virtually
a possession of Japan. The Koreans have strongly re-
sented such foreign interference, but they are becoming
acquainted with the beneflts of modern Avays.
Tlie Japanese are rapidly increasing their commerce
Avith foreign countries. They have numerous steamship
lines to various parts of the Avorld. We import from
Japan raAV silk, silk goods, tea, camphor, crockery, and
mats, Ijesides many articles of minor importance. We
JAPAN
97
1. AVitbiii what parallels of latitude do the Japanese islands lie ?
2. What is the name of the largest island of Japan ?
3. What chain of small islands lies between Formosa and the central
group of large islands ?
4. About how far is it across the strait that separates Japan from
Korea ?
5. Name some American cities that are in about the same latitude
as Tokio.
6. Texas cot-
ton .is sent to
Osaka from San
Diego, Califor-
nia. Why is it
sent from that
port rather than
from San Fran-
cisco ?
7. About
how far is Osaka
from Yokohama?
8. L a r g e
quantities of tea
and raw silk are
produced in tlie
vicinity of Kioto.
AVhat is. the near-
est port to Kioto
from which these Japanese Women Weaving
goods maybe shipped to America?
9. In what direction is the port of Kobe from Yokohama?
10. Port Artliirr was taken by tlie Japanese in the war with
Russia. About how far is it from the naval station at Nagasaki?
11. Sketch an outline map of the largest islands of Japan and
locate the important cities.
send back in exchange wheat, hour, iron, steel, leather,
and kerosene.
98
DISTANT COUNTRIES
REVIEW
1. Describe the physical features of Cliina.
2. Explain the climate of China.
3. Of \vhat])arts does the Chinese Empire consist?
4. Tell about the Chinese people.
5. Tell about the Chinese who have conie to America.
jttshant J
fXkkniJ^
rSinUe
r^MERT^XV’ ,
Monrovia^^'^
C.Pabnas
FERNANDO PO 1.^
Ginnea
PRINCES I." <
BRITISH j»5^
AFRICA'
ruinea
loxence.
' MtlKenJ'
^ \GERMAX ,\^Mombasa
. Bagamoyo^Zanzibar
% £AS)r AFRICA (Rrif.)
\ ^Salaam
ST.THOMASi
0 (PorO
EQUATOR
INOBON
(elgian
Loango^
( ^ort.^
6 om<
Leopoldvil^ic^
”*';Luluaburs
Itatadi
jCsi^SION IS.
iLoandm
^ COMORO Q
I 'S. d
Ij °
Mozambique
y Majunga
A^ G O L
fPprtu'juesl
itVest Afrii;
i6T. HELEN;
(Br.)
GERMAN
Tanam
imatavo
SOfTH--\\’EST ; K {'•: yOula^
k 3^LtpRb.oek/^ BECHU.VX'AI/aI ^T)]
AFRICA
TRffpTc Of CAPRICORN'
AFRICA
{Ocsertp^f^.r.
d onqiirfcsb urj
■ 1! - P
Oy-rtj^ye
Scale of.Statute Miles
Capitals: © Other Places:
Caravan Routes: --5= Railroads;
E.xplanation of Colors
f; i Belgian
CT ■ ^ British
1~ ~i French
I ■■ . J German
L J Italian
r 7 t Portuguese
r I Spanish
r ._. I Turkish
I ' I Independent
,Lourenco Marquez
•urban
iCupe Towiil^
‘)apc oj G.ooU~Hoj)e
> Port
Elizabeth
Union of South Africa
1 Cape Colony
2 Transvaal Colony
3 Orange River Colony
4 Natal
WORKS
Longitude 10° East fi-om 20" Greenwich 30
West O'
lOG
AFRICA
and Ijrongbt under the management of civilized nations,
that attention is now being centered upon the Dark
Continent. It contains so much that is desirable to
the world that it can be no longer neglected. From
recent investigations it is believed that there are in
Africa live or six million square miles of land valuable
for settlement or development, several hundred thousand
square miles of coal beds, beds of iron ore several times as
large as those in North America, very rich deposits of
co})per, and vast quantities of valuable lumber, besides
the rich mines of gold and diamonds that are now in
operation.
Railroads have already been constructed from the
coast to some interior points. One of these, known as
the Cape to Cairo Railroad, is to extend through the
length of the continent, from the Cape of Good Hope
to Cairo, in northern Egypt. Within a few years there
will probably be many railroad lines crossing the conti-
nent in different directions.
1. Xauie the l)odies of water that suiTOuiid Africa.
2. Name five large rivers of Africa.
3. Where are the Atlas Mountains?
4. AVhere is Mt. Kilimanjaro?
5 . tVhere is the desert of Kalahari ?
6. Name three capes on the African coast.
7. What large island southeast of Africa belongs to France?
8. Name two groups of islands off the northwestern coast of Africa,
and state to what country eacli belongs.
9. Mdtliin what degrees of latitude does Africa lie?
10. About how far is it, in a direct line, from the Cape of Good
Hope to Cairo?
11. Make an outline map of Africa, and locate the largest lakes and
rivers and the loftiest mountains.
EGYPT
107
12. Egypt
Thousands of years ago Egypt, in northeastern Africa,
was the home of one of the most higlily civilized peoples
of the earth. The history of this country illustrates
most forcibly the effect of natural surroundings upon
the welfare of a people. Egypt is the “ Gift of the
The Nile at Cairo
Nile.” That river, in flowing across the desert, moistens
a narrow strip of land and renders it suitable for human
habitation. The country, or the inhabited part of it, is
about one thousand miles long and only eight or ten
miles wide.
Heavy rains that fall in the wet season of spring in the
mountainous region near the equator, hundreds of miles
south of Egypt, swell the sources of the Nile. The length
of the river is so great that the lower jiart of its course
108
DISTANT COUNTRIES
is uot affected until June. After that it rises gradually
until October. Then it is usually high enough to over-
flow its banks and cover its flood plain. Soon after this
the water begins to fall, and uncovers the ground which
it has thoroughly moistened. The season when the Nile
approaches its highest point is a time of anxiety among
the people of the entire country. Failure to overflow
would mean drought and widespread disaster.
Camels plowing in the Valley of the Nile
Not only the water for moistening the land but also
the soil itself is the gift of the Nile. During the rainy
season a great amount of fertile soil is carried down from
the hills of Abyssinia into the branch of the river called
the Bine Nile, and much is carried through the entire
length of the river to Egypt and the sea. A part of this
soil is spread over the flood plain by the overflow of the
I’iver, and remains when the water recedes. The thin,
rich layer serves as a fertilizer year after year.
From the accnnndations of thousands of years the soil
EGYPT
109
of Egypt has reached a depth of many feet. The deposit
of mud at the mouth of the river has formed a delta more
than one hundred miles long. This is extended about
eight feet fartlier into the sea every year. It was be-
cause this deposit at the month of the Nile had a trian-
gular shape, resembling the Greek letter delta, that it
received the name delta.
The Sphinx and Great Pyramid
The fertile soil left Ity the Nile and the Avater provided
by its overflow have given the inhabitants of Egypt un-
usual advantages. At a time when the people of Europe
were still barbarians, the Egyptians had advanced far in
learning and in the practice of useful arts. They Imilt
many Avonderful structures, some of Avhich haym been pre-
served until the present time. Among these are the
Sphinx, the obelisks, and the great pyramids, Avhich Avere
110
DISTANT COUNTRIES
the toml)sof kings. We should not forget that Ave ourselves
have profited by tlie civilization of the Egyptians. The
learning of the Greeks and the Romans, that has ineaut
so much to us, was iu part obtained' from Egypt.
The ruins of
tlie ancient city of
Theljes are very
Avonderful. The
Great Pyramid of
Cheops is another
marvelous sight.
It is about seven
hundred and fifty
feet square at the
l)ase and four
hundred and fifty
feet high, and is
])uilt of great
l)locks of stone.
It was erected
moi’e than three
thousand years
l>efore the time of
Christ. We are
told that it required the Avork of one hundred thousand
men tor tAA^enty years.
Amo)ig the ruins of the temple of Karnak are im-
mense columns and blocks of stone, the raising of
avIucIl must haA'e required skill equal to that of modern
engineers. The obelisks are tall, pointed monuments,
heAvn out of solid rock. They are covered Avith carving
Hall of Columbus, Karnak
EGYPT
111
in Egyptian characters giving the names of kings and
great events in Egyptian history. One of these obe-
lisks has been presented to the United States, and stands
in Central Park in New York City.
The ancient Egyptians understood the art of embalming
the bodies of their dead in
such a way that the forms of
some of these have Ijeen pre-
served until the present time;
from these mummies and
articles found in the tombs,
we have learned much about
this ancient people.
The entire area of the
fertile land of Egypt is but
little greater than that of
the state of Massachusetts,
but it supports a population
of nearly ten million people.
The present inhaljitants are
mostly descendants of the
ancient Egyptians, together
with negroes, Arabs, and
mixed races.
Egypt is nominally subject
to Turkey, but the ruler, called the Khedive, is practi-
cally independent of the Turkish governmeut. The
British, through their merchants and capitalists, have
done much to improve the country. The Khedive is
accustomed to follow the advice of British officials,
who have practically gained control. Egy|)t is now
112
DISTANT COUNTRIES
regarded as under the protection of the British, and
is called a protectorate, or dependency, of Great Britain.
Because of the great fertility of the soil and the profit
that comes from cultivating it when water is supplied,
immense sums have been expended in the construction
of irrigation works. These are l)oth for the purpose of
conveying water to parts of the desert that the over-
Copyright, 1003, by W. H. Kau.
The Dam at Assuan
flow of the river does not reach, and to supply water
during the dry period when the Nile is low. Since the
climate is warm throughout the winter, two or three
crops a year can be secured by irrigation.
The greatest structure in connection with the irriga-
tion worlc in Egypt is the dam across the Nile at As-
suan, six hundred miles above Cairo. This dam was
completed in 1002. It is more than a mile long and over
one hundred feet high. When the river l)egins to fall,
the dam holds back a lake one hundred and forty miles
EGYPT
113
long, and this water passes through as it is needed to
supply irrigation canals for hundreds of miles below.
Another immense structure is the barrage near Cairo.
This is a lower dam, built across the river to regulate
the rise and fall of the tide in the irrigation of the laud
of the delta. In the barrage are gates that hold back
the water at high tide, and prevent it from disturbing
the uniform supply of the irrigating canals.
