HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, 1883—Domestic Exports.
| Sugar | 114,107,155 lbs. | Rice | 11,619,000 lbs. |
| Molasses | 193,997 gals. | Coffee | 16,057 lbs. |
| Paddy | 1,368,705 lbs. | Bananas | 44,902 bunches. |
NETHERLANDS INDIES.
The Netherlands Indies are by far the most important colonial possessions of the Netherlands. They cover all the Dutch possessions in the East Indies, and include Java, Madura, Banca, Sumatra, Bingtang, Billiton, Celebes, the Moluccas, Lombok Bali, and many smaller islands and parts of New Guinea, Borneo and Timor. Area of the colonies estimated at 636,329 square miles; population, 27,784,959. The superior administration is in the hands of a Governor General, assisted by a Council of 5 members.
The most important colony is Java, which politically includes the neighboring island of Madura. Total area, 50,848 square miles; population, 20,259,450. Java is governed under what is termed the culture system, which was established in 1832.
The strength of the total army in 1883 was 30,421 men, of whom 15,032 were Europeans, and 15,389 natives. There is a military academy near Batavia, and attached to every battalion is a school for soldiers. The navy, royal and colonial, consisted of 79 vessels and 5,029 men.
By far the larger part of the commerce of Dutch India is with the Netherlands. The average value of the total imports for three years was $62,500,000: exports, $75,000,000. About two-thirds of the imports were from the Netherlands, and three-fourths of the exports were sent to that country. The principal exports are sugar, coffee, rice, indigo and tobacco. Latest reports give value of coffee exported, $13,086,790; sugar, $19,625,470; indigo, $1,245,170; spices, $1,021,720; tobacco, $6,457,680.
The Netherlands Indies had, in 1882, 3,682 miles of telegraph, with 84 offices. Number of postoffices, 221. Java has now about 750 miles of railway.
HAWAII (SANDWICH ISLANDS).Ha-wi´ee.
A kingdom of Oceania, consisting of a group of 15 islands, of which 8 are inhabited. The government is a limited monarchy. Hawaii is the largest island; but Honolulu, the capital, is situated on the island of Oahu. Population of Honolulu, 7,000. Area of the islands, 6,667 square miles. At the last census, the population numbered 57,985: male, 34,103; female, 23,882; native, 44,088; Chinese, 5,916; white, 4,561, of whom 1,276 were Americans, 883 English, 436 Portuguese, 272 Germans, 81 French; half-caste, 3,420.
To a great extent the islands are mountainous, and there are numerous volcanoes, several of which are active. The volcano of Mauna Loa, on the Island of Hawaii, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The soil is exceedingly fertile and productive. Chief products, sugar and rice; but coffee, hides, bone, whale oil and wool are exported in considerable quantities. Value of exports, 1883, $8,121,200; imports, $5,624,240.
In 1883, 267 vessels, of 183,316 tons, entered, and 263 vessels, of 189,494 tons, cleared the ports. Of the former, 195 vessels were American. The islands own 64 vessels, of 15,588 tons. The islands of Hawaii and Maui are provided with telegraphs, and have about 32 miles of railway. Almost every house in Honolulu has its telephone.
There are numerous schools in the islands; the annual sum devoted to public instruction is $95,850. The King is a member of the Church of England; but all forms of religion are permitted and protected.
AUSTRALASIA.Aws-tral-ā´she-a.
Under this bead are grouped all the Australian colonies belonging to Great Britain. They are seven in number, and geographically are comprised in the continent of Australia and the islands of Tasmania and New Zealand and part of New Guinea. Total area, 3,075,135 square miles. Population, 1883, 3,091,897.
Each colony has a Governor, appointed by the Crown, in whom is vested the executive power. The legislative power of each is vested in a Parliament of two houses.
