A River is an inland stream of water flowing from an elevated portion of land into some larger stream or body of water. The commencement of a river is called its SOURCE, or RISE; the direction to which it flows, its COURSE; and its communication with any other water, its MOUTH.
If the mouth of a river, which flows into an ocean or sea be wide, and is affected by tides, it is called an Estuary or Frith.
A Cataract or Falls is formed by a sudden declivity or precipice in the course of a river, over which the water falls with great force.
A Canal is an artificial passage for water, supplied from an elevated lake or river; and is constructed for the purpose of inland navigation. Canals often pass under mountains and over rivers.
Standing water, and low grounds filled with water, are called Morasses, Bogs, and Fens; or, as in the United States, Swamps.
LAND.
Is divided into Continents, Islands, Peninsulas, Isthmuses, and Capes; and is diversified by Plains, Mountains, and Valleys.
A Continent is a large tract of land nowhere entirely separated by water. There are two continents, viz. the Western and Eastern.
An Island is a portion of land surrounded by water.
A Peninsula is a portion of land almost surrounded by water.