LIBERIA. CHAPTER I. GEOGRAPHY. 1. THAT portion of the western coast of Africa which has received the appellation of Liberia, embraces a tract of country included between the parallels of 4° 20′ and 7° 20′ north latitude, extending from the Sherbro River on the north (near the southern boundary of the British Colony of Sierra Leone) to the Pedro River on the south, a distance along the coast of about six hundred miles. The political jurisdiction of the Republic of Liberia embraces about five hundred miles of this territory; that of the Colony of "Maryland in Liberia" embraces about one hundred miles, to the north and east of Cape Palmas. 2. All the territory which lies between these two points (except two or three small tracts) has been purchased from the original proprietors and rightful owners of the soil. The first tract was purchased in the early part of 1822, embracing a small extent of territory in the vicinity of Cape Mesurado. Other portions have, at different times, been purchased the greater part within the last few years. The interior boundaries of the purchased tracts extend from about ten to forty miles from the coast. These boundaries may readily be extended as far as may be desirable, as the interior tribes are generally very willing, and some of them anxious, to sell their territories. 3. In no instance have the natives, from whom the land was purchased, been required to remove their residences, or to abandon their usual customs, except that of trading in slaves, and the practice of such superstitious rites or ceremonies as tend to deprive any of their fellow-beings of life. And in all the written contracts which have been entered into between the agents of the Colonization Society, or the authorities of the Republic, and the native chiefs, the latter have invariably obligated themselves, in behalf of the people over whom they presided, to conform to the laws and regulations of the Liberian Government. 4. As in most other countries similarly situated, the land in the immediate vicinity of the ocean in Liberia is generally low; and in some places it is very marshy. There are some elevated spots, however, such as those on which the towns of Monrovia and Harper are located. The land generally becomes more elevated toward the interior, and in some places within fifty miles of the coast it is quite mountainous. 5. Far as the eye can reach from the highest points of land in the vicinity of the ocean, the whole country presents the appearance of a deep, unbroken forest, with hilltop rising above hill-top toward the vast interior; the country consisting, not, as is supposed by some persons, of arid plains and burning sands, but of hills and valleys, covered with the verdure of perpetual spring. The country is well watered; many beautiful streams may be seen winding their way amid blooming flowers and wild shrubbery; and many cooling springs of clear, sparkling water invite the weary traveler to linger and quench his thirst. 6. In all the settlements in Liberia good water can be procured without much difficulty; and though in the dry season, as in this country after a long dry spell in summer, some of the springs fail for a time, yet as good water can always be obtained by digging wells; and as many of the springs never fail, there need not be any fear about getting plenty of good water at any time in the year. 7. The soil of Liberia, like that of other countries, varies in appearance, quality, and productiveness. That of the uplands, though generally much inferior to that of the lowlands, is better adapted to some articles. The upland soil usually consists of a reddish clay, more or less mixed with soft rocks and stones, containing considerable quantities of iron. That of the lowlands, in the immediate vicinity of the ocean, consists principally of sand. Besides this sandy soil, there are two other varieties of lowland soil-one of which is that on the banks of the rivers, within a few miles of the sea; this consists of a loose, deep, black mold, which is peculiarly adapted to the growth of those kinds of vegetables that thrive best during the dry season. 8. The other variety is that which is generally found extending back from the banks of the rivers, farther from the sea than the last-named; this consists of a light-colored clay, more or less tempered with sand, and it is well adapted to almost every kind of vegetables that will thrive in tropical climates. CHAPTER II. RIVERS. 1. THERE are no very large rivers in Liberia; and though some of them are from