first commercial city in the Empire. Shiras is situated in a fertile valley, and enjoys a very delicious climate. Of the ancient monuments, the ruins of Persepolis, 40 miles north of Shiras, are the most celebrated. The manufactures suffered greatly from the destructive wars which, for nearly a century, ravaged the country. The carpets, silks, brocades, velvets, woollen and cotton cloths, and camlets of goats' and camels' hair, are still of superior texture, and form the chief articles of exportation Mount Ararat is said to be the place where the Ark rested after the deluge. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 1. How is Persia divided? What is Persia sometimes called, and how is it bounded? &c. REMARKS-Amongst whom is the Persian Empire divided, and what part do they each possess? What is said of Teheran? Which is the first commercial city in the empire? How is Shiras situated? Which are the most celebrated of the ancient monuments? From what did the manufactures suffer greatly? What articles are still of superior texture, and form the chief articles of exportation? What is said of Mount Ararat? AFGHANISTAN, OR THE KINGDOM OF CAUBUL. 1. BOUNDARIES.-Afghanistan, or the kingdom of Caubul, is sometimes called Eastern Persia. It is bounded on the north by Independent Tartary; on the east by Hindostan; on the south by the Arabian Sea; and on the west by Persia. 2. EXTENT.-It extends from 24° to 379 N. latitude; and from 61° to 77° E. longitude; being about 850 miles from north to south, and 800 from east to west. 1 2 POPULATION OF OTHER TOWNS.-Peshawer, 100,000; Candahar, 80,000; Herat, 100,000. Scinde, with a portion of Lahore, and the greater part of Moultan, are also comprehended in this kingdom; but these provinces, with part of Beloochistan, owe little subjection to the King of Caubul. 4. MOUNTAINS.-The Hindoo Coosh on the north; and the Soliman Mountains towards the east of the province of Caubul. 5. RIVERS.-The Indus, with its tributary streams on the east; and the Helmund, which falls into the Lake of Seistan, on the west. 6. CLIMATE. Owing to the difference of elevation, the climate varies greatly in different places. The low parts are hot, the middle temperate, and the elevated cold. 7. PRODUCE.-Wheat, barley, rice, tobacco, assafœtida, and fine fruits. The horses, in some parts, are considered as particularly fine; the sheep are remarkable for their fat; and goats abound in the mountains, and some have long and curiously twisted horns. 8. GOVERNMENT.-The nation consists of an assemblage of commonwealths, or tribes, having each a government of its own; but formed into one state by the supreme authority of a common sovereign. 9. RELIGION. The religion of the Afghans is Mahometanism; but the Hindoos enjoy the free exercise of their own religion. 10. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.-The Afghans are revengeful, envious, avaricious, and obstinate; but on the other hand they are fond of liberty, faithful to their friends, kind to their dependents, hospitable, brave, hardy, frugal, laborious, and prudent. They are less disposed than the nations in their neighbourhood to falsehood, intrigue, and deceit. REMARKS. Afghanistan is often called the kingdom of Caubul, from Caubul the capital, and sometimes the Kingdom of Candahar from its former capital. It is also frequently distinguished by the appellation of Eastern Persia. It comprehends part of Persia, part of Independent Tartary, and part of Hindostan. Caubul, the present capital, is a handsome city, but not extensive. Candahar, one of its former capitals, is large and populous, but has suffered greatly by wars. It is a remarkable feature in several of the towns of this country, that the majority of the inhabitants are not Afghans. No Afghan ever keeps a shop, or exercises any handicraft trade; the Hindoos and Persians chiefly follow these occupations. A coarse woollen carpet and constitute their chief furniture. some pieces of felt to sit upon They usually sit cross-legged; and the chase and dancing are favourite amusements. The women, compared with those of India, are large, fair, and handsome. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 1. What is Afghanistan sometimes called? Mention the boundaries, &c. REMARKS.—What does this empire comprehend? Describe Caubul. Candahar. What is mentioned as a remarkable feature of several of the towns of this country? Do the Afghans keep shops, or exercise any handicraft trade? Who chiefly follow these occupations? What constitute their chief furni ture? How do they usually sit? What are favourite amusements? What is said of the women as compared with those of India ? HINDOSTAN. 1. Boundaries.--Hindostan is bounded on the north by Tibet; on the east by the Birman Empire and the Bay of Bengal; on the south by the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Arabian Sea and Persia. 2. EXTENT.-It extends from 8° to 35° N. latitude, and from 689 to 92° E. longitude; being about 1870 miles long, and 1500 broad. 3. DIVISIONS. This country is generally comprehended under the four following great divisions, viz. Sindetic Hindostan, comprising the territories bordering on the river Scind, or Indus. Gangetic Hindostan, comprising those bordering on the river Ganges and the north side of the Nerbuddah. Central Hindostan, comprising the territories between Gangetic Hindostan and the river Kistna; and Southern Hindostan, what lies south of the Kistna. These general divisions are subdivided into provinces. |