Irrigating, Sakieh, Egypt
Agriculture is, of course, the piincipal industry of
Egypt, and the climate is such that a great variety of
crops can Ite produced. Among these are Indian corn,
wheat, rice, and a large amount of cotton and sugar
cane. Egyptian cotton has very long and strong fibers,
and is sold at a high price in the markets. Even the
United States, in which “ cotton is king,” imports some
Egyptian cotton for the manufacture of certain articles
for which our own product is nnsuitable. Date palms
and orchards of other fruit trees are seen along the Nile.
114
DISTANT CX3UNTRIES
Many domestic animals are raised in Egypt, including
camels, a variety of buffaloes, sheep, goats, cattle, and
horses.
The Egyptian peasants, called fellalieen, are an ig-
norant hut industrious people. They still irrigate small
plots of land by
raising water
from the Nile in
l)uckets fas-
tened to bal-
anced poles, or
f)y means of a
small wheel
turned by a
donkey or buf-
falo or camel.
Some of the
hal)its of these
people are about
the same as
those of their
ancestors in the
time of Moses.
Cairo is the
largest city of
Egypt. It is situated at the head of the delta of the
Nile, and is the center of trade for the agricultural
products of the narrow valley. It contains the palace
of the Khedive and other interesting buildings. The
Egyptians are mostly Mohammedans, and mosques and
minarets are proihinent in their cities. On account o:^
Street in Cairo
EGYPT
115
the agreeable climate in winter, Cairo is a popular resort
for travelers.
Alexandria was formerly at one of the mouths of the
Nile, but the extension of the delta has left the origi-
nal part of the city at some distance from the sea. This
once famous city was named for the emperor Alexander
the Great, who concpiered the Egyptians several cen-
turies before the birth of Christ. Before the discovery
Camel Train leaving Cairo
of the ocean route to Asia around Cape Horn, Alex-
andria was a great center of trade. It was also the
center of the learning of its time, and had a library con-
taining the choicest works in the world. These were
destroyed by the conquering Arabs, who believed that
their Bible, the Koran, contained everything desirable
to know. At present, Alexandria is an important com-
mercial port and the terminus of many steamship lines.
1. Tlie source of the Nile is Lake Victoria. How far is it from
that lake to Cairo, in a direct line?
2. On whicli side of the equator is the source of the Nile?
IIG
DISTANT COUNTRIES
3. Why is the Nile smaller at Cairo than several hundred miles
south of that city ?
■i. Estimate the distance saved in going from London to Bombay by
way of tlie Suez Canal, instead of around Caj^e Horn.
5. AVhy has the Suez Canal been an advantage to Alexandria?
(i. Wliat towns are at the extremities of the Suez Canal ?
7. IMuch Egyptian cotton is used in Switzerland. Suggest steam-
boat and railway routes by which it may be carried to that country.
8. In what direction is Alexandria from Cairo V
9. Name a city of the United States that is in about the same latitude
as Cairo.
10. Make a map of Egypt, showing the Nile River, the Suez Canal,
and the cities and interesting localities.
Entrance to Suez Canal, Port Said
13. Northern Africa
Alono' the iiortlieni border of Africa, lietweeu the
Mediterranean Sea and the desert, are four countries,
Morocco, Algeria, Tunis, and Tripoli, in parts of which
the climate and the conditions of life are very different
from those in the desert 011 the south. Although rain
is scanty in the eastern part of this section, the eleva-
tion of the xVtlas Mountains gives the western part a
desiraljle climate. The mountains cut off the hot winds
NORTHERN AFRICA
117
from the south, and cause rain from the Avinds that
come from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
Some of the present people of these countries are
called Berbers. They are descendants of the original in-
habitants, from whose name the four countries Avere
once called the Barbary States. The Arabs finally con-
Arabs in Northern Africa
quered the Berbers, and are noAA^ the ruling class.
Both Berbers and Arabs belong to the Caucasian Race,
although the Arabs haAm a dark complexion.
The Berbers live mostly in mountainous districts, to
Avhich they Avere driven by the conquering Arabs. They
dAA'ell in permanent homes, in Aullages. They are a
very industrious farming people, and raise many sheep
and goats, besides various kinds of fruit.
Many of the Arabs live in tents outside the cities, and
move their herds of animals from place to place. Others,
knoAvn as Moors, live mostly in the cities and toAvns.
For many centuries these states Avere ruled by pirates.
118
DISTANT COUNTRIES
who sent ont vessels to capture foreign ships. They
held tlie captured crews for ransom or sold them as
slaves. Other nations for a long time paid trilmte to
these pirates to prevent them from interfering with
commerce. In the early part of tlie last century the
United States, (Ireat Britain, and France put an end to
the baiharous practice.
Women gathering Olives, Morocco
Morocco is the most valuai^le and important of these
four countries. Very little has been known about that
country until recently. Although, at the nearest point,
it is only ten miles from southern Europe, and althoirgh
it has a coast line of aljout thirteen hundred miles,
along which the ships of all countries have passed for
centuries, we have been almost as ignorant of it as if it
had been situated in central Asia. This is chiefly be-
cause foreigners have not been welcome, and traveling
has l.ieen dangerous.
NORTHERN AFRICA
119
Instead of being a barren desert region, as many
people have supposed it to be, jNIorocco is for the most
part a fertile country, and has a delightful climate. Its
hills and mountains are covered Avith forests, and its
valleys are very productive. The soil is suited to a great
A'ariety of agricultural products. The country now pro-
Court of House in Morocco
duces much corn and many figs and olives, and its
pastures support herds of goats and other animals.
Copper, iron, and other minerals are found. It is a
country larger than France or Germany.
The gOA^ernment of Morocco Avas formerly A^ery bad.
It Avas an independent state ruled by a monarch called
the Sultan, the management of Avhose government con-
sisted in little more than the collecting of taxes. The
people Avonld bring to the Sultan herds of cattle, flocks
120
AFRICA
of slieep, or loads of grain, as a means of protecting
themselves from being massacred by the government
soldiers. The Snltan appropriated these goods to bis
own use, doing little or not.liingfor the people in return.
Outside the cities there were no railroads or carriage
roads. Goods w'ere transported on the backs of donkeys
or camels. In the want of any effective government
The Walls of Tangier
to prevent lawlessness, bandits frequently kidnapped
persons of wealth or importance, carrying them away
to the mountains and bolding them for ransom. Such
treatment of citizens of otlier countries caused those
nations to interfere, and by a treaty between Great
Britain and France in 1904 Morocco became a French
protectorate. Since then the French have made great
improvements, and other nations have rejoiced in the
overthrow of tlie “ last barbaric empire.”
The long coast line of Morocco is generally unlmoken,
and it has been necessary to send passengers and goods
ashore from steamers in small boats and in calm weather.
The chief port is Tangier. We import goatskins from
NORTHERN AFRICA
121
Morocco through the port of Tangier, and send to that
country cotton goods and kerosene.
Fez is a larger city tlian Tangier. It is the chief
city of Morocco and the home of the Sultan. Among
jNIohammedans, Fez has long had a reputation on
account of its great schools for the study of the Koran.
Harbor of Algiers
Algeria lost its independence on account of the prac-
tice of piracy. It is now a province of France. Algeria
is larger than Morocco, but only tlie northern part is
the equal of that country in respect to soil and climate.
A strip along the coast, called the “ Tell,” has rich
farms, orchards, and vineyards. In the southern part
there are large tracts of desert.
The French have benefited Algeria by constructing
good roads and railroads, and in many other ways. The
harbor of the port of Algiers has been rendered safe
by the protection of a breakwater. Algeria exports to
Europe dates, wheat, cork, and alfa grass, or esparto
122
AFEICA
grass, wliicli is used for making a coarse kind of paper.
It also supplies the markets of Paris and other French
cities with early vegetahles.
Tunis is a protectorate of France. Although the
native ruler, called the Bey, is permitted to continue
in office, he has hnt little ]mwer. The industries and
products of Tunis are similar to those of Algeria. It
Avenue de France, Tunis
produces some of the finest olive oil and dates in the
world.
Tripoli is a province of Turkey. Its people are
largely engaged in trade in ivory, ostrich feathers, and
other articles, that are brought by caravans across the
desert from the south.
1. Name states in the United States that are in ahont the same
latitude as the comitries of northern Africa.
2. j^cross wliich of tlie four countries do the Atlas Mountains ex-
tend ?
3. Mogador is a small jiort of Morocco. How far from Tangier is
it?
THE DESERT OF SAHARA
123
4. Beginning with Tangier, name in order the principal ports of
northern Africa.
5. The French have built a railroad from the coast to Biskra,
wliicli is the present seat of government. How far from Algiers is
COUlltl]6S cllong Makers of Leather Goods, Tunis
the northern coast
and the part of Africa that is affected by tropical rains
is the great Desert of Saliara. This is about two thirds
as large as the United States, and is the greatest region
of continuous desert on the face of the earth. Over
most of it rain never falls except in thundershowers, and
these may not occur oftener than once in several years.
Biskra?
6. Cork is sent from Algiers to Spain and Portugal. Xame a port
in each of those countries to which it ma}^ be sent.
7. Early vegetables are shipped to tlie cities of France by way of
Marseilles. In what
direction is that port
from Algiers?
8. Oran is the trad-
ing port of the western
part of Algeria. IIow
far is it from Algiers?
9. Constantine is
noted for the proiluc-
tion of fine leather. In
what direction is it
from Algiers?
10. IMake an outline
map of northern Africa,
showing the boundaries
of the four countries
and their chief towns.
14. The Desert
of Sahara
Between the
124
AFRICA
The name Sahara means “ Desert Plain,” but this
desert is not so nearly a plain as is often supposed.
Tlie wind heaps up the sand in ridges that in some
places resemble the billows of the ocean. In other
places there are rocks instead of sand. Much of the
desert sand has been worn from rocks as the wind has
View in the Desert of Sahara
blown particles across their surface. A range of moun-
tains, in places more than a mile high, extends across the
central part of the desert from northwest to southeast,
but other parts are below the level of the sea.
It would be incorrect to suppose that the Sahara is
entirely barren throughout the year. If it were, it could
support no permanent inhabitants. In some parts i’ain
falls in certain months, and wandering tribes of herds-
men drive their animals from one of these sections to
another as the season changes.
Tlie greatest benefits to both the permanent popula-
THE DESERT OF SAHARA
125
tion and travelers come from the oases. These are spots
where underground water rises to the surface of its
own accord or can be ol^tained by artesian wells or t)y
pumping. The effect of this water upon the soil indi-
cates that the desert is very rich in plant food and would
yield abundantly if water could be supplied by irrigation.
