Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. Features of Country--Climate -- Mountains -- Minerals -- Rivers -- Soil -- Productions--Agriculture--Animals--Birds--Fishes--Reptiles--Insects. The general features of a country so extensive, are, of course, widely diversified. It may be said of it, as a whole, in the language of Dr. Francis Hamilton, * that " this country, in fertility, beauty, and grandeur of scenery, and in the variety, value, and elegance of its natural productions, is equalled by few on earth." He adds, "It is occupied by a people of great activity and acuteness, possessed of many qualities agreeable to strangers." The upper country is mountainous throughout; the highest ranges being to the north and north-east of the capital. The scenery of these elevated regions is beautiful, and the climate highly salubrious. Extensive forests, comprising a great variety of excellent timber, cover the heights; while the valleys are jungle, f cultivated in many places, and abounding in fruit-trees. The coasts and water-courses are eminently fertile, and contain the chief part of the population. By far the largest portion of the country is uninhabited. The extensive delta of the Irrawaddy is for the 'most part scarcely above high tides, and evidently alluvial. Much of it is overflowed during the annual rise of the river. Rocks are not found, except a cellular orange-coloured iron ore, which * Edinburgh Phil. Journal, vol. ii. p. 99. t The difference between a jungle and a forest ought to be understood by every reader of Oriental travels. A forest is the same as with us-- land covered with large trees, growing thickly together, and almost uninhabited. A jungle is exactly what is called, in Scripture, a wilderness; that is, a region of many trees, but scattered, with much...