Minerals abound in all the colonies. The most extensive coal mines are those of New South Wales, the product of which in 1884 was 2,521,457 tons; value, $6,009,705. Gold product of the colony, 1883, 122,256 ounces; value, $1,705,620. Coal product of New Zealand, 1883, 421,764 tons. Gold discovered 1857. Value of total exports to March, 1884, $203,535,370. In Queensland, tin, copper, lead and coal are mined. Value of tin raised, 1883, $2,940,060. Gold discovered 1858. Product, 1882, 230,090 oz.; value, $4,148,275. The chief mineral of South Australia is copper, but valuable iron ores also exist. Value of copper and copper ore, 1883, $1,876,625. Tasmania is rich in iron, tin and coal. Value of tin exported, 1883, $1,882,230. Amount of gold produced, 46,577 oz.; value, $882,210. In 1851 gold was discovered in Victoria. Total product to 1883, 52,214,150 oz.; value, $1,044,283,000. Principal minerals of Western Australia are copper, lead and coal.
Principal agricultural products of the colonies: Wheat product of New South Wales, 1884, 4,345,437 bushels; corn, 4,538,604 bushels; sugar, 35,220,640 lbs.; wine, 589,604 gallons. New Zealand—Wheat, 9,827,136 bushels; oats, 9,231,339 bushels. Leading grain crop of Queensland, corn. Yield of sugar, 1883, 73,534,000 lbs.; cotton, 70,020 lbs. South Australia—Wheat, 14,649,230 bushels; wine, 430,520 gallons. Principal products of Tasmania, grain, hops and fruit; value of green and preserved fruits exported 1883, $881,120. Wheat product of Victoria, 1884, 15,570,245 bushels; oats, 4,717,624 bushels; barley, 1,069,803 bushels; potatoes, 161,088 tons; hay, 433,143 tons.
The following table shows the number of farm animals in the colonies in 1884:
| Colonies. | Sheep. | Cattle. | Horses. | Pigs. |
| New South Wales | 34,000,000 | 1,646,753 | 326,964 | 189,050 |
| New Zealand | 14,056,266 | 698,637 | 161,736 | 200,083 |
| Queensland | 9,308,911 | 4,266,172 | 253,116 | 51,796 |
| South Australia | 6,677,067 | 319,620 | 184,360 | |
| Tasmania | 1,831,069 | 130,525 | 26,840 | 55,774 |
| Victoria | 10,739,021 | 1,297,546 | 286,779 | 233,525 |
| Western Australia | 1,547,061 | 71,102 | 37,111 |
Value of total exports and imports of the colonies, 1883: New South Wales—Exports, $99,430,090; imports, $104,800,785. New Zealand—Exports, $35,479,995; imports, $39,870,190. Queensland—Exports, $26,383,040; imports, $31,166,755. South Australia—Exports, $24,417,305; imports, $31,550,275. Tasmania—Exports, $8,657,995; imports, $9,163,185. Victoria—Exports, $81,994,315; imports, $88,719,230. Western Australia—Exports, $2,235,050; imports, $2,584,230.
In 1883, New South Wales had 1,320 miles of railway, and 597 under construction; New Zealand, 1,486 miles; Queensland, 1,038 miles, and 454 under construction; South Australia, 990.75 miles, and 225 under construction; Tasmania, 167 miles, and 207 under construction; Victoria, 1,562 miles, and 130 under construction; Western Australia, 55 miles, and 68 under construction.
NORTH AMERICA.
Northern and largest division of Western Continent, separated from South America by Gulf of Mexico, and connected with it by Isthmus of Panama.
Area, 8,918,346 square miles; extends from Arctic Ocean to about 8° north latitude; extreme width, over 3,000 miles. Eastern coast line to southern extremity of Mexico, about 13,000 miles; western, about 11,000 miles. Has remarkable lake and river systems: the latter includes the Mississippi and its tributaries, whose combined navigable length is about 40,000 miles, and it is estimated that the great lakes contain a third of all fresh waters on the globe. The political divisions are Greenland, Iceland, Dominion of Canada, Newfoundland, United States, Central America and Mexico.
