§ 4. PERSIA.

PERSIA really extends from the mountains of Koordistan' to the Indus River, and is divided politically into three independent states, viz.: the kingdom of Iran', or Persia Proper, Afghanistǎn', and Beloochistăn'.

§ 5. THE KINGDOM OF IRAN,

Or PERSIA PROPER, presents a singular succession of low, arid plains, deserts, mountains, and table lands. The whole country is remarkably destitute of water; it has scarcely a river deserving the name. The people are divided into two classes - the fixed, or sheherêês', which inhabit the cities, and are a fine race, tall, and generally strong and active; and the wandering, or eilânts', who are rude, violent, and rapacious, but sincere, hospitable, and brave. The government is a military despotism. For administrative purposes the kingdom is divided into large provinces. The Persians manufacture beautiful carpets, silks, shawls, cottons, and porcelain.

Tehrän', the capital, is situated in the midst of a well-cultivated plain, and surrounded by a high and strong wall of earth. Ispahän', formerly the capital, and most splendid city of Western Asia, is still great in population, trade, and manufactures.

§ 6. AFGHANISTAN.

The Afghans are divided into small tribes, and their chiefs, or khäns, are elected by the people of each tribe. They are mostly a pastoral people, and their subsistence depends chiefly on the produce of their flocks. Cabool', the capital, is situated on the Cabôôl' River, a branch of the Indus, in a large, well-watered plain, and surrounded with beautiful gardens. Herat' is a large, fortified city, in a highlycultivated valley, enjoying an extensive commerce and flourishing manufactures.

Muscat. PERSIA. Divisions. IRAN.

Classes of the people. Government. Manufactures. Tehran. Ispahan. - AFGHANISTAN. Cabool. Herat.

§ 7. BELOOCHISTAN.

The people of this country are almost equally divided into two distinct nations the Belôô'ches in the west, and the Bräh'oes in the east. They are almost entirely a rude, pastoral people, living in tents, and moving from place to place with their flocks and herds. Kelăt' is the chief city.

§ 8. HINDOSTAN, OR INDIA.

The natural boundaries of this country are well defined, having the Himalay'a Mountains along the whole northern border, and the southern portion circumscribed by the Indian Ocean. The diversity of character and language, of form and complexion, of manners and customs, among the natives of India is extraordinary. The Hindoos are divided into four castes or classes: first, the Bräh'mins, or priests; second, soldiers; third, merchants and farmers; fourth, sú'dras, laborers.

or

These castes are not permitted to intermarry, nor even to eat or drink with each other. The slightest digression from the laws of caste subjects the offender to loss of caste, and sometimes to death. This rigorous classification of the Hindoos presents may obstacles to the improvement of the lower classes and the advancement of Christianity in India.

The influence of the Europe'an population, however, has greatly modified these ancient customs, and may in time effect a thorough revolution in all these respects. In the native states the government is a pure despotism. The superintendence, direction, and control of the whole civil and military government of BRITISH INDIA is vested in a Governor General and Councillors, who are indirectly responsible to the Parliament of England. British India comprises the three presidencies of Bengâl', Madräs', and Bombay'.

Calcutta, the capital of all British India, is situated on the left bank of the Hôôg'ly River, 100 miles from the sea. The southern or Europē'an part of the city is finely and magnificently built. Allahabad, the capital of the north-western

- BELOOCHISTAN. Two nations. Mode of life. Kelat. HINDOSTAN. Extraordinary points. Four castes. Laws of castes. Obstacles to Christianity. European influence. Government in the native states. Government in British India. Three presidencies. Calcutta. Allahabad. Benares, Delhi.

provinces, is situated at the confluence of the Găn'ges and Jum'na.

Benä'res, the sacred capital of Hindooism, is a large city on the Găn'ges, and is the chief seat of Brahmin'ical learning. Děl'hi, on the Jum'na, is the residence of the Great Mogul', whose empire is now limited to the walls of his palace, and whose revenue consists of a pension from the "British East India Company."

Madras' is situated on the Coromăn'del coast, in the Lower Carnăt'ic; it is the capital of Southern India, and a stoppingplace on the route to Calcutta. Bombay', on the west coast of Hindostǎn', is the capital of the presidency, and second only to Calcut'ta in commercial importance. Surăt' is the seat of the supreme court of the presidency, situated on the Taptēē' River, near the Gulf of Cambay'.

Among the many other towns in Hindostăn' considered as important are. Si'kim, near the foot of Mount Kunchingin'ga, the highest summit in the world; Cashmēre', on account of its shawls of goat's wool, is the most noted town in the extreme north; Lahōre', the capital of the kingdom of that name; Pondicher'ry, the French capital, south of Madräs'; Serampore', a Danish town in Bengal', on the Hôôg'ly, the residence of the Baptist missionaries.

