first is found in various parts of the State; the last occurs in the western part chiefly.

4. The State of Maryland was settled by a body of Roman Catholic emigrants, under Lord Baltimore, whose just and liberal government soon attracted settlers from all quarters.

5. Baltimore is on a branch of the Patapsco River, 14 miles from Chesapeake Bay, and 200 from the sea; it possesses an extensive foreign and domestic trade, and is one of the largest flour markets in the world. Several railroads connect this city with other parts of the Union.

6. The public buildings of Baltimore are numerous. Among the finest of them, are the Exchange, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the new building of the Maryland Institute. In this city, also, are the Battle and Washington monuments, both beautiful structures. The latter is a Doric column, surmounted by a colossal statue of Washington 16 feet high; the entire structure rising to the height of 180 feet. 7. Fort M'Henry, a short distance below the city, commands the entrance to the harbour. It was bombarded by a British fleet, in 1814; but, being bravely defended, the enemy was forced to retire.

8. Annapolis is the capital of Maryland. It is situated on Severn River, three miles from Chesapeake Bay. The State-House is a handsome building in it the Continental Congress held several sessions. Here, also, General Washington resigned his commission, at the close of the revolutionary war.

9. Cumberland, on the Potomac, noted for its trade in coal, is in point of population the second place in the State. Frederick and Hagerstown are flourishing places. Easton and Cambridge are the principal places on the Eastern Shore. At Emmetsburg, in the northern part of the State, is Mount St. Mary's College.

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- South

Map No. 11. - What bounds Maryland on the north? Pa. and west? Va.- East? De., A.-On. What bay and river divide Maryland into two separate parts? Ce., Sa. -What river separates it from Virginia? Pc. What river flows into Chesapeake Bay on the east side? Ck., Ne., Pe. — What rivers on the west side? Pt., Pc.Which is the most eastern county? Wr. The most western? Ay. On what river is Havre de Grace? Cumberland? Upper Marlboro'? In what year was the battle of North Point fought? Of Bladensburg? What mountains extend through the western part of the State? Ay.

4. By whom was Maryland first settled? What is said of Lord Baltimore? 5. Describe Baltimore. 6. Its public buildings. The Washington Monument. 7. What is said of Fort M'Henry? 8. Annapolis ? The old State-House? 9. Cumberland, and other towns?

1. THE District of Columbia, or the Federal District, lies on the left bank of the Potomac River, and is under the direct control of Congress. It was at first 10 miles square, with an area of 100 square miles, but is now reduced to an area of 60 square miles.

2. Previous to 1846, it included Washington County on the Maryland, and Alexandria County on the Virginia side of the river. These counties were ceded in 1790 to the United States, by Maryland and Virginia; in 1846 Alexandria County and city were ceded back to Virginia.

3. The city of Washington is situated upon the Potomac River, 110 miles from its mouth. It was laid out in 1791, under the auspices of General Washington, and in 1800 the seat of government was removed hither from Philadelphia. The plan of the city is grand and extensive.

4. Washington is the residence of the President of the United States

District of Columbia. Q.-1. What is said of the District of Columbia? How large was it at first? What is its present area? 2. What did it include previous to 1846? What was done in 1790? In 1846? 3. Describe the position of Washington. When was it laid out, &c.?

and the other chief executive officers of the General Government; also of the different foreign ministers sent to this country.

5. The National Congress meets here in the Capitol, on the first Monday in December of every year; the Supreme Federal Court also holds its annual sessions here. During the sessions of Congress, Washington is thronged with visitors from all parts of the world.

6. The Capitol is a magnificent building, of white eestone, 352 feet long, in the shape of a cross, with the Representatives' Hall and Senate Chamber in the two wings, and a spacious Rotundo in the centre.

7. The Representatives' Chamber is a semicircular apartment, 95 feet in length, and 60 feet in height, lighted from the top, and adorned with a colonnade of beautiful pillars. The Senate Chamber is of the same shape, and 74 feet long. The Rotundo is 96 feet in diameter, and is 96 feet to the top of the dome within.

8. The President's House is on an eminence, a mile and a half west from the Capitol. It is two stories high, with a front of 180 feet, and is surrounded by extensive grounds. On each side are the offices for the State, War, Navy, and other Departments. In the Patent Office the lower story is appropriated to models and specimens of articles patented; the upper contains a large collection of curiosities.

