"mountains piled on mountains to the skies." Their elevation is generally abrupt. Their sides present many awful precipices. Their summits extend into the clouds, and are concealed by them, or are seen rising majestically into the aerial regions above them. Chimborazo in Colombia, near the equator, has usually been considered the highest peak, and is 21,440 feet, or more than four miles, above the level of the sea. But, by a late traveller, Mount Sorato in Peru, and Mount Illimani in Bolivia, have been represented as still higher. Many of these heights of the Andes are volcanic in their nature. Between Cape Horn and the equator, there are more than 40 volcanoes in perpetual operation. Cotopaxi, Antisana and Pichincha, in the region of Quito, are the most noted of these, being three or four miles high, and the most elevated volcanoes in the world.

There are three principal branches of the Andes, extending eastward into the interior of S. America. The first branch is N. of the river Orinoco, and stretches N. easterly toward the island of Trinidad. The second separates Brazil, in part, from Colombia and Guiana. The third runs S. easterly in the S. W. part of Brazil.

The rivers of S. America are numerous, and many of them are of distinguished magnitude and grandeur. The Amazon or Maranon, the Rio de la Plata and the Orinoco, are the three largest. The Amazon is celebrated as the greatest river in the world. It rises in the Andes, and empties into the Atlantic under the equator. Its whole length is between 3 and 4,000 miles, its depth in some parts, 600 feet, and its breadth at the mouth, 50 miles. It receives the contributions of 200 considerable rivers, several of which are very large, and no river on the globe discharges into the ocean so mighty a volume of waters. The basin of the Amazon, or the region watered by it and its branches, is generally level and of vast extent, being 2,000 miles long and embracing nearly 3,000,000 square miles, a territory equal to the whole of Europe. The banks of this great river, are covered with vast and impenetrable forests, where rarely or never, the foot of man has trod, but where multitudes of wild and ferocious animals, as tigers, bears, boars and leopards, roam at large; where venomous reptiles crawl, and apes and baboons play, and birds of various notes and beautiful plumage fly about and sing, undisturbed, in the evergreen woods. The Rio de la Plata is formed by the union of the Parana and the Uraguay. It exceeds all other rivers in breadth, being 150 miles wide at its mouth, and 30 miles in width, at the distance of 200 miles from the Its navigation however is dangerous, by reason of the numerous rocks, shoals and shallows, and also, on account of the winds which sweep with amazing violence across the wide neighboring plains or Pampas.

sea.

South America, in respect to its surface, may be further described as follows. The western section generally, is a broad, elevated mountain plain, crowned all along by the still more lofty tops or ridges of the Andes. The eastern or N. eastern section is also mountainous, especially through the E. portions of Brazil, near the coast. The Middle or Interior section of the continent, from N to S. is in general, level or marshy, and watered by almost innumerable streams. The varieties of climate in S. America, are very striking. They arise not merely from the different degrees of latitude, but also, from the vast difference in the degrees of elevation, between its lowest and its highest lands. The low lands, especially those within the tropics, experience the heat of a perpetual summer, and exhibit, in general, a constant and most luxuriant vegetation. The declivities and plains of the mountains, have a temperature mild and spring like, or cool and agreeable, like the season of autumn; while on the lofty, snowy summits, lie the domains of rigorous and unyielding winter, as in the polar regions. Equally various and remarkable is the soil in S. America. It is, in the main, highly distinguished for its fertility, and for the variety, richness and abundance of its vegetable productions. This part of the American continent surpasses every other grand division of the globe, as an inexhaustible treasury of nature. Whatever is valuable in the products of other countries, it supplies, and often in greater quantity and perfection. It plentifully yields many important shrubs and plants, which are unknown or rarely found, in other parts of the world. Many exotic or foreign plants, here introduced, grow and flourish as in their native soil. Some of the most delicious fruits of S. America grow spontaneously, and in the greatest plenty, as oranges, citrons, pine apples, pomegranates, pears, apples, figs and grapes.

QUESTIONS.

Into what number of states or grand civil divisions, is South America divided, and what are their names? What are the boundaries and capital of Colombia? Of Guiana ? Of Brazil? Of Peru? Of Bolivia? Of United Provinces ? Of Chili? Of Patagonia? Which of the great divisions is at the northern extremity? Which at the southern? Which extends farthest east? Which of the South American states border on the Pacific ocean? Which on the Atlantic? Which of them is wholly included between the Andes and the Pacific? Which one extends across, from the Pacific to the Atlantic? Which two reach across the widest part of South America? Which two are intersected by the equator? Which three by the tropic of Capricorn? What are the great mountains of South America? About how long is the chain of the Andes? What general direction does it follow, and at what distance from the sea? What is said of the principal ridge or ridges? What has been considered the highest peak, and where is it, and how high? What two other peaks have lately been represented as still higher? How many active volcanoes in South America? Which three are most noted, and how high are they? How many principal branches of the Andes extending off to the east? How is the first branch de scribed? The second? The third? What in general is said of the rivers of South

America? Which are the three largest? What is said of the Amazon? Where does it rise and empty? How long is it? How deep and broad? How many considerable rivers run into it? What are four of its largest branches from the south? What are some flowing into it from the north? How large, and of what description is the basin of the Amazon? How are the banks of the river covered? How are its forests described ? What two rivers unite to form the La Plata ? In what respect is this river distinguished? What is said of its breadth, and its navigation? Where do its waters rise, and where do they empty? Where is the Orinoco ? What are its rise and course, and where does it empty? Where does the river Para or Tocantins, rise and empty? The Magdalena? The Madeira? The Francisco ?