Extent in latitude results in great variety of climate, while the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding oceans furnish to most localities abundant moisture.
Ottawa, capital of Dominion of Canada, and great lumber depot; pop., 27,412; St. Johns, capital of Newfoundland, and easternmost seaport of North America; pop., 22,583. Number lighthouses in United States, Canada and Spanish America, 1,127.
Record of great fires: New York, 1835; loss $29,199,000. San Francisco, 1851; loss, 2,500 blocks. Chicago, 1871; loss, $160,594,500. Boston, 1872; loss, $72,997,500.
Rich soil and excellent tillage combine to produce abundant food supply for home consumption and foreign export. Tobacco, cotton, woods, dye-stuffs, grain, flour, meat, eggs and butter are among the supplies exported. Value of grain crops, United States and Canada, $1,114,428,500. Annual import of fruit in United States since 1871, 6 lbs. per inhabitant.
Canada has 900,000,000 acres forest; income, $58,398,000. United States, 560,000,000 acres; income, $374,720,500. Mexico and Central America are rich in mahogany and dye-stuffs. Number acres forest felled daily by United States wood-cutters, 10,000; annual consumption of firewood, United States and Canada, 1,550,000,000 cubic feet; number saw-mills, 1882, 15,740.
Nearly every variety of minerals abundant; iron widely diffused. Copper especially plentiful in region of great lakes; gold and silver in mountain regions of both sides of continent; lead abundant in central United States; quicksilver, in California and Mexico, coal fields numerous, and supply almost inexhaustible; salt also widely distributed. Annual consumption of coal in United States and Canada, 72,000,000 tons; gold production, 1830-1880, United States and Spanish America, 4,262 tons.
Lakes and rivers well stocked with fish; coast fisheries productive and profitable, especially on banks of Newfoundland, and along coasts of Washington and Oregon. Newfoundland has a world-wide reputation for cod fisheries, and seal fisheries rank next in importance. Average annual catch of cod, about 1,500,000 quintals; number seals taken yearly, about 600,000; of herring, about 175,000 bbls. Value fisheries of United States and Canada, $16,546,100,000.
Population, over 60,000,000, Mexico numbering 10,046,872, and Canada, 4,324,810.
Greenland and Iceland are Danish colonies. Canada and Newfoundland belong to Great Britain. Executive power of Canada vested in the Governor General, a representative of the Queen; legislative power exercised by a Senate and House of Commons, each Province having its own Lieutenant Governor and legislature. Public affairs of Newfoundland managed by governor, executive council, and legislative assembly.
ONTARIO.On-tā´re-o.
The most populous Province of the Dominion of Canada; established in 1867. Previous to 1791 formed part of the Province of Quebec; from 1791 to 1840 known as Upper Canada; in 1840 reunited with Quebec, under the name of Canada.
Area, census of 1881, 101,733 square miles. Total land occupied, 19,259,909 acres; improved, 11,294,109 acres, of which 8,370,266 acres were under crops; 2,619,038 acres in pasture, and 304,805 acres in gardens and orchards.
Temperature at Toronto: winter, 4.8° to 62.5°; summer, 38.7° to 92.7°; mean temperature, 44.16°. Rainfall at Toronto, 28.43 inches.
The surface of the country is diversified by numerous lakes and rivers. The agricultural resources are very great, and the mineral wealth varied and rich.
Public affairs are administered by a Lieutenant Governor, assisted by an Executive Council of 6, and a House of Assembly of 89 members. Capital, Toronto; pop. 86,415. Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion; pop., 27,412. Ontario sends 24 members to the Dominion Senate.
Agricultural products, 1881: wheat, 27,406,091 bushels; barley, 14,279,841 bushels; oats, 40,209,929 bushels; rye, 1,598,871 bushels; peas and beans, 9,434,872 bushels; buckwheat, 841,649 bushels; corn, 8,096,782 bushels; potatoes, 18,994,559 bushels; turnips, 33,856,721 bushels; other root crops, 6,479,222 bushels; hay, 2,038,659 tons; grass and clover seed, 173,219 bushels; flaxseed, 38,208 bushels; tobacco, 160,251 pounds; hops, 615,967 pounds.
