GRAND DIVISIONS OF THE EARTH.
The Earth has generally been considered by geographers under fourGrand 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. Theface of the countryis distinguished by lofty mountains and extensive lakes. Among its rivers are found the largest in the world.
Most of themetals,minerals,trees,plants, andfruitsfound on the other continent, are produced in abundance here, and many of them in greater perfection. The climate of America is found to beten degrees coolerthan 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.
TheWest India Islandslie 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 ofOceanica. These islands present every variety of surface and climate, and produce many of the luxuries of life in abundance. They also abound in volcanoes.