How is the surface of the west section of South America described? How is the surface in the east or north-east part? How in the middle or interior section? What is said of the varieties of climate in South America? What do they arise from? What kind of climate is found in the lowlands? What, on the sides or plains of the mountains? What, on the loftiest summits? What is said of the soil? For what is it distinguished? In what respect does South America surpass every other grand division of the globe? What is said of its shrubs, plants, and fruits?

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

PART SECOND.

MINERALS-ANIMALS AND BIRDS-INHABITANTS -EDUCATION-MORALS-GOVERNMENT

RELIGION.

South America has long been celebrated, for the abundance of its gold and silver, and precious stones, as diamonds, pearls, amethysts and emeralds, objects which have been so eagerly grasped by some European nations, and which have here heen obtained, almost to the full gratification of their blinded avarice and pride.

Among the most valuable animals, are the Lama of Peru, a species of camel, and the Vicuna, the Peruvian sheep. The Chinchilla is valuable for its fur. The Jaguar is a kind of tiger, of great strength and ferocity. The Ocelot is a most beautiful species of cat. The alligators of this country, and some species of serpents are represented as of a monstrous and almost incredible size. Among the birds, the Condor is of singular magnitude, strength, and genius. Though celebrated as the largest flying bird in the world, he soars with facility to the utmost height of the Andes, and with equal ease descends in search of prey, often seizing and carrying off sheep and calves, or even children, which his eye may chance to light upon. Parrots and Paroquets are numerous. Many birds are here found of extraordinary beauty and brilliancy of colours, but not an equal number distinguished for melody of song.

The population of South America is composed of various races and nations. The greatest proportion of the people are Indians, many of whom are civilized and independent, but the majority are slaves, under cruel bondage to the whites. The South American natives, compared with the North American, have probably less of natural courage, activity and energy, but they have made greater advances in knowledge and civilization, are more accustomed to tilling the soil, and many of them are intelligent and enterprising in the useful employments of life. The whites are chiefly Spaniards or Portuguese, but are less numerous than the Indians. Besides which, there are multitudes of negroes and mulattoes, and there are many mixed breeds, descended of whites and Indians, or of Indians and Negroes.

The general state of education and morals in South America, is low. There is a wide prevalence of ignorance, superstition and vice. Many of the whites, however, in high rank, have enlightened and cultivated minds, but are, to a lamentable extent, dissipated and depraved in morals. The state of learning here is, on the whole, rising.

As the political condition and prospects of certain portions of South America, have of late been improved and brightened, unusual attention has been paid to education, universities and schools have been established, books and newspapers circulated, and extraordinary efforts made, to instruct and enlighten the population.

The South American provinces, for 200 years, have been principally under the governments of Spain and Portugal. The Spaniards have been established, chiefly on the west, and the Portuguese on the east side of the peninsula. The Spanish provinces, after long and severe struggles, have achieved their independence, and are taking active measures to strengthen and secure it. The government of Portugal still holds a large empire in Brazil.

Guiana is divided among the British, Dutch and French; and several independent tribes of Indians still retain possession of immense tracts in the interior, generally comprehended in Amazonia and Patagonia. The prevailing religion is Roman Catholic. Of the Catholic priests there is a vast multitude; many of whom are possessed of great wealth and influence, living in palaces and riding in chariots, and ministering to the Lord in magnificent and sumptuously ornamented churches.

QUESTIONS.

For what has South America long been celebrated? What are some of its most valuable animals? How is the Chinchilla described? The Jaguar? What is said of the aligators and serpents? Of the great bird called Condor? Of the Parrots

and paroquets? Are not the South American birds more distinguished for beautiful plumage, than for melodious notes? Of what is the population of South America composed? Of what race are the greatest part of the people? Which are the most civilized, the North American or South American Indians? Of what nations are the whites in South America? What other races or breeds, are found here? What is the general state of education and morals? Do ignorance and vice widely prevail? Are great exertions now making to promote learning in South America? To what European governments have these provinces been subject, and for how many years? On which side of South America are the Spaniards chiefly ? On which side the Portuguese? Which provinces have now become independent? Which still belongs to Portugal? How is Guiana divided as to government? Where are the independent Indians chiefly settled? What is the prevailing religion in South America? What description is given of the Catholic clergy in those parts ?

COLOMBIA.

Extent, 1,100,000 sq. ms.-Pop. 3,000,000-3 per sq. m.

Colombia is composed chiefly of the two former provinces, New Grenada and Venezuela or Caraccas, which became united under a Republican government in 1819. New Grenada comprehends the most mountainous parts on the west and north-west. Venezuela, including Spanish Guiana, is on the east and north

east.

The surface of Colombia on the west, rises to a stupendous height. It embraces the most elevated ridges of the Andes, and exhibits some of the grandest mountain scenes in nature. Chimborazo, the most celebrated summit, is 100 miles south-west of Quito, and is always white with snow, for nearly 5,000 feet from its top. 40 miles south-east of Quito, is Cotopaxi, reputed the loftiest volcano in the world, about three and a half miles high, whose explosions at times have been tremendous, inundating the adjacent plains with burning lava, and torrents of suddenly melted snow.

The eastern surface of Colombia, consists of immense plains or ilanos, including the wide and verdant valley of the Orinoco. These plains extend for 600 miles along that river, and are truly astonishing to the beholder, appearing as an ocean of green grass, like the rich prairies of North America.

The climate of Colombia is exceedingly various, according as the land is low, or more or less elevated. In the low lands, it is hot, sultry, and pestilential. At an elevation of one mile, or about 5,000 feet above the level of the sea, there is continual spring, in all its healthfulness, verdure and beauty. And from this to the greatest height of the mountains, there is a gradual and regular increase of cold. The plains and valleys, whether low or elevated, have for the most part a soil extremely fertile, and rich in tropical and other productions. Cotton, tobacco, corn, coffee, cocoa, indigo, and a variety of fruits, are abundant. The valley of