An Oasis
The permanent population of the oases consists of Ber-
bers, xArabs, and some Frenchmen and other Europeans,
who are engaged in cultivating grain and fruits. Dates are
a very important product. The date palm thrives where
the air is dry and warm, provided its roots can find suf-
ficient moisture. This tree grows to a height of from
fifty to eighty feet, and has a cluster of long and broad
leaves at the top. The dates hang on stems from the
tops of the trees and look like great bunches of plums.
After they have become ripe and partly dried on the
trees, they are gathered and sent liy caravans to the
seacoast or to some railroad center, where they are
shipped to market. There are many varieties of dates.
12G
AFRICA
Some are soft, while others are hard and dry. The dry
varieties are the common food of both the men and the
camels of the desert. The natives rise the wood of the
date palm for fuel and hmiher, its lea ves in making chairs,
taldes, and other articles, and its bark for weaving baskets.
Hands of roving pe(jple called Bedouins live on the
desert in tents, and move their herds of animals from
place to place. Besides
these, groups of robbers,
in times past, supported
themselves by plundering
the caravans of merchants
and other travelers in the
desert.
Not the least important
of the desert dwellers are
those who conduct the
caravans which for hun-
dreds of years have taken
the place of railroads in
the exchange of goods be-
tween the populous dis-
tricts in the south and the peoples of other continents.
Tlie camels that make up the caravan trains are pecul-
iarly ada})ted to desert regions l^ecause they can travel
easily through the sand and can carry l)urdens for a
long time without water. They also provide meat and
milk for the desert population.
At certain points along the northern coast, particu-
larly in Algeria, Tripoli, and Morocco, European goods
are loaded upon camels and sent on their long jour»
THE DESERT OF SAHARA
127
ney to the south. Some cai’avan trains consist of thou-
sands of camels and are accompanied by hundreds
of armed men as a protection against robbers. They
follow certain customary routes that lead from one
oasis to another, where there are supplies of food and
water. The journey is often extremely uncomforta)3le.
In the clear, dry atmosphere the midday sun is very
Sand Storm in the Desert
oppressive, heating the sand and the rocks until they
are painful to the touch. At night, on the other hand,
the heat passes off into the air rapidly, and it often be-
comes very cold. Frequently storms of wind till the
air with sand and drive it with such force that travelers
cannot proceed. Sometimes men and animals have been
overcome l)y sand storms and ljuried ont of sight.
A section of the desert, Ijordering on Egypt, is under
British inlluence, but the greater portion is French terri-
tory. It is dithcult to organize a good government for
such a vast region, inhabited by small groups of people
scattered at great distances, but the French have had
128
AFRICA
much success in securing order and affording protection
from robbers. They are also building railroads to points
in the interior. In a few years tliere will probably be
enough railroads to accommodate most of the traffic
across the desert, and many of the long caravan routes
will be abandoned.
At the Border of the Libyan Desert
1. How far is it across the great desert?
2 . The Libyan Desert is barren and of little value. "Where is it?
.3. What Spanish territory west of the Sahara borders on the Atlantic?
4. Ghadaines is a caravan center. In what part of Tripoli is it?
5 . Some caravans from Algeria go to the region of Lake Chad. How
far is that lake from the port of Tripoli ?
6. Caravans go from Algiers to Timbuktu, on the Niger River. In
what direction is Timbuktu from Algiers?
7. Kano is a caravan center. IVhat port on the Mediterranean is
the terminus of the most direct route from that center?
8. Sokoto is the terminus of another route. In what direction is it
from Kano?
9. There is a salt mine at Kawar. On wliat caravan route is it?
10. There is another v^aluable salt mine at Taudeni. On what cara-
van route is it situated ?
THE SUDAN
129
15. The Sudan
The tropical region of central Africa, with its copious
rains and dense forests, is in direct contrast with the
barren wastes of the Sahara. A wide belt across the
continent between these two regions is very different
from either, and recpures separate consideration. In this
region there is rain during portions of the j'ear, as the
belt of calms and rain moves north and south. The rain-
fall is sufficient for farming, but not for the growth of
large forests. For the most part there are grassy plains
with scattered groves. Much of the land is high enough
above sea level to have a comfortaijle climate.
Leopard Giraffe
In some places there are many wild animals, includ-
ing the elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, buffalo,
zebra, giraffe, and antelope.
This section of Africa is known as the Sudan. The
name means '‘‘black,” and was applied to this region
because it was known to the world as the land of the
black people. Other parts of Africa also are popu-
lated by the l)lack race, but this section is more acces-
sible to civilized people and so is more familiar to them.
Portions of the Sudan are more densely populated
130
AFRICA
tlian the forest regions farther south. This is because
the Sudan can sn|)port a greatei' nuinl)er of people.
Tliis is the region to which the caravans take their
loads of goods from the northern coast, and l)ecause of
the contact with civilized peo])le provided by the cara-
van trade many of the inhabitants have become par-
tially civilized. Tliey have gradually learned to use mod-
ern implements and articles of food and clothing and to
In the Sudan
prepare their own pioducts for export to civilized coun-
tries. The exchange of goods has kept the caravans
loaded in l)oth directions, and will Ite sufficient to sup-
port future railrcjad lines.
Many of the people of the Sudan are farmers, and raise
Indian corn, millet, fruits, and many domestic animals.
IMany also are lumters.
The homes of the people are chiefly small thatched
huts grouped together in villages or cities, and sur-
rounded by high walls.
THE SUDAN
131
The region of the Sudan may be divided into three
parts, each containing a center of population and cara-
van trade. The most important section of the western,
or French, Sudan consists of the valleys of the Niger and
Senegal rivers. The eastern, or Egyptian, Sudan includes
the upper valley of the Nile. In the interior the chief
interests center about Lake Chad and northern Nigeria.
A Kano Gate
The chief industrial centers of the central Sudan are
Kano, Kuka, and Sokoto. Kano is a city of aitout one
hundred thousand inhabitants. It is surrounded Ity a
wall fifteen miles long, in which there are thirteen gates.
The inhabitants manufacture much cotton cloth. This
they make in a crude way Ijy hand. They color the
cloth with indigo. They also make many leather goods
and braid hats of straw. They have a large trade with
merchants from many parts of northern Africa.
132
AFRICA
Kuka is also a walled city, composed of thousands of
lints. 1'he soil of the vicinity is very fertile, and there
are farms and large plantations on which millet, wheat,
and cotton are grown. In tins region many elephants
are killed for their ivory tusks, which are very valuable.
At such centers of trade caravans continually come
and go for the purpose of buying, selling, or exchang-
ing a variety of goods, including ivory, ostrich feathers.
Caravan entering Timbuktu
dates, sugar, baskets, tools, ornaments of ivory and sil-
ver, and blocks of salt from the Sahara mines.
The great ti-ading center of western Africa is Tini-
Imktu. It is situated near the Niger River, on ivhicli
goods are easily distributed. It is also on the border of
the Sahara, at a point convenient for caravans.
The region of the Sudan has not very definite limits,
and is sometimes regarded as extending as far as the
Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic coast. Parts of this
coast were long ago visited and explored by people of
several of the leading nations, and hence it is divided
THE SUDAN
133
into many small countries, or colonies. Several sections
were once named according to the goods that were ob-
tained from the natives, and were known as the “ Ivory
Coast,” the “ Gold Coast,” and the Slave Coast.”
Among these countries Liberia is the chief center of
interest because it is practically an American colony.
It was founded in the year 1821 by an association of
American people. At that time it was felt that the
Natives in Liberia
slave trade was very unjust. There was a desire to re-
turn some of the negroes to their native countiy, and a
large section of land was purchased for their benefit.
This was in the time of President Monroe, after whom
the capital, Monrovia, was named, and the country was
called Liberia, which means ‘‘Laud of the Free.” It
was hoped that the liberated slaves would be able to
civilize the neighboring tribes.
The experiment, however, has not produced very
great results. There are about fifty or sixty thousand
134
AFRICA
people along the coast who are civilized, or partly so.
Among these are iiLany descendants of those who re-
turned from America. Their influence over the savage
tribes of the in-
terior has been
slight, and they
have had some
difficulties in the
management of
their own govern-
ment.
There are towns
and plantations
along the coast.
Among the chief
products are palm
nuts, or palm ker-
nels, and palm oil.
These nuts grow
in great clusters upon the oil palm tree. They yield
a great amount of yellow oil, from which the natives
make a kind of Imtter called palm butter. In other
countries the oil is used for making soap, candles, and
artificial butter. A great amount of both nuts and oil
is sent to European markets.
Coffee grows wdld in Liberia, and might be very suc-
cessfully cultivated if the people had sufficient energy.
Most of the country is covered with dense forests, in
which grow many rubber-producing trees.
Sierra Leone was set apart liy the British as a refuge
for slaves who had escaped from slave ships.
Nubian Boy riding Buffalo
THE SUDAN
135
European nations have trading stations along the
coast. Two of the most important of these are the Brit-
ish stations of Freetown, in Sierra Leone, and Lagos,
on the coast of Nigeria. At Cape Verde the French
have improved the port of Dakar. They have bnilt
large piers and docks in order to make it the terminus
of railroads from the interior.
Embankment on the Nile and Palace Gates, Khartum
A large part of the territory known as the Egyptian
Sudan is covered with desert plains. Since it belongs
to Egypt, it is nnder the control of Great Britain.
Many of the inhabitants of Nnljia are hunters. They
kill elephants for their ivory and capture wild ostriches
in order to olttain their feathers. Some of them also
are farmers, raising on their land cotton, wheat, and
sugar-cane.
Khartum, the principal city of Nubia, is an important
center of caravan trade. It is now connected by rail-
136
AFRICA
road with Cairo and Alexandria and by water with iin-
jjortant points in eastern Africa. It 'will be on the line
of the great Cape to Cairo Railroad. The British took
possession of this city in 1899, and since then both the
city and the region around it have prospered. A large
part of Khartinn has been covered Avith substantial
buildings in place of the native houses of sun-dried
bricks.
A.
. - • • ■ 1 ii, Ml,
: . "A
Passenger Car on the Sudan Railroad
Omdnrman, near Khartum, is a market for a kind of
gum that is brought long distances by caravans and is
used on postage stamps and envelopes.
East of the Egyptian, or British, Sudan is the country
of Abyssinia, in whose mountains and tablelands are the
sources of several of the tributaries of the Nile. A large
part of this country lias beautiful scenery and a healthful
climate. The western portion is one of the most fertile
sections of Africa. This fact is clearly indicated by the
rich soil that the Nile carries down from Abyssinia and
THE SUDAN
137
deposits along its banks in Egypt. Where rain is not
sufficient in Abyssinia there is usually plenty of water
for irrigation. ' Among the mountains are valuable de-
posits of gold, silver, and other minerals.