Latest reported orchard products: apples, 11,400,517 bushels; grapes, 3,697,555 pounds; other fruits, 644,707 bushels.
Amount of butter produced on farms, 54,862,365 pounds; cheese, 1,701,721 pounds; wool, 6,013,216 pounds; cloth, flannel and linen, 1,440,199 yards. Maple sugar produced 1881, 4,169,706 pounds; honey, 1,197,628 pounds; flax and hemp, 1,073,197 pounds. Value of fur product, $129,578.
Number of farm animals in the Province, 1881: horses, 590,298; oxen, 23,263; milch cows and other cattle, 1,678,904; sheep, 1,359,178; swine, 700,922.
Latest reported timber product: white pine, 12,262,570 cu. ft.; red pine, 1,848,927 cu. ft.; oak, 5,448,263 cu. ft.; tamarack 1,515,360 cu. ft.; walnut, 741,431 cu. ft.; birch and maple, 612,760 cu. ft.; elm, 2,925,382 cu. ft.; all other timber, 26,577,869 cu. ft.; number of pine logs, 14,945,670; other logs, 7,621,610.
The Province has 259 steam vessels, with a tonnage of 44,550; and 289 sailing vessels, with a tonnage of 55,058. There are 5 vessels with 14 men, and 1,129 boats with 2,101 men and 928,008 fathoms of nets engaged in the 681 fisheries. Product for 1881: herring, 15,605 barrels; whitefish, 38,301 barrels; trout, 55,497 barrels; other fish, 18,817 barrels; fish oil, 1,629 gallons.
Population of the Province, 1881, 1,923,228; male, 976,461; female, 946767
Number of churches, 5,075: of which 2,375 are Methodist, 852 Presbyterian, 680 Church of England, 389 Baptist, and 367 Roman Catholic. There are 21 hospitals, and 22 orphanages. Number of colleges and universities, 17; boarding schools, 44.
There is an excellent system of free schools under the control of a Minister of Education and a Chief Superintendent. School pop., 405,857. Number of high schools, public and private, 410; public elementary schools, 5,313. Number miles of railway in the Province, 5223
QUEBEC.Kwe-bek´.
One of the most important of the Canadian Provinces. Earliest settlement made by Europeans, in 1541; first permanent settlement made by the French on the present site of the city of Quebec, 1608. Country occupied by the French until 1759, when, through the victory of Gen. Wolfe, it fell into the hands of the English.
Area, census of 1881, 188,688 square miles. Total amount of land occupied, 12,625,877 acres; improved, 6,410,264 acres, of which 4,147,984 were under crop, 2,207,422 in pasture, and 54,858 in gardens and orchards. Population, 1,359,027: male, 678,175; female, 680,852.
While the climate is similar to that of Ontario, it is colder in winter, and warmer in summer. At Montreal the winters are very severe, the temperature often ranging from zero to 10° and even 30° below it, and in summer it is frequently 90° in the shade.
Public affairs are administered by a Lieutenant Governor, assisted by an Executive Council, a Legislative Council of 24 members, and a Legislative Assembly of 65 members. The Province sends 24 members to the Dominion Senate. Quebec is the capital; population, 62,446. Montreal the commercial metropolis of the Province, and also of the Dominion; population, 140,747.
The surface of the country is varied, consisting of extensive forests, large rivers, lakes and prairies, and bold, rocky heights. The Province abounds in numerous minerals.
Agricultural products for 1881: wheat, 2,019,004 bushels; barley, 1,751,539 bushels; oats, 19,990,205 bushels; rye, 430,242 bushels; peas and beans, 4,170,456 bushels; buckwheat, 2,041,670 bushels; corn, 888,169 bushels; potatoes, 14,873,287 bushels; turnips, 1,572,476 bushels; hay, 1,612,104 tons; grass and clover seed, 119,306 bushels; tobacco, 2,356,581 pounds; hops, 218,542 pounds.
