We must not forget to see what has come from America. Our Great Exhibition has been almost as much talked of there, as it has been at home, and an immense number of contributions has been sent from that country. Machinery, sculptures, stuffs, carriages, minerals, boots and shoes, iron-work, and wines, have been dispatched over to the Exhibition.
America was formerly inhabited by numerous tribes of Red Indians,—a wild, warlike race,—of whom but few now remain, and those not at all civilized; but the greater number of the white people of America are the same in their dress, manners, and language, as ourselves.
A large portion of America is called the United States, which is a Republic; that is, it is governed by the people themselves, without a king, queen, and a royal family; they appoint a President every four years. Long ago, the United States belonged to the English, but the natives gradually grew more powerful than they had been, and threw off all foreign control.
America produces every kind of grain and fruit, as well 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.
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.