Civilized nations have desired to gain control of Abys-
sinia. An Italian army once undertook to enter it, but
was sorely defeated by the king and his soldiers.
A Home in Abyssinia
The natives call the country Ethiopia, a name that
has been handed down from the ancient country of Ethi-
opia, which occupied a much larger territory. The king
is introducing many improvements among his subjects,
although they are still only partially civilized. The
United States was the first country to enter into an
agreement for trading with the Abyssinians, who dress
mostly in cotton goods from America.
In such a favorable soil and climate many crops
would thrive if the natives were inclined to cultivate
138
AFRICA
them. Some coffee is exported and sold as ‘‘ Mocha ”
coffee. Ivory, silver, and gold are important products.
The country abounds in wild animals of various kinds.
Among the most common are the elephant, lion, ante-
lope, and gazelle.
Zebra and Mule Team, Nairobi
1. About liow far is it in a direct line from I^ake Chad to Tripoli?
2. IVdiich is tlie greater distance, from Tripoli to Kano, or from Al-
giers to Timbuktu ?
8. El Faslier is a caravan center. In what part of the Sudan is it?
4. Na!iie the sections of the African coast west of Kamerun that be-
long to Great Britain.
5. Name the sections that belong to France.
(1. "What sections belong to other countries?
7. Name all the sections of this coast in order, stating to what country
each belongs.
8. What part of South America is in about the same latitude as
Liberia ?
9. Fashoda is a town of the Upper Nile region. In what direction is
it from Khartum ?
10. In what part of Abyssinia is the capital, Adis Abeba?
11. Eritrea belongs to Italy. L^pon what part of Abyssinia does it
boi’een settled by the Dutch, also be-
came British territory. After this many Dutch, called
Boei-s, emigrated and established the Orange Free State,
now known as the Orange River Colony, and the Trans-
vaal Re])ublic, or the Transvaal Colony.
Johannesburg
At a later time troubles again rose between the Boers
and the British. Great numbers of Englishmen and
other foreigners had come to the colonies, and these
held the greater }>art of the wealth of the country,
but the descendants of the Dutch were still the rulino;
class and were not disposed to give to others a share
in the government. These conditions led to a great
war, at the close of which, in the year 1900, all the
colonies were brought under British control.
This country, with the adjoining British })ossessions
farther north, is known as British South Africa. It
comprises the best portions of the southei'ii part of the
continent.
The people of tire colonies now live together peacefully.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
153
In 1909 they were organized under a new constitution,
which unites them in one government somewhat like
that of the Dominion of Canada. The country is now
properly called the Union of South Africa, and the
colonies of which it consists are called provinces.
Alost of the dark-skinned natives of southern Africa
KafRr Family and Kraal
Ijelong to three distinct classes, called Kaffirs, Bushmen,
and Hottentots. The Bushmen and Hottentots are
small and inferior people, but the Kaffirs, some of whom
are called Zidus, are strong and intelligent. Many of
them are employed in the industries of the white man.
Wild animals have been a disadvantage to settlers on
the frontiers, but as settlement has increased these have
been exterminated or driven awa}x
The lowlands and slopes near the eastern and southern
coasts are suited to agriculture and produce a large
amount of various crops. Choice fruit is shipped to the
Loudon market in midwinter.
154
AFRICA
A great part of the land, however, is used for grazing.
On the open tableland, called the veldt, are vast regions
where grass grows luxuriantly during the rainy season,
and after becoming dry continues to furnish food for
live stock. Boer herdsmen there raise large numbers
of cattle, shee}), and goats.
There are also many ostrich farms in South Africa.
Ostrich, feathers were once obtained wholly from the
Ostriches in South Africa
wild ostriches killed in the Sudan and in South Africa,
but it has Iteen found profitable to domesticate ostriches
and raise flocks of them, in order to pluck the feathers
at regular intervals. From the tail and wings of an
ostrich are plucked as many as a pound of feathers a
year, and these are sold at very high prices.
South Africa exports immense rpiantities of wool,
liides, feathers, and mohair, which is the hair of the
Angora goat. It imports many articles from other
countries. The United States sends to South Africa
SOUTHERN AFRICA
155
millions oi dollars worth of flour, machinery, hardware,
agricultural implements, lumber, and other articles.
In the year 183b some Boers settled in the region where
the city of Johannesburg now is, and another band at
the same time emigrated to the vicinity of the city of
Kimberley. It was afterward found that one of these
companies had settled upon “forty miles of gold,” and
the other upon “ one hundred acres of diamonds.”
Wool and Cattle Market, Johannesburg
The richest gold field in the world was discovered in
1884 in a ridge of hills near Johannesburg. In some
years more gold has been taken from this field than from
all the mines of the United States. Many native Kaftirs
work in the gold mines, and many thousand Chinamen
have been brought into the country for the purpose.
In 1867 a traveler in the veldt was presented with
some beautiful pebbles l)y a farmer, who had found them
along the banks of a river. The traveler afterward
discovered that one of these pebbles was a A^ery valuable
diamond. This incident led to a Iona; search that re-
156
AFRICA
suited iu the discovery of mines from which most of the
diamonds of the world have since been obtained.
Thousands of laborers, mostly native Africans, work
underground in the mines, blasting out the soft rock, or
‘C'jlue ground,” that contains the diamonds. After this
rock has been brought to the surface and exposed to the
air for several months, it softens, and then wuishing ma-
Diamond Mine, Kimberley
chines separate the line clay, leaving only coarse sand
and gravel, with diamonds scattered through the mass.
Then this matter passes over a ‘‘ diamond sorter,” wdiich
is a table covered with tallow. Diamonds have a tend-
ency to stick to a greasy sulistance, and since they are
so heavy, they settle to the l;)ottoni and remain in the
tallow, while the sand and gravel are shaken off. The
diamonds were formerly picked out of the gravel by hand,
l3ut it has been found that this machine is much more
reliable than the human eye.
Laljorers in the diamond mines live, with their fami-
lies, in large inclosures called “ compounds.” These are
SOUTHERN AFRICA
157
surrounded by high fences to prevent the theft that might
occur if the laborers were to come and sro at will. In the
o
compounds are all necessary conveniences and provisions
for comfort, including swimming pools, hospitals for the
sick, and even churches. When laborers enter, they agree
to remain for a certain time, and many remain voluntarily
for several years.
After Work is Over, Diamond Mine Compound
Aside from the gold mines and the diamonds, the
development of South Africa lias only begun. There
are as yet but few railroads, and products are usually
drawn long distances by slow teams of oxen. One disad-
vantage is the want of good harbors along the coast. The
best harbor is at the Portuguese city of Lourenco Mar-
quez, in Delagoa Bay. This is a nearer outlet for the
goods of the Transvaal than are the English ports of
Cape Town and Port Elizalieth, on the southern coast.
The greatest natural wonder of South Africa is the
Victoria Falls of the Zambezi River. The width of the
158
AFRICA
falls is more than a mile, and the height nearly three
hundred and fifty feet. Below the falls the river runs
through a deep gorge for forty-five miles. The Cape to
Cairo Railroad crosses the gorge within sight of the
falls, and it is believed that a portion of the vast water
Victoria Falls
power wdll at some time Ite nsed to drive the trains.
The bridge, fonr hundred and twenty feet above the
water, is the highest in the v/orld.
The small country of Natal has been called the “ garden
colony of Great Britain.” It is a well-watered and beau-
tiful region covered wdth vegetation, and produces a great
variety of crops. Durban, its seaport, is a popular water-
ing place. It is fre(|uented by European tourists during
the winter season, wliich lasts from May to August.
Portugal at one time claimed nearly all (jf Africa. It
SOUTHERN AFRICA
159
still holds the region named Mozambique, or Portuguese
East Africa, and Angola, or Portuguese AYest Africa.
These have been but little explored and developed, and
are considered of slight value.
German Southwest Africa is largely a desert of little
account. The port of ^Yalfisch Bay, on the coast, belongs
to Great Britain.
West Street, Durban
The large island of Madagascar is under the control
of the French. It has a mixed population of negroes,
Malays, and Arabs. It contains valuable forests, from
which lumber and rubber are obtained. It produces
coffee and many cattle.
1. Compare the latitude of Cape Horn with tliat of the Cape of Good
Hope.
2. Compare the latitude of Cape Horn with that of Alexandria.
•3. Where is Cape Agulhas ?
4. Hame all the divisions of the British possessions of South Africa.
5. Pietermaritzburg was once the capital of Natal. How far is it
from Durbair ?
6. Bloemfontein was the capital of the Orange Free State. In what
direction is it fioin Durban ?
160
AFRICA
7. Pretoria, the former capital of the Transvaal Repuhlic, is now
tlie executive capital of the Union of South Africa, llow far is it from
Delagoa Bay ?
8. Salisbury and Bulowayo are thriving towns. In what section of
South Africa are they?
9. In what direction is Johannesburg from Kimberley?
10. Sketch a map of the part of Africa .south of the Congo State and
German East Africa, showing the boundaries of the countries and the
jn-incipal rivers and cities.
Government Building, Pretoria
REVIEW
1. Describe the physical features of Africa.
2. Explain the climate of Africa.
.3. Explain the cause of the Desert of Sahara.
4. In what parts of the continent have Claucasian peoples lived?
5 . Tell about the people of central Africa.
G. How has the unbroken coa.st line of Africa prevented settlement
by white people ?
7. Why has it been difficult to reach the interior by way of the
rivers?
8. How has the climate along the coast been a hindrance?
9. Tell about the natural resources of Africa.
10. Tell about the railroads.
11. Give two reasons for calling Egypt the “ Gift of the Nile.”
12. State the seasons of the year in which the Nile rises and falls.
REVIEW
161
13. From what country is much of the soil of Egypt broug'ht by the
Nile?
IJr. IVhy was the deposit at the mouth of the Nile called a delta?
15. Give an account of the ancient Egyptians.
16. Describe the
Great Pyramid.
17. What were the
obelisks ?
18. What are the
mummies?
19. Tell about the
present inhabitants of
the country.
20. Explain the
government of Egyjit.
21. Tell about the
irrigation works of
Egypt.
22. Describe the
Assuan dam.
