The Guyot geographical reader and primer; a series of journeys round the world

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...sea to make them pleasing; for there are green valleys filled with vineyards, and groves of olive, orange, and mulberry trees. 14. These are not all of the fine cities in France. There are others in the interior as remarkable for cotton mills, linen factories, and iron works as Lyons for its silk looms; and still others on the coast, which are famous as markets for wine, brandy, and fruits, or for the elegant manufactures of the country. But, after all, France is not nearly so crowded as Great Britain; for, though more than twice as large, it has not so many great cities; and Paris itself is but little more than half the size of London. 1. The Netherlands (or Holland), a small but very interesting country, lies in the low plains about the mouth of the Rhine. The ground is so low and flat that it is hard work to keep the sea from overflowing, and covering it entirely. There are many lakes and marshes along the shore. The people build, around these, banks of earth, called dikes, to keep out the sea, then pump the water from them until they are dry, and so change them into rich meadows. 2. Canals run all through the country, to drain away the water; and in summer you will see the people moving about in little boats, instead of going in carriages, by roads, as in other countries. In winter the canals all freeze over, and then are covered with skaters. The farmers' wives skate to market, the men to business, and the children to school. 3. The Netherlander are called Dutch, and it was from this country that the people came who first settled New York. They are very industrious, and nowhere in the world will you find better farmers than they. The rich meadows are full of fine sleek cows, from the milk of which excellent butter and cheese are made. The Dutch are gre...