This Province produces three times as much maple sugar as all the others combined; total amount produced 1881, 15,687,835 pounds; amount of honey produced, 559,024 pounds; apples, 777,557 bushels; grapes, 158,031 pounds. Value of fur product, $163,310. Butter produced on farms, 1881, 30,630,397 pounds; cheese, 559,278 pounds; wool, 2,730,544 pounds; cloth and flannel, 2,958,180 yards; flax and hemp, 865,310 pounds; linen, 1,120,301 yards.
Farm animals in the Province, 1881: horses, 273,852; oxen, 49,237; milch cows and other cattle, 900,096; sheep, 889,833; swine, 329,199.
Public instruction is under a Superintendent of Education. School pop., 209,623. Number of elementary public schools, 4,404; pupils, 170,858; colleges, 44; academies, 246; special schools, 18; normal, 3; model, 333.
The forests are extensive, and the lumbering and shipbuilding interests are large. Timber product, 1881: pine, 5,495,183 cu. ft.; oak, 59,587 cu. ft.; tamarack, 2,707,745 cu. ft.; birch and maple, 2,784,395 cu. ft.; all other timber, 14,612,669 cu. ft. Number of logs produced, 13,582,407; masts and spars, 104,248.
There are in the Province 293 steam vessels; tonnage, 132,097: 757 sailing vessels; tonnage, 110,356. The fisheries furnish employment to 14,744 men; there are 146 vessels and 6,761 boats engaged in this industry. Products of the fisheries, 1881: cod, 462,388 quintals; herring, 130,354 barrels; mackerel, 10,725 barrels; sardines, 4,360 barrels; canned lobsters, 517,734 pounds; all other fish, 101,861 barrels; fish oil, 263,374 barrels.
The prevailing religion is Roman Catholic. The number adhering to that faith is 1,170,718, or about seven-eighths of the entire population. Number of churches in the Province, 1,280, of which 712 are Roman Catholic. Number of hospitals, 29; orphanages, 11. There are 1,911 miles of railway.
NOVA SCOTIA.No´va Sko´she-a.
A Province of the Dominion of Canada, created in 1784; became part of the Dominion, 1867. Area, 20,907 square miles. Population, 1881, 440,572. Executive authority vested in Lieutenant Governor and Executive Council; legislative, in Legislative Council and House of Assembly.
Capital, Halifax; pop., 36,100. Capital of Cape Breton Island, Sydney. Soil generally fertile. Principal products are wheat, rye, oats, barley, potatoes and Indian corn. Grain product, 1880, 5,570,444 bushels; potatoes, 6,961,016 bushels; hay, 414,046 tons. Timber product, 1881, 3,144,323 cubic feet. Fisheries employ 755 vessels, 13,214 boats and 26,900 men; latest reports give 715,781 quintals of cod, haddock and hake; other fish, 301,756 barrels; lobsters, 3,841,467 lbs.; fish oil, 275,352 gallons.
There is a good system of common schools, organized In 1864. Annual expenditure for educational purposes, about $700,000. Miles of railway, 500; many short canals.
NEW BRUNSWICK.
Settled by French, 1639, and formed with Nova Scotia part of Arcadia. First British settlers came from Scotland, 1764. Province created 1784; became part of the Dominion, 1867.
Government vested in a Lieutenant Governor, an Executive, a Legislative Council and a House of Assembly. Area, 27,174 square miles. Population, 321,233. Capital, Fredericton; pop., 6,218.
Climate subject to extremes; temperature in winter, 30°; in summer, 95°. Soil exceedingly fertile. In 1881, acres in crops, 849,678; in pasture, 392,169. Products: grain, 5,490,896 bushels; potatoes, 6,961,016; hay, 414,046 tons. In 1881, wool product, 760,531 pounds. The number of horses in 1881 was 52,975; oxen, 8,812; horned cattle, 203,748; sheep, 221,163; swine, 53,087.
