The British Kingdom, besides England and Scotland, Ireland and adjacent
isles, possesses many large colonies in all parts of the world, which
offer great advantages to commerce.
The government is a _limited monarchy_. The Executive Power is confided
to the King, and Legislation to the two houses of Parliament, viz. _The
House of Lords_, composed of clergymen and nobles whose titles are
hereditary, and _The House of Commons_, who are chosen by the people.
[Illustration: ACCURATE VIEW OF A PORTION OF THE LIVERPOOL AND
MANCHESTER RAILWAY.]
_England_ is one of the most beautifully diversified countries in the
world, and possesses a fertile soil, which is cultivated in the most
perfect manner. The climate is moist, and subject to frequent and
sudden changes; but the extremes of heat and cold are not so great as
in New England. Tin, copper, lead, and iron, are found. Her coal mines
are so productive that they supply fuel for the whole country, and
immense quantities for exportation.
The English are brave, intelligent, industrious, enterprising, and are
proud of their country. Commerce and manufactures are carried on with
vigor, the first extending to every part of the world, and the latter
rivalling those of all other countries.
Canals abound and railroads are becoming general. Steam power is much
used in these roads, by which means a great weight can be drawn, and
the speed greatly increased. The cut above shows a coach, drawn on this
road by a locomotive steam engine.
London, the capital of the kingdom, is the most opulent and commercial
city in the world, containing about 1,300,000 inhabitants. There are in
this many splendid buildings, among which are Westminster Abbey, the
Tower, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
_Scotland_ is greatly diversified. The northern part is mountainous and
bleak, and is called the _Highlands_. The southern part is called the
_Lowlands_, and resembles England.
The Scotch are a hardy, brave, and industrious people. They are great
lovers of learning, and give much for the extension of education.
Edinburgh, the capital, is divided into old and new towns. The former
consists of ancient buildings, placed on the top of an eminence which
overlooks the _new town_, which is well laid out, in a modern style.
The city is celebrated for its university.
_Ireland_ in soil and climate resembles England. The country is
moderately uneven, and is fertile. Potatoes are abundant, and form a
great part of the food of the inhabitants.
The Irish are brave, hospitable, and active, but enjoy very few
advantages for education.
[Illustration: ASIA
_Published by Robert S. Davis, Boston. H. Morse Sc._]