23. Describe the barrage near Cairo.
21. What are some of the products of Egypt?
25. What are some of the habits of Egyptian peasants?
26. Describe the city of Cairo.
27. Give a brief history of the city of Alexandria.
28. Wliy has northwestern Africa a desirable climate?
29. Who are the Berbers, and how do they live?
30. Where do the Arabs and the Moors live?
31. Give an account of the Barbary pirates.
32. Why has but little been known about Morocco?
33. Describe lUorocco.
31. AVhat ai'e some of its products?
35. AVhat kind of government did Alorocco have formerly?
36. How did that country become a French protectorate ?
37. Tell about the port of Tangier.
38. Tell about the city of Fez.
39. Describe the country of Algeria.
40. AVhat improvements have the French made in Algeria?
41. AAdiat articles are exported from Algeria?
12. Tell about Tunis.
43. AAdiat is the chief occupation of the people of Tripoli?
44. How large is the Desert of Sahara?
1G2
AFRICA
45. Describe the surface of the desei't.
4(i. Tell about the herdsmen ou the desert.
47. What are the oases ?
48. AVho are the inhabitants of the oases, and wliat is their occupation?
49. Describe the date palm.
50. For what different purposes is the date palm useful ?
51. What other jieople have
dwelt upon the desert besides the
inhabitants of the oases?
52. AVhy are camels adapted
to de.sert regions?
58. Describe the journey of
a caravan across the desert.
54. AVliat improvements have
the French made in the Sahara?
55. What section of Africa
is called the Sudan ?
50. Describe the Sudan.
57. AVhy have tlie inhalnt-
ants become partially civilized?
58. Describe the homes and
occupations of these people.
59. AVhat are the three divi-
sions of the Sudan?
00. AVhat are the chief in-
dustrial cities of the central
Sudan ?
An Arab Village 01. Tell about the city of
Kano and its inhabitants.
62. Describe Kuka and its vicinity.
63. AVhy has Timbuktu a favorable location for trade?
04. Tell about the regions along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.
65. Give the history of the country of Liberia.
66. Tell about the people of Liberia.
07. Tell about palm nuts and palm oil.
08. State how the colony of Sierra Leone was founded.
69. Name several trading stations along the coast.
70. Tell about the inhabitants of Nubia.
71. Describe tbe city of Khartum.
72. For what is Omdurmau a great market?
73. Describe tbe country of Abyssinia.
74. Tell about the inhabitants of Abyssinia.
REVIEW
163
75. What are some of the products of that country V
7t). What are some of the wild animals of Abyssinia?
77. Of wliat two parts does the equatorial belt of Africa consist?
78. Describe the Congo lliver.
79. Describe the Congo basin.
80. Why are not large wild animals abundant in this region?
81. What animals are found in these forests?
82. Give the history of the government of the Congo State.
Zulu Woman weaving Mat
83. Who are the inhabitants of the Congo valley?
81. What improvements liave the Belgians made?
85. Tell about the hotnes and the occupations of the Congo natives'.
80. Tell about the pygmies.
87. Explain the government of the country.
88. IIow is rubber obtained in the Congo State ?
89. Tell about the ivory industry.
90. Explain the locations of the three principal cities of the country.
91. IVhat animals are found in the Fi-ench Congo?
92. Tell about the iuhabitants of the French Congo and Kamerun.
93. Why is the ea.stern portion of central Africa very different
from the Congo valley ?
91. Tell about the animals of British East Africa and the Uganda.
95. How do the natives of East Africa live ?
96. What uses do they make of the banana plant?
97. What are some of the habits of these natives ?
98. Describe the Uganda.
99. Describe German East Africa.
164
AFRICA
100. Tell about the niouiitaius aud lakes of East Africa.
101. Describe IMoinbasa.
102. Tell about Zenegambia.
103. Give reasons why white peoi:>le have settled in southern Africa.
104. Explain the climate of southern Africa.
10.5. What European peoples have developed southern Africa V
10(1. Give a brief history of tlie English and the Dutch in South
Africa.
107. Explain the present government of South Africa.
Cape Town and Table Mountain, Cape Colony
108. Tell about the natives.
109. What part of the country is suitable for agriculture?
110. Describe the veldt.
111. Explain ostrich farming.
112. What are. some of the exports of South Africa?
113. What articles does the United States send to that country?
111. Tell about the gold mines of South Africa.
115. Hovv were diamonds discovered there?
11(1. Explain how diamonds are obtained.
117. Tell about the laborers in the diamond mines.
118. What are the best harbors of southern Africa?
119. Describe Victoria Falls.
120. Tell about the province of Ratal.
121. What territory does Portugal possess in southern Africa?
122. Describe the island of Madagascar.
AUSTRALIA
165
i8. Australia
Australia is about as large as the United States with-
out Alaska. This coutiuent has a comparatively level
interior which gradually rises to a rim of hills and
mountains that extend around a large part of the coast.
The highest mountains are near the eastern coast.
The climate is tropical in the northern part, l^ut tem-
perate in the southern sec-
tion, as we should readily
judge from the parallels of
latitude between which it
lies. The greater part of
the territory is very dry, but
the southeast trade winds
hring; an abundance of rain
to the highlands of the east,
and these are covered with
forests. There are forests
also in the tropical northern
section to which the mon-
soons bring; much rain . Parts
of the southern coast and
the island of Tasmania are
so far south that they are supplied with moisture by
prevailing westerly winds.
West of the eastern highland section, which has rain
enough for forests and for agriculture, is a region gen-
erally covered with grass, that springs up in the rainy
season. Farther west is a drier section, called “ The
Bush.” On this there is a growth of peculiar plants
166
AUSTRALIA
that are alhe to live in a climate too dry for otlier veg-
etation. The western part of the continent, with the
exception of certain narrow regions along the coast, is
a barren desert, parts of which liave never been explored.
There are many things of peculiar interest in Australia.
Some of the plants and animals are different from those
in other parts of tlie world. Grasses grow and mature
very cpiickly in the short
rainy season, and plants
in the arid regions turn
the edges of their foliage
toward the sun to pre-
vent the evaporation of
moisture.
Australia has many
peculiar trees. The foli-
age of the grass tree
looks like a great tuft of
grass. The botUe tree
has a trunk in the form
of a bottle. The most
common forest tree, how-
ever, is the eucalyptus,
of which there are many
varieties. The eucalyp-
tus is an evergreen, tree, with drooping leaves. The
outer bark of some varieties cleaves off, like that of the
grapevine, and falls to the ground. Some varieties
grow rapidly and reach enormous size. They are even
laro'er than the Big Trees of California, and are he-
lieved to be the largest trees in the world. They have
1G8
AUSTRALIA
been known to reach a height of over four hundred feet.
Kucalyptus trees are valuable for lumber and have been
introduced into various parts of the world where the
climate is similar to that in their native region.
In Australia there are more than one hundred varie-
ties of a class of animals called marsupials. The kan-
garoo is the largest of
these. It carries its
young in a pouch and
travels swiftly by long
leaps. There are many
other peculiar animals,
and also a great variety
of large and small birds.
The emu is a bird nearly
as large as the ostrich.
Wild animals are so
numerous that many of
them are hunted and
killed in order to save
the grass for sheep and cattle.
For a long time Australia was supposed to be a barren
country of little importance, and sailors passed it l>y
without attempting to explore it or even claim it. At
length, in 1771, the English navigator Captain Cook
landed on the fertile southeastern coast and took posses-
sion of the country for England.
When the white ]ieople began to make settlements,
they found the continent sparsely inhabited by dark-
skinned savages, who lived l>v hunting with crude
weapons. These Australian aborigines are of a very low
Kangaroo
AUSTRALIA
169
order of intelligence. They do not seem capable or de-
sirous of ninch civilization. In some sections small
numbers of these natives still live in huts or tents made
of Ijark, and hunt with spears after the manner of their
savage ancestors.
Gold was discovered in Australia soon after it was
found in California, and the numlmr of settlers then
rapidlj^ increased. The first rush
was to the vicinity of Melbourne,
and from that center the white
population gradually extended
over the desiral^le parts of the'
continent. The several settle-
ments were organized into sepa-
rate colonies under the control
of governors sent from England.
In 1901 the provinces, or states,
were united to form the Com-
monwealth of Australia, with a
government similar to that of
Canada. Australia has self-gov-
ernment, but is a part of the British Empire.
The neighboring island of Tasmania is a province of
the Commonwealth of Australia. It is well-watered
and beautiful, and has many forest-clad mountains
with lakes among them. It somewhat resembles Swit-
zerland, and is a favorite pleasure resort for Australians.
It has many valualfie sheep ranches and fruit orchards.
In those portions of the Australian l^order that re-
ceive a supply of rain, particidarly in the eastern and
southern parts, agriculture is successful, and various
170
AUSTRALIA
crops are raised. In the warm climate of the northern
coast oranges, Ixananas, and other semi-tropical fruits
are produced. Cotton, corn, and sugar cane grow in
the northeast. AMieat and grapes are abundant in the
southeast. The three eastern provinces are rich in farms,
forests, pasture lands, and miues.
On account of the arid climate that prevails over a
very large part of the continent, stock raising is the most
Australian Sheep
important industry. Cattle will tlirive in a warmer and
moister climate than sheep, and many are raised in the
agricultural districts and in the sections immediately
west of them. Queensland is especially noted for its
fine cattle.
The drier plains farther west are almost exclusively
occupied by great sheep ranches. On many single
ranches there are more than one hundred thousand
sheep. In all, there are more than one hundred million
sheep in Australia. Sheep thrive in a climate that is
not very hot or moist, and are |3rofitahly raised where
land is cheap and where they can live upon grass
AUSTRALIA
171
throughout the -year, without the expense of shelter.
Such conditions exist in the western part of the United
States and in Argentina, as well as in Australia.
Since Australia is peculiarly adapted to the herding
of sheep, it is the leading wool-producing countiw of the
world. The business there is very carefully managed.
The land is generally fenced into separate ranches, or
“ runs,” in order that each herder ma.y give his own
Wool Teams in Australia
sheep proper care. In places distant from rivers, or
where the rivers are dry during a part of the year, it is
often difficult to secure water for so many sheep. In
such places the herders dig artesian wells that are kept
flowing Ijy the pressure of underground springs.
Special varieties of sheep have been introduced, and
these have been improved by careful selection. On
account of this, and other favorable conditions, Austra-
lian wool is regarded as equal to the finest in the mar-
kets. There is so much wool to be handled in the
country that special railroads have been built and
steamboat lines have been estaljlished on the rivers
172
AITSTRALIA
for the purpose of cari-ying it to the coast, where it is
shipped away on ocean vessels.
A large amount of Australian mutton and l)eef is
frozen and sent in steamships to England. Dairying is
an im[)ortant industry in Victoria, a })rovince that ex-
ports much hiitter to Great Britain and other countries.