There is a good system of non-sectarian free schools in the Province. Telegraphic and railway communication throughout the Province. Number miles of railway, 1,148.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.
A Province of the Dominion of Canada, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. First settled by the French, who ceded it to Great Britain in 1758. Province created 1768; admitted into the Dominion, 1873. Area, 27,174 square miles. Total land occupied, 1,126,653 acres; improved, 596,731 acres; under crops, 467,211 acres.
Climate milder than that of the adjoining continent. All ordinary cereals may be cultivated. Grain product, 1881: 4,301,110 bu.; potatoes, 6,042,191 bu.; turnips, 1,198,407 bu.; butter, 1,688,690 pounds; cheese, 196,273 pounds. Farm animals, 328,734.
Population, 108,891: male, 54,729; female, 54,162. Capital, Charlottetown; population, 11,485.
The government is vested in a Lieutenant Governor, an Executive and a Legislative Council and a House of Assembly.
The fisheries are very valuable. Products, 1881: cod, 18,736 quintals; herring, 21,501 bbls; mackerel, 91,792 bbls; canned lobsters, 3,275,316 lbs; oysters, 175,408 bbls; fish oil, 8,139 gals.
The Province owns 11 steam vessels, and 224 sailing vessels, with a tonnage of 45,237. Timber product, 1881, 910,200 cu. ft.
Number of churches, 231. Free school system introduced 1853. School population, 22,711. Number of district schools, 355; grammar, 15; high, 46; colleges, 3. Number of miles of railway, 200.
MANITOBA.Man-i-to´ba.
A Province of the Dominion of Canada, formerly known as the Red River Settlement, and also Assiniboia; admitted into the Confederation in 1870. Area, 123,200 square miles. Population, 65,954. The climate is healthful and cold; average summer temperature, 65°; winter, 3° below zero.
Government is in the hands of a Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the Governor General of the Dominion, with an Executive Council of 6 members and a Legislative Assembly. Manitoba sends 3 Senators to the Dominion Senate. Capital, Winnipeg; pop., 7,985.
Surface level. Land occupied, 2,384,337 acres; improved, 250,416 acres; under crops, 230,264 acres. Principal crop, wheat; latest reported product, 1,033,673 bu.; oats, 1,270,268 bu.; barley, 253,604 bu. Farm animals, 1881: horses, 16,739; oxen, 12,269; milch cows and other cattle, 48,012. Butter made on farms, 957,152 lbs.; cheese, 19,613 lbs. Timber produced, 895,445 cu. ft.
The Canadian Pacific Railway has 670 miles in the Province. There are 4 colleges and 5 boarding schools. No. of churches, 88.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES.
This large possession was purchased by the Dominion from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1870. In 1882 a portion of it was subdivided into four districts: Assiniboia, 95,000 square miles; Saskatchewan, 114,000 square miles; Alberta, 100,000 square miles; Athabasca, 122,000 square miles.
Area of the Territories, 2,665,252 square miles. Total land occupied, 314,107 acres, of which 28,833 acres are improved. Furs from this country are found in every market of the world; value of the product for 1881, $428,177. Timber product, 109,873 cu. ft.
The country is well watered by numerous large lakes and rivers. There are at least 600,000 square miles fitted for agriculture. One of the most fertile belts is the Saskatchewan, through a portion of which the Canadian Pacific Railway passes.
Public affairs in the hands of a Lieutenant Governor and Council. Capital, Regina. Number of churches, 44. School population, 578.
Population, census of 1881, 56,446: male, 28,113; female, 28,333.
BRITISH COLUMBIA.Ko-lŭm´be-a´.
Colony established 1858; admitted into the Dominion, 1871. Area, including Vancouver's Island, 341,305 square miles. Population, 49,459. Climate milder than that of same latitude on the Atlantic coast. Country traversed by Rocky and Cascade Mountains. Loftiest peak, Mount Browne, 16,000 feet high. Government consists of a Lieutenant Governor, an Executive Council, and a Legislative Assembly, elected by the people. Capital, Victoria; pop., 5,925.