§ 9. THE ISLAND OF CEYLON.

This is the most magnificent island on the face of the globe. It has long been famed for its precious stones and pearl fishery; and its vegetable productions are not less valuable. The cinnamon tree grows wild as well as in a cultivated state, and the cocoa nut, bread fruit, and jack fruit trees supply the natives with food. Cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, and coffee grow luxuriantly and without care. The pepper vine grows wild over all the island, and enchanting groves of a thousand spices surround the villages in every part. Ceylon' is now entirely in the possession of the British. The American missions here have been eminently successful. Colombo, the capital, is a handsome town, and strongly fortified. Point de Galle is one of the stoppingplaces on the route to Calcutta and Hong Kong.

Madras. Bombay. Surat. Other towns. The ISLAND OF CEYLON, Govern

§ 10. INDO-CHINA.

INDO-CHINA, or FARTHER INDIA, is the name given to an extensive region lying to the south-east of Hindostăn', and south-west of China. It is divided politically into various independent states. The governments are all pure despotisms; nevertheless, the enjoyment of life and property is more secure than in other Asiatic states. Indo-China comprises six political regions, viz.: Bïr'mah, Siăm', Anăm', Lä'os, British territories, and Malăc'ca.

Pegū', which comprises

BIRMAH consists of two divisions the sea coast and the mouths of the rivers; and A'va, the upper country. A'va, the capital, stands on the Irawä'dy River; its temples and gilded towers give it an imposing appearance. Rangôôn' is the chief seaport. Pegū' is the ancient capital.

SIAM consists of the valley of Meinăm'. The Siamese belong to the Mongolian race. Bankok' is the capital, situated on the Meinăm', about 20 miles from the sea.

ANAM embraces Tonquîn', Cō'chin-Chi'na, Cambō'dia, and a part of Lä'os. Hue', the capital, is a well-fortified city on a small river, about 10 miles from the sea.

LAOS is a mountainous region north of Cambō'dia and Siam'. The scenery is beautiful; the soil is in general fertile; and the country is rich in gold, silver, copper, and iron. Zemmai' is the capital, 400 miles north of Bankok'.

§ 11. THE BRITISH PROVINCES.

The possessions of Great Britain in In'do-Chi'na consist of several detached provinces and islands. Amherst is the capital of Martabăn', though inferior to Moulmein' in its advantages for commerce. Malăc'ca, the principal town of the Malay' peninsula, is the seat of a college for the cultivation of European and Chinese literature. Singapōre' is situated on an island of the same name, at the southern extremity of the Malay peninsula. It is a flourishing place, possessing many advantages, and is a stopping-place on the route to Hong Kong.

ment. Columbo.-INDO-CHINA. Governments. Six political divisions Birmah. Pegu. Ava. Capital of Birmah. Rangoon. Pégu. Siam. Race Bankok. Anam. Hue. Laos. Zemmai.-BRITISH POSSESSIONS. Amherst.

§ 12. THE PENINSULA OF MALACCA.

This is a long, narrow tract, 750 miles long by 60 to 170 miles wide. The southern portions are chiefly inhabited by Malays', and are divided into a number of petty states or kingdoms. These people are celebrated for their ferocious. character and piratical habits. A bulldog does not differ more in form and quality from a greyhound than a Malay' from a Hindôô'.”

§ 13. THE CHINESE EMPIRE.

The EMPIRE OF CHINA, comprising China Proper and several external territories of vast extent, forms one of the largest, and, in regard to population, civilization, and industry, one of the most remarkable nations in the world. Its history, its government, and its manners are peculiar to itself. The rivers of China form one of its most conspicuous features. No country can compare with it for natural facilities of inland navigation. The empire is divided into three principal parts, viz.: China Proper, Mantchôô'ria, and the Ĉolonial Possessions. The latter includes Mongō'lia, Eastern Toorkistǎn', and Tibět'.

§ 14. CHINA.

CHINA Occupies the south-eastern portion of the empire. It is bounded on the E. and S. E. by the Pacific; S. by Bir'mah and Anăm'; N. by Mantchôô'ria and Mongō'lia; and W. by Tibět. The people are divided into four ranks or orders - the learned, the farmers, the manufacturers, and the merchants. The members of the imperial family alone possess hereditary rank, and are distributed into five classes, all distinguished by wearing a yellow girdle.

The silk and cotton fabrics of the Chinese, their porcelain, embroidery, dyeing, and varnishing, ivory cutting, colors, paper, ink, and many other articles of art and skill, are unequalled by any other nation. In agriculture every acre of

Malacca. Singapore. - PENINSULA OF MALACCA. Chinese empire. Rivers. Three divisions of the empire. - CHINA PROPER. Boundaries. Orders of the people. Imperial family. Productions of the Chinese. Of agriculture. The