l as spices,
dye-woods, and balsams. The people export quantities of natural
productions to Europe, but their manufacturers are not as yet able to
compete with those of what are called the _old_ countries. The
principal manufactures are of cotton, woollen, iron, and leather;
which they exchange with the Red Indians for prepared bark, skins, and
birds' feathers. Mines abound, particularly for gold and silver; and
there is abundance of precious stones. The farmers are a very
industrious and intelligent class, and display much taste and neatness
in their management.

The finest timber for ship-building is abundant, and easily obtained;
and there are many excellent harbours. Numerous fishing stations are
situated along the coasts, and are very valuable; for fishing is
there a very good employment, and engages many of the natives of the
Northern States. As these fishermen get accustomed to a sea-faring
life, and inured to fatigue, they soon become excellent sailors, and
furnish men for the navy.

[Illustration]

The whale fishery is also a valuable pursuit, but it requires uncommon
bravery and skill.--In the United States there are numerous schools
and academies, wherein the children are educated free.

The rich people in America are free from haughtiness, awkwardness, or
formality, but they do not display the elegance and refinement of the
higher classes in England or France. As for the common people, they
are serious, shrewd, and industrious; but often seem rude and
uncourtly to strangers, for they wish to show their independance by an
annoying surliness of behaviour. A great number of turnpike roads,
railways, canals, and bridges, have been formed, and improve the
country very much, as you may imagine.

The Americans make works in iron and wood, articles of machinery and
of husbandry, tanned leather, and dressed skins. They are famous for
ship-building.

[Illustration]

Peru, which is in South America, is a very fine country, and produces
many useful things, such as tobacco, pepper, jalap, Peruvian bark, and
indigo.

There are numerous valuable gold and silver mines, which make the
inhabitants so rich, that at one time, long since, they paved several
streets with ingots of silver, in proof of their wealth. There are
whale fisheries on the coasts. Only _one_ specimen of industry has
been sent from Peru!

[Illustration]

Mexico is another portion of South America. Its products are numerous,
but the country s