The Thames, on which the two cities of London and Oxford stand, runs generally from west to east. This river is navigable for ships as high as London, which is one of the largest ports in the world.
The Medway unites with the Thames near its mouth, and receives the largest men of war as high as Chatham; where, if we except our own arsenals at Portsmouth and Plymouth, are the finest docks, yards, and magazines of naval stores, in Europe.
The Trent runs from the south-west to the north-east across England, and divides it into north and south. When united with other streams near its mouth, it is called the Humber, which discharges itself into the German ocean.
The Severn rises from North Wales, and, running for the most part south, falls into the Irish sea. On this river stand the two cities of Worcester and Gloucester.
Its Contents.
] In England and Wales there are 52 counties, 2 archbishoprics, 24 bishoprics, 2 universities, 29 cities, upwards of 800 towns, and near 10,000 parishes; in which are about seven millions of people.
There are scarce any manufactures in Europe which are not brought to great perfection in England.
Its Constitution.
] England is a limited monarchy; the power of making and altering laws, and raising taxes, being lodged in the King, Lords, and Commons.
Its Administration of Justice.