Amount of land occupied, 441,255 acres; improved, 184,885 acres. Grain product, 1881, 559,220 bu.; potatoes, 556,193 bu.; hops, 24,899 lbs. Farm animals, 151,202. Butter made on farms, 343,387 lbs.; cheese, 33,252. Value of fur product, $153,442. Timber product, 2,427,882 cu. ft. There are 406 fisheries. Salmon product, 50,105 bbls.; other fish, 12,767 bbls. Fish oil 237,492 gals.
The mineral wealth of the Province is very great, the chief source being coal. On the mainland and Vancouver's Island large deposits of bituminous coal are found, and on Queen Charlotte's Island a fine grade of anthracite. Gold is found in various localities. In ten years the yield in the Province exceeded $22,000,000.
ALASKA.A-las´-ka.
At the time of its discovery by the Russians, it was called by the natives Alayeska, which has changed through Alaksa and Alashka to its present form. Largest possession of United States; discovered by Vitus Behring, 1741; purchased from Russia, 1867.
Area, 531,409 square miles: Arctic division, 125,245; Yukon, 176,515; Kuskokvim, 114,975; Aleutian, 14,610; Kadiak, 70,884; Southeastern, 28,980. Extreme length, north and south, 1,100 miles; extreme breadth, 800 miles. Yukon, the great highway through the country, navigable in summer about 700 miles; coast line, exclusive of smaller indentations, over 4,000 miles.
Climate of Pacific coast much modified by the Pacific gulf stream and the long days of summer: mean annual temperature of Yukon country, about 25°; at Sitka, about 44°; winter temperature at latter place about that of Washington, D.C. Rainfall copious, and foggy weather common on coasts and islands; Sitka one of rainiest places in the world outside the tropics, the annual precipitation being 65 to 90 inches, and number rainy days 200 to 285.
Sitka is seat of Bishop of Greek church, and headquarters of the Governor, who assumed official control, December, 1884. Pop., 995: white, 163; creole, 219; Thlinket, 613. Other settlements next in importance are Fort St. Nicholas, Cook's Inlet and Fort St. Michael, Norton's Sound. Harbors at Port Clarence, Michaelooski and Captain's Harbor.
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Number persons employed in fisheries, 6,130; capital invested, $447,000; value of products, $2,661,640; value of seal fisheries, $2,096,500; value general fisheries, $564,640.
Total pop., 33,426; white, 430; creole, 1,756; Innuit, 17,617; Aleut, 2,145; Tinneh, 3,927; Thlinket, 6,763; Hyda, 788.
Aleutian and Sitka districts are the agricultural regions. Most fertile land near Cook's Inlet; good oats, barley and root crops are raised here without much difficulty. Rich grass land in the valley of Yukon, but extreme dampness and want of summer heat prevent the ripening of grain. Timber abundant on mainland; yellow cedar the best, being of great value for boat-building. Edible berries are plentiful.
A fine quality of white marble is found on Lynn Channel; coal, amber and lignite on Aleutian Islands, the best coal being on Cook's Inlet. Gold, silver, copper, cinnabar and iron are found; sulphur is abundant in volcanic districts.
Noted for its fur-bearing animals, the chief of which are beaver, ermine, fox, marten, otter, squirrel and wolf. The main source of revenue is the fur seal, the taking of which is regulated by law. The United States receives a revenue from the company to which the monopoly of the trade is granted. The walrus is of value in furnishing ivory and oil. Whales, cod, herring and halibut abound, and various species of salmon are found.
MEXICO.
A large republic, forming southwestern boundary of the United States. Area, 743,948 square miles; northern frontier, 1,400 miles; southern frontier, 345 miles; seacoast, 6,086 miles. Number of States, 27; Federal District, 1; Territories, 2.