Gold Mines at Bendigo
Australia is one of the chief gold-producing countries
in the world. More or less gold has been found in
every (me of its states. Especially valuable deposits
have Iteeu discovered in the barren desert of the west-
ern part. Communication between the mines and tlie
western coast is by caravans of camels.
Beds of coal along the coast near tlie city of Sydney
are the source of supply for many steamships tliat fre-
quent that part of the ocean. Near these coal fields is a
supply of iron ore and limestone. Tliis will be of great
use in the development of the country. There are also
AUSTRALIA
173
mines of copper, silver, and tin, in the mountains of tlie
east. The greatest supply of tin is found in Tasmania.
Some articles, such as clothing, boots and shoes, and
lumber, are manufactured for home use, but most of the
raw products are shipped away and manufactured articles
imported in return. Naturally a great part of the trade
is with Great Britain, the mother country.
A Street in Sydney
On account of tlie rapid development of x\ustralia and
the enterprising spirit of its people, the cities have grown
very rapidly. They contain broad streets, fine bnildings,
and such improvements as European and American cities
have. They are cliielly on harbors along the coast. Tliis
is because the greater part of the inhabitants live near
the coast, and the industries occasion much commerce.
Railroads connect the cities with the farming and ranch-
ing districts.
Melbourne and vSydney rank among the greatest sea-
174
LARGE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
poi’ts iu the British Empire. Sydney is the Oldest city
ill the country. It is on a large harbor that is protected
from winds and waves l)y surrounding hills.
1. Itetween what degrees of latitude does Australia lie?
' 2 . Oil what oceans does it border?
3. Commencing in the northeast, and omitting Northern Territory,
name in order all the provinces of Australia.
4. The Great Barrier Reef is the longest range of coral reefs in the
world. Near what part of Australia is it?
5. Pearl oysters are found in the waters near the Great Barrier Reef.
Name waters in other parts of the world in whicli they are obtained.
(). "What season is it at the present time in Australia?
7. In what direction do vessels probably sail when they leave Aus-
tralia for England?
8. Why do sailing vessels usually go around the Cape of Good Hope,
while steamships go through the Suez Canal?
9. On what waters would a vessel probably sail in carrying a load of
tin from Hobart to Liverpool?
10. Name the most important city of each of the Australian provinces.
11. Perth, the chief city of West Australia, is a starting point for cara-
vans that go to the gold fields of the desert. Near what part of the coast
is Perth ?
12. Ballarat and Bendigo were formerly mining centers, and have be-
come lai'ge towns. In what province are they ?
13. Make a map of Australia, showing the boundaries of the provinces
and the principal cities.
19. Large Islands of the Pacific
About one thousand miles southeast of Australia are
two large islands and one small one, which together are
called New Zealand. The two large islands are each
about the size of Iowa or Alaliama.
The northern island, called North Island, contains vol-
canoes, and hot springs and geysers like those of the
Yellowstone National Park. South Island has glaciers
on its mountains and fjords along the coast, like Norway.
LARGE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
175
The climate is temperate and is rendered moist by
prevailing westerly winds. The mountains are covered
with forests and the lowlands with grass.
There are no dangerous
wild animals on these
islands, but they are the
home of a great variety of
birds, including many par-
rots. One peculiar bird is
the kiwi, a very large wing-
less creature that can see in
the night, like the owl.
New Zealand was settled
a little before the middle of
the last century and is a
colony of Great Britain.
The favorable climate, the natural resources, and the
character and energy of the people have made it very
prosperous.
Nominally the country is subject to a governor ap-
pointed by the King of England, but practically this royal
governor has but little powder. New Zealand has become
noted as a special example of the success of government
by the people. It has adopted some improvements that
larger and older nations have not yet reached.
The natives of these islands are called Maoris. They
were once savages and cannibals, but are naturally more
intelligent than the natives of Australia and have shown
themselves capable of becoming civilized. They are now
on government reservations, as the American Indians are.
Many of the Maoris have acquired much property. They
with grass.
Tattooed New Zealander
176
LARGE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
have the right to vote and to send representatives to the
New Zealand parliament.
Sheep raising is the chief industry in New Zealand, as
it is in Australia. There are more than twenty million
sheep on tlie islands. Breeds are selected for the pur-
pose of producing fine mutton rather than for wool, but
Houses of Parliament and Cathedral, Wellington
botli wool and mutton are shipped to the countries of
Europe. Large quantities of beef, butter, and cheese
are also exported. Regular lines of steamers, specially
equipped with freezing apparatus, carry these goods from
New Zealand and Australia to the ports of Avestern
Europe. Tlie products are kept frozen until they reach
their destination.
Since the climate is more moist than that of Australia,
agriculture is more varied. Grains and fruits groAV
everyAvhere in abundance.
On North Island a tree called the kauri pine }delds
excellent timber. It also yields a kind of gum that is
LARGE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
177
used in making varnish. Lumps of this kauri gum are
found where trees have died and decayed, and many mil-
lion dollars worth of it have been obtained on the island.
In addition to these resources, there are valuable mines
of gold and of coal. Manufacturing, also, is increasing
in importance.
It is a very interesting
thought that islands in
such a remote part of the
sea should be so like
England, or parts of the
United States, with their
hue farms, great sheep
ra}iches, gold mines,
woolen mills, and many
wealthy people.
Between Australia and
the Philippines are hnn-
dreds of islands, several
of which are very valu-
able. The group, in general, is called the East Indies.
A large numljer of these islands Ijelong to the Nether-
lands, and are called the Dutch East Indies. They
have l^een suljject to the Dutch people for more than
three centuries. Their combined territory amounts to
more than sixty times that of the Netherlands.
Java is tire most important island of the Dutch East
Indies. It has a population of more than twenty-five
million people. They are Malays, somewliat like the
Filipinos, and have become partially civilized. The
island is very fertile, and produces rice, sugar cane.
Malay Family, Java
178
LARGE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
coffee, tea, aud indigo. Much ([uinine lias lieeii obtained
from the cinchona tree, whicli has been introduced from
the region of the Andes Mountains.
Batavia is the capital of Java and the residence of
the governor of all the Dutch East Indies. It is not
only the seat of government, but also the center of trade
for all the colonies of the East Indies.
Drying Coffee in Java
Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It
is larger than the wliole of Germany or France. The
British own the northern portion, but the greater part
Iielongs to the Netherlands. The Dutch and the English
cultivate land along the coast, but the island is mostly
covered with forests. In the jungles are many wild
animals like those of Asia, including the elephant, the
iliinoceros, the wild swine, the great orang-outamg, and
other varieties of monkeys. There are no roads across
LARGE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
179
the island, and much of it has not been explored.
Most of the natives are savages.
Sumatra, although it lies so near to Java, is in sharp
contrast in point of development. Its population con-
sists of tribes of
Malays, most of
whom are uncivi-
lized. The most
valuable products
are tobacco and
spices. The north-
western coast of
Sumatra has been
called the Pepper
Coast.
New Guinea is
larg-er than Bor-
neo, and larger
than any other
island in the world
except Greenland.
The western portion belongs to the Dutch, and the east-
ern portion to the British and the Germans. In some
parts of this island there are lofty mountains, and in
other sections low plains. Although the climate is very
warm in the low regions, some of the mountains are so
high that their summits are covered with snow. Most
of New Guinea is covered with forests and jungles, in
which there are many poisonous snakes. Some of the
wild animals are like those of Australia. One of them
is the kangaroo. Among the birds are many varieties
180
DISTANT COUNTRIES
of Ijircls of paradise. These are small birds with beaiiti-
J’ul feathers that are sold for large prices to the milli-
ners of Europe. The natives are mostly uncivilized
tril)es of dark-colored people.
They are called Papiians. They
live mainly l)y hunting and
fishing, although some have
learned to raise fruit and vege-
tables. The three nations that
claim New Guinea have only
small trading stations along the
coast.
On most of the islands of the
East Indies tliere are forests of
valuable timber, that would
yield campiior, gutta-percha,
and other gums.
1. About how much farther south is
the .soutliern part of New Zealand than
the southern coast of Australia?
2. Name states along the Atlantic coast of the United States that
are al.)out as far north of the equator as New Zealand is south of it.
3. By what two routes might a ship sail from New York City to
New Zealand?
4. Auckland is the largest city of New Zealand. AVhere is it situ-
ated ?
5 . On which island is ’Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand?
6. Celebes is one of tlie islands of the Dutch East Indies. In what
direction is it from Borneo?
7. The IMolucca Islands, or Spice Islands, belong to the Dutch. Be-
tween what larger islands are they?
8. W’bat water separates Sumatra from the mainland of Asia?
!). In wliat part of .lava is Batavia?
10. Port Morefsby is an English trading station. In what part of
New Guinea is it?
SMALL ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC 181
11. Which of the large islands of the East Indies are crossed by the
equator ?
12. Which of these large islands is nearest to the Philippines?
13. Make an outline map of the largest islands of the East Indies.
20. Small Islands of the Pacific
There are many small islands scattered over the cen-
tral and western parts of the Pacific Ocean. Their
number is so great that an attempt to learn about many
of them would be confusing. Thousands are mere reefs
of rock, but hundreds of larger islands are covered with
vegetation and are inhalnted.
Coral Island
Many of the small islands are of coral formation and
rise but little above the ocean. Some consist of Ions:,
straight reefs, and others are in the form of circular
ridges, inclosing lakes, or lagoons. The latter are
called atolls. Most of the larger islands, and a number
, of the smaller ones, have been built up from the bed of
the ocean by volcanic action. On some are volcanoes
several thousand feet his:h.
O
182
DISTANT COUNTRIES
All these islands, worthless as many of them are,
have heeu claimed by civilized nations. Most of them
belong to Great Britain, France, Germany, or the United
States. As a rule they belong to the nation whose navi-
gators discover them, Init some have been transferred
as a result of war or of peaceful agreement.
As far as the value of trade is concerned, but few
are of much use to their owners. They are very
imjDortant, however, as
coaling stations, where
the ships of the great
nations may obtain fuel
for their long voyages
across the Pacific Ocean.
Coaliim: stations are es-
pecially needful in time
of war, when the war-
ships of any nation en-
gaged in hostilities may
not enter the ports of
other nations to obtain
supplies.
The inhabitants of the
islands near New Guinea are chiefly Papuans, but the
people of the more distant islands are very different.
They have a brown complexion, and are well formed
and attractive in appearance. They are called Poly-
nesians.
The customs and occupations of all the East Indians
are much alike. Though the islands are far apart, the
natives have the same general race characteristics and
Polynesian Outrigger
SMALL ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
183
live in similar climate and snrroimclings, so it is natural
that they should have formed similar halhts.