9. The Smithsonian Institute occupies a noble building, about a mile from the Capitol; it is devoted to the purpose of increasing and diffusing knowledge among mankind. A fund of upwards of half a million dollars was bequeathed to the American Government, for its erection and support, by James Smithson, an English gentleman. The President of the United States is ex officio* its presiding officer.

10. Georgetown, separated from Washington by Rock Creek, is a thriving place, and has some commerce. It is the seat of Georgetown College. There is also a nunnery, containing from 50 to 70 nuns.

Map No. 11.-On what river is Washington? Pc. On which side is it? E.On which side is Georgetown? E.-Population of each? What parallel of latitude touches the northern end of the District?

104 VIRGINIA.

1. VIRGINIA extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ohio River; it was the first settled of the English colonies, from which circumstance it is often called "the Ancient Dominion."

What occurred in 1800? 4. Who reside in Washington? 5. What body meets there? What Court? What is said of Washington? 6. The Capitol? 7. Representatives' Hall? Senate Chamber? 8. President's House? 9. What is said of the Smithsonian Institute? The fund for its erection, &c.? Who is the presiding officer? 10. What is said of Georgetown?

Virginia. Q.-1. What is Virginia? What is it often called, and

* Ex officio signifies, by virtue of office, without special authority.

2. Many eminent men have been born in Virginia; of these the illustrious Washington, with Jefferson, Madison, and four other distinguished individuals, were all Presidents of the United States.

3. This State is traversed by the Alleghany Mountains and the Blue Ridge. The country east of the latter is generally level, while the western division is hilly and mountainous. The great valley lying between these ranges is the finest part of the State.

4. The productions of the north and the south, wheat, cotton, and tobacco, are all raised here. Indian corn is also an important product. Gold, copper, lead, iron, coal, and salt, abound. At Richmond, Wheeling, and other places, various manufactures are carried on.

5. The mineral springs, situated in the mountainous parts of the State, are celebrated for their medicinal properties, and are much resorted to during the summer season.

6. Several important railroads and canals are already finished, and others are advancing towards completion. By these, transportation and travelling will be rendered easy and rapid through a large portion of the State.

7. Virginia was among the leading States during the revolutionary war. In the year 1781, the siege and surrender of Yorktown took place when Lord Cornwallis and his army were made prisoners of war; one of the most important events of the contest with the royal forces.

why? 2. Who were natives of this State?
Virginia? 4. What are the productions?
5. Of the mineral springs? 6. Railroads?

3. What mountains are in What is said of gold, &c.? 7. What was Virginia?

8. The Natural Bridge, W ODA

over Cedar Creek, a small tributary of James River, consists of an enormous arch of limestone rock, 215 feet high, and about 80 feet wide on the top. It affords a safe passage over a dangerous chasm, not otherwise passable for some miles both above and below.

9. Richmond, the capital, is on James River, at the lower falls. These furnish a great amount of water power for flouring, paper, iron, cotton, and other establishments. Flour, coal, and tobacco, are exported. The State Capitol and the Waterworks are objects of interest.

10. Norfolk, on Elizabeth

River, is the principal sea-port. It has a fine harbour, and more foreign commerce than any other town in the State. At Gosport, in Portsmouth, opposite to Norfolk, is one of the principal navy-yards of the United States.

105

11. Petersburg, on the Appomattox River, Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock, Lynchburg, on the James, and Wheeling, on the Ohio, are important towns. At the latter a suspension bridge crosses the river. At Yorktown, Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the allied American and French armies, under General Washington. At Charleston, on the Kanawha River, large quantities of salt are made.

12. Alexandria, on the Potomac River, 6 miles below Washington City, is a place of considerable trade. Charlottesville, near the Rivanna River, is the seat of the University of Virginia. Monticello, two miles distant, was the residence of Thomas Jefferson.

13. In Westmoreland, Washington's native county, is shown the place of his birth. A simple stone, with the inscription "Here, on the 11th of Feb., 1732,*George Washington was born," marks the hallowed spot. Mount Vernon, on the Potomac River, 8 miles below Alexandria, was his residence, and also the place of his interment.

8. Describe the Natural Bridge. 9. What is said of Richmond? Falls? What are Exported? 10. Norfolk? Gosport? 11. What is said of Petersburg, &c.? Yorktown? 12. Alexandria? Charlottesville ? Monticello? 13. Westmoreland? Mount

* Old style, corresponding to 22d of February, new style.