The Earth has generally been considered by geographers under four GRAND
DIVISIONS, viz. America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Besides these, there
are four clusters of Islands, which according to some geographers
constitute other divisions, viz. Australasia, Polynesia, the East India
Islands, and the West India Islands.
AMERICA is the largest of the divisions, and was unknown to the
civilized world till the year 1492, when it was discovered by
Christopher Columbus. It however takes its name from Americus
Vesputius, who came to the country about seven years after. The _face
of the country_ is distinguished by lofty mountains and extensive
lakes. Among its rivers are found the largest in the world.
Most of the _metals_, _minerals_, _trees_, _plants_, and _fruits_ found
on the other continent, are produced in abundance here, and many of
them in greater perfection. The climate of America is found to be _ten
degrees cooler_ than the climate of the other continent in the same
latitude.
EUROPE is the smallest of the divisions, but is distinguished above all
the others for its advancement in military power, and in civilisation,
science, and literature.
ASIA is remarkable for having contained the “garden of Eden,” where our
first parents were placed. In this division, the Jewish, the Christian,
and the Mahometan religions had their origin. Its soil is more fertile
than that of any other division, and its inhabitants more numerous.
AFRICA is less known than any of the other divisions. The greater part
of the inhabitants are in a state of barbarism. Nearly three-quarters
of Africa lie in the torrid zone, and the dark complexion and savage
character of the inhabitants, and the ferocity of its wild beasts, seem
in unison with the excessive heat of the sun, and the frightful aspect
of the deserts.
The WEST INDIA ISLANDS lie in the Atlantic Ocean, between North and
South America, in the torrid zone. They belong principally to European
nations.
Australasia, Polynesia, and the East India Islands are sometimes
included under the general name of OCEANICA. These islands present
every variety of surface and climate, and produce many of the luxuries
of life in abundance. They also abound in volcanoes.