Most of the Pacific islands have a very fertile soil
and an abundance of rain. The greatest disadvantao’e
of their climate is the frequency of destructive hurri-
canes.
The attention of those who a|3proach one of the
islands is usually first attracted to a line of cocoanut
palm trees along the coast.
Cocoanuts constitute an im-
portant part of the food of
the people, and the dried
cocoanut meat, called copra,
is the most common article
that they have to sell. Co-
coanuts grow in clusters
among the leaves at the top
of the tree trunk. When
they are ripe and fall, tfie
natives l^reak the shell, dry
the pieces of meat in the
sun, and pack them for ship-
ment. In exchange for
copra they are able to buy such kinds of food and manu-
factured articles as they have become accustomed to use.
The banana plant thrives in all the islands, and adds
greatly to the food supplju In many regions the bread-
fruit tree is of consideralde importance. Some of the
islanders raise sweet potatoes and other vegetables that
grow without much cultivation. Here and there patches
of tolxacco are seen, reminding us to what remote parts
Fiji Islander
184
DISTANT COUNTRIES
of the world this American plant lias been carried. The
shallow waters near the coasts generally yield a plenti-
I'ul supply of fish.
The need of but little clothing in sucli a warm cli-
mate, and the alinndant supply of food provided by
nature, have tended to render the people indolent. If
they had sufficient ambition and energy, many might
gain Avealth from the soil and enjoy the improvements
of civilized life.
The Fiji Islands, which belong to Great Britain, are
the most important and thriving colony in that part of
the Pacilic. There are more than two hundred islands
in the group. Alost of them are very small, liut two or
three are of considerable size. All the British islands
of the Western Pacific are subject to the governor of
Ihe Fiji Islands, Avho is called the Fligh Commissioner
of the Western Pacilic.
Most of the scattered islands have native chiefs, but
these are subject to the advice of the British governor.
Sugar, copra, rice, tea, and tobacco are shipped from the
Fiji Islands to Australia and New Zealand.
The largest and most valuable of the Pacilic islands
belonging to the French is Ncav Caledonia, situated about
seven hundred miles east of Australia. It is used as a
colony for French convicts, who Avork under the charge
of soldiers. This island is very rich in minerals. It
produces much nickel and cobalt. The Loyalty Islands,
not far from Noav Caledonia, also belong to the French.
.A part of the Samoa Islands belong to Germany, and
the remainder to the United States. Those belonging
to us are small, but they provide a convenient stopping
SMALL ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC
185
place for our steainsliips on the voyage from the Pacific
coast to Australia and New Zealand. They will also be
on the line of steamers passing through the Panama
Canal. We have a fine haiTor and coalins; station at
Pago Pago, on the island of Tutuila, which is one of
the Samoa group.
Festive Day at a Chief’s House in Samoa
1. Name the large islanits and groups of islands in the Pacific that
belong to the United States.
2. Name those that belong to Great Britain.
3. Name those that belong to France.
4. Name those that belong to Germany.
5. About how far is it from the Fiji Islands to New Zealand?
6. What two islands, belonging to the United States, lie betw'een
the Hawaiian Islands and the Philippines?
7. In what direction are the Samoa Islands from Hawaii ?
8. In what direction are the Fiji Islands from the Samoa Islands?
9. In what direction are the Fiji Islands from New Guinea?
10. Across what islands does the one hundred and eightieth meridian
of longitude extend?
11. Write lists of the large islands and groups of islands in the Pacific
that belong to the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany.
186
DISTANT COUNTRIES
REVIEW
1. Describe the surface of Australia.
2. Explain the climate and rainfall.
11. Tell about the vegetation of successive sectioms of Australia from
the east towaivl the west.
4. Describe the peculiar plants and trees.
•a. Tell about the eucalyptus trees.
(i. Describe tlie animals called marsupials.
7. d'ell about some of the birds.
8. Give au account of the settlement of Australia by the English.
In the Australian “ Bush ”
0. Tell about the natives of the continent.
10. Tell about the discovery of gold.
11. Exidain tlie government of Australia.
T2. Describe the island of Tasmania.
E). State what farm crops are raised in different sections of Aus-
tralia.
11. Why is stock raising the most important industry ?
1."). 'U'here are many cattle raised?
10. Wliy can sheep be profitably raised in Australia?
17. Describe the Australian sheep ranches.
IS. In wliat parts of the continent is gold found?
19. Wdiere are the largest coal fields?
REVIEW
187
20. Wliat other minerals are found in the country ?
21. What kind of goods do Australians purchase from other countries V
22. Why is a good part of their trade with Great Britain?
23. Describe the cities of Australia.
2-1. Tell about Melbourne and Sydney.
25. Of what does New Zealand consist?
26. Describe the physical features of that country.
27. Tell about the animals.
28. Tell about the settlement of New Zealand.
29. Explain the goyernment of the country.
30. Tell about the natives.
31. Tell about the industry of stock raising.
32. What are the uses of the kauri pine?
33. Describe the Dutch East Indies.
31. Tell abmtt the people and productions of Java.
35. Tell about Batavia.
36. Describe the island of Borneo.
37. Describe the island of Sumatra.
38. Describe the island of New Guinea.
39. What articles are obtained from the forests of the East Indies?
40. IIow many islands are there in the western part of the Tacific ?
41. AVhat are atolls ?
42. To what nations do most of the islands of the Pacific belong?
43. Of what value are they to these nations?
44. To what classes do most of the inhabitants belong?
45. Why are the habits of the islanders very much alike?
46. Explain how copra is produced.
47. IVhat other articles do the people raise?
48. Why are they naturally inclined to be indolent?
49. Describe the Fiji I.slands.
50. How are the British islands of the Pacific governed ?
51. Ilescribe New Caledonia.
52. To whom do the Samoa Islands belong?
53. AVhy are those that belong to the United States of much value
APPENDIX
Akea and Population
The figures for population are according to tlie most recent census or estimate.
Asia
Area im
Popula-
Area in
I’oPULA-
Mi,
tion
Sii. Mi.
HON
Afgliauistan
2.')0,t)D0
4,800,000
Mancliuria
3()3,(ilO
10,000,000
Arabia
107,. -300
1,050,000
Mongolia
1,3()7,000
2,000,000
Ceyloii
2.7,:3:32
3,578,300
Per.sia
(128,000
0,500,000
Chinese Empire
4,277,170
433,553,000
Siam
105,000
0,080,840
Erench Iiulo-China
2.511,000
18,230,000
Siberia
4,78(3,730
(1,893,000
Inilia
1,0',)7.!H10
232,072,832
Straits
Jai)an
147,05.5
40,310, 1(10
Settlements
1,400
572,249
Korea
71,000
10,000,000
Turkey in Asia
003,010
17,083,.500
Africa
Area in
Popula-
Area in
Popula-
So. Mi.
tion
Sy. Mi.
tion
Abyssinia
200,000
10,000,000
Liberia
40,000
2,000,000
Algeria
343,500
5,231,850
Madagascar
22(5,015
2,70l',000
British Central
Morocco
219,000
5,000.000
and South Africa
041, .370
0,.524,100
Nigeria
500,000
20,000,000
British East Africa
317,080
7,338.000
Portuguese
Congo State
000,054
15,000,000
East Africa
293,400
3,120,000
Egypt
400,000
11,190,000
Portuguese
French Congo
000,280
5.000,000
We.st Africa
484,000
4,119,000
(lernian East Africa 384,000
7,000,000
Sahara
1,544,000
800,000
German
Sierra Leone
4,000
77,000
Southwest Africa
322,4.50
225.000
Sudan
2, .500,000
(30,000,000
Australia and Islands
Area in
POPIIT.A-
Area in
Popula-
Sy. Ml.
TION
Sy. Mi.
tion
Australi.a
2,974,.581
4,197.037
Hawaiian Islands
0,449
1.54,001
East Indies
788.000
45,000,000
New Zealand
104.751
1,021,000
Fiji Islands
7,435
128,400
Philippine Islands
127,853
7,035,420
188
APPENDIX
189
Cities
Adelaide, Australia
POPFL.V-
TIUN
178,300
Aden, Arabia
45,000
Adis Abeba, Abyssinia
33,000
Aleppo, Syria
200,000
Alexandria, Egypt
332,24(1
Algiers, Algeria
138,240
Auckland, New Zealand
37,730
Bagdad, Turkey
145,000
Ballarat, Australia
48,007
Bangkok, Siam
507,000
Batavia, Java
138,5.50
Beirut, Syria
118,000
Benares, ludia
209,331
Bendigo, Australia
44,458
Bombay, India
770,000
Brisbane, Australia
1.35,055
Cairo, Egypt
0.54, 470
Calcutta. India
1,020, i)87
Canton, China
S)00,000
Damascus, Syria
250,000
Durban. So. Africa
08,3.59
Fuchau, China
624,000
Ilangchau, China
350,000
Ilankau, China
778,000
Hobart, Tasmania
24,055
Hongkong, Cliina
418,357
Irkutsk, Siberia
70,000
Jerusalem, Palestine
70,000'
Johannesburg, So. Africa
Popula-
tion
158,580
Kimberley, So. .Africa
34,331
Kioto, -Tapan
380,568
Kobe, Japan
285,002
Lucknow, India
264,049
Madras. India
509,346
Mandalay, India
183,816
Mecca, Arabia
(50,000
Melbourne, Australia
538,000
Nagasaki, Japan
153,293
Osaka, Japan
995,945
Peking, China
700,000
Perth, Australia
50,527
Pietermaritzburg, So. Africa
31,200
Rangoon, India
2.34,887
Seoul, Korea
197,000
Shanghai, China
651,000
Singapore, Straits Settlements
2.30,000
Smyrna, Asia Alinor
201,000
Sydney, Australia
577,180
Tabriz, Persia
200,000
Tashkend, Turkestan
1.55,673
Teheran, Persia
280,000
Tientsin, China
750,000
Tokio, Japan
1,818,655
Vladivostok, Siberia
38,000
Wellington, New Zealand
58,563
Yokohama, Jaiian
326,035
Mt. Everest, India
Kilimanjaro, Africa
Kenia, Africa
Mountains
Heioitt IX
Feet
29.003
19,780
19,000
INIt. Ararat, Armenia
Mt. Fujiyama, Japan
IMt. Ko.sciusko, Australia
IlEinilT iX
Feet
17,32.5
12,305
7,330
Rivers
Length in
JI I I.F.S
Nile, Africa
3,(i00
Ob, Siberia
3,200
Yangtse, China
3,200
Yenisei, Siberia
3,000
Congo, Africa
2,900
Amur, Asia
2,800
Lena, Siberia
2,800
Hoang, China
Niger, Africa
Brahmapntra, India
Indus, India
Murray, Australia
Zambezi, Africa
Ganges, India
Length in
Miles
2.700
2,000
1,800
1,800
1.700
1,(!00
1,500
INDEX AND PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY
KEY TO PRONUNCIATION
a, as in fat ; a, as in fate ; a, as in far ; a, as in fall ; e, as in pen ; e, as
in mete ; e, as in her ; i, as in pin; I, as in pine ; o, as in not; o, as in note ;
o, as in move; u, as in tub ; u, as in mute; u, as in p^ill ; g, as in get; g, as
in gem ; c, as in cat ; c, as in cent.
A double dot under a or o (a, o) indicates that its sound is shortened to
that of u in but.
Italicized letters are silent. The sign ' tells upon which syllable the ac-
cent is placed. The numbers refer to pages in the book.
Ab-y.s-sin'-i-a, 108, 130, 137.
Ad'-e-laule, 107.
A'-den, 29, .34.
A'-dis Aheba (a-ba'-ba), 138.
Af-g/ian-is-tiin', 20, 32, 33.
Af'-g/tans, 33.
Af'-ri-ca, Central, 139.
Af'-ri-ca, East, 139, 140, 147.
Af'-ri-ca, southern, 150.
A'-gra, 52.
Agulhas (a-go'-lyas), Cape, 105.
Ainos (i'-noz), 85.
A-lep'-po, 25.
Al-ex-an'-dri-a, 115.
Al-ge'-ri-a, 110, 121, 127.
Al-giers' (-jerz), 121.
A-ineer', 33.
Amur (ii-mOr') River, 5.
An-go'-lii, 159.
A-ra'-bi-a, 20.
Ar'abs, 27, 28, 117, 102.
Ar'-a-rat, Alt., .5.
Ar-me'-ni-a, 17.
Ar-ine'-ni-ans, 18, 19.
Asia (a'-shia), 1, 3, 4.
Asia (a'-shia) Ali'-nor, 10, 18, 19.
A-shiin'-ti (te), 105.
Assuan (its-swan'), 112.
A?(ck'-land, 180.
A?(s-tra'lia, 20, 105.
Babylon (bab'-i-lon), 22.
Bag-dad', 22.
Baikal (bi'-kal), Lake, 10.
Bal-?a-rat', 174.
Bal-u-chis-tan'(o), 44.
Bang-kok', 81.
Bar'-ba-ry States, 117.
Bar'-rage, 113, 161.
Bas'-sd-rii, 5.
Ba-ta'-vi-a, 178.
Bedouins (bed'-o-inz), 27, 126.
Beirut (ba-rot'), 21.
Bel'-gi-ans, 141, 142.
Be-nii'-res (rez), 52.
Ben'-di-gd, 172, 174.
Ben-gal', Bay of, 5, 37.
Ber'-bers, 117.
Bey (ba), 122.
Bis'-krii, 123.
Bldem'-fon-tdn, 100.
Boers (bdr.s), 151, 152, L55.
Bd-kha'-rii, 5.
Bo'-ma, 145.
190
INDEX AND PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY 191
Boin-ba//', 51.
J?or'-ne-o, 178.
Brii/i-ma-pu'-tra (p6) River, 30.
Bra/i,'-maii-ism, 9, 39.
Brit'-ish South Af'-ri-ca, 152.
Buddha (bo'-da), 9.
r>uddhism (bo'-dizm), 9, 62, 90.
Bulawayo (bo-la-wii'-yo), ICO.
Burma (ber'ma), 41, 40, 49.
Bushmen, 153.
Cfll'-r5, 100, 107, 114.
Cal-cut'ia, 5, 43, 51.
Camels, 28, 31, 126, 127, 172.
Camphor, 95, 180.
Ca-na'-ry Islands, 105.
Can-ton', 78.
Cape Colony, 151.
Cape to Cal'-ro Railroad, 100, 136,
148, 158.
Cape Town, 105, 157, 164.
Cape Verde, 135.
Cape Verde Islands, 105.
Car'-a-vans, 31, 126, 127.
Castes, 39, 40.
Qel'-e-bes (bez), 180.
Cey-lon', 50.
Chad, Lake, 128, 131.
Cheops (ke'-ops), 110.
Chim-pan'-zee, 145.
Chl-nese' (nez), 59.
Clu-nese' (nez) Empire, 59.
Chi-uese' (nez) Tur-kes-tan' (tor), 59.
Co-lom'-bo, 4.
Con-fu'-cian-ism (shan-izm), 9, 62.
Con-fu'-cius (shius), 65.
Con'-go, Trench, 145, 146.
Con'-go River, 139, 140.-
Con'-go State, 141.
Con-go-ese', 140, 142.
Con-stan-tine' (ten), 123.
Co'-pra, 183.
Cork, 123.
Cos'-sacks, 11.
Cotton, 47, 70, 113.
Cy'-prus (.si), 25.
Dahomey (da-ho'-mi), 105.
Da-kar', 135.
l)a-mas'-cus, 21.
Date palm, 113, 125, 126
Dec'-can, 30.
Del'-hl, 52.
Del-a-go'-a Bay, 157.
Diamonds, 155, 156, 157.
Dl-an'-a, 18.
Dun-dee', 53.
Durban (der'-ban), 158, 159.
East In'-dies (diz), 177, 178.
E'-gyi5t, 107.
E-gyp'-tians (shans), 109.
Elephants, 41, 129, 138, 144, 146, 178.
El Tash'-er, 138.
El-burz' (bijrz) IMountains, 4.
E'-mu, 108, 169.
Eph'-e-sus (ef), 18.
Eritrea (a-re-tra'-a), 138.
E-thi-o'-pi-a, 137.
LTi-ca-lyp'-tus trees, 166.
Euphrates (ii-fra'-tez) River, 17, 22.
Ev'-er-est, IMt., 10.
Fa-.sh6'-da, 138.
Tel'-Za-heen', 114.
Fez, 121.
Fiji (fe'-je) Islands, 183, 184.
For-mo'-sa, 85, 94.
Free'-town, 135.
Fuchau (fo-chou'), 71.
Fu-ji-ya'-ma (fo), 87, 90.
Gan'-ges River, 36, 40, 51.
Ger'-man East Af'-ri-ca, 148.
Ger'-man Southwest Af'-ri-ca, 159.
G/ia-da'-mes, 128.
Gi-raf/es', 129, 147.
Gnu, 147.
192 INDEX AND PRONOUXCIXG VOCABULARY
Go'-bi, Desert of, 80.
Gold, 155, 109, 172.
G6-ril'-Za, 146.
Guam (gvvam), 1(57.
Guardafui (gwar-dii-fwe'), Cape, 105.
Guinea (gin'-i). Gulf of, 105.
rial-nan', 5.
Hang-chau' (chou), 74.
llan-kau' (kou), 71, 78.
Har'-bin, 83.
Ila-wai'-ian (yan) Islands, 185.
Iler-at', 34.
IIim-a'4a-ya Mountains, 2, 35, 37.
llin'-dus (dos), 37, 38, 39, 40, 41.
Ilin-du-staid (do), 35.
Ilip-po-pot'-a-mus, 144, 140.
Ilo'-ang Iviver, 09, 72.
Ho'-bart, 107.
Ilodeida (li6-da'-da), 25.
llon'-do, 105.
Ilong'-kong, 83.
Ilot'-ien-tots, 153.
In'-di-go, 47, 178.
In'-do Chi'-na, 81.
In'-dus River, 30.
Ir-ii-wiid'-i River, 5, 49.
Ir-kutsk' (kiitsk), 15, 10.
Is-pa-han', 34.
Ivory, 122, 132, 144.
Ja-pan', 84.
.lii'-va, 177.
Je-ru'-sa-lem (ro), 24.
Johannesburg (yo-lian'-nes-borg),
162, 155.
Jute, 48.
Ka-buV (bol), 34.
Kaf'-firs, 153.
Ka-la-ha'-ri (re) Desert, 105.
Kain-chat'-ka, 5.
Ka-me-run' (riin), 146.
Ka-me-ruu' (riin) Mountains, 105.
Kan-ga-roo', 108.
Ka-no', 128, 131.
Kar'-nak, 110.
Kau'-ri (kou) p)ine, 177.
Kii-war', 128.
Kenia (ka'-ne-a) Mt., 105.
K7i.ar-tuni' (tom), 135, 136.
Khatmandu (kat-man-do'), 42.
Khedive (ka'-dev'), 111.
K7ie-lat', 4.
Khi'-va (ke), 5.
Khy'-ber (ki) Pass, 34.
Kiaucliau (ke-ou'-chou') 64.
Kil-i-man-ja'-ro (e), Mt., 105.
Kim'-ber-ley (li), 155, 156.
Ki-o'-to (ke), 97.
Kirghiz (kir-gez') Steppes, 14.
Kiushiu (kyo-shyo'), 6.
Ko'-be, 5, 97.
Ko-re'-a, 5, 95, 96.
Kuka (ko'-kii), 132.
Kurds (kords), 18.
Lac'-quer (ker), 91.
La-drone' Islands, 107.
La'-gos, 135.
La'-ma, 80.
Liis'-sa, 79.
Le'-na River, 6.
Le'-o-pold-viHe, 145.
Li-be'-ri-a, 133, 134.
Lib'-yan Desert, 128.
Lo-an'-dii, 105.
Loango (lo-aug'-go), 149.
Lo'-ess, 69.
Louren^o Marques (lo-ran'-so mar'-
kes), 157.
Loyalty (loi'-al-ti) Islands, 184.
Lucknow (luk'-nou), 4.
Mad-a-gas'-car, 159.
Mit-def'-ra Islands, 106.
Ma-dras', 53.
Ma-lac'-ca, Strait of, 5, 82.
INDEX AND PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY 193
Ma-lay' States, 82.
Man-cliu'-ri-.;i (cho), 13, 59, 80, 81.
Man-chu' (cho) Tar'-tars, 62.
Man'-cla-la?/, 50, 53.
Ma'-o-ris (riz), 175, 176.
Mar-su'-pi-als (so), 168.
JIas-kat', i.
Ma-ta'-di, 145.
Mec'-ca, 21.
l\Ie-di'-na (de), 25.
Mes-o-po-tii'-nii-a, 17, 22, 2.3.
Mel'-bounie (hern), 169, 174.
Mi-kii'-do, 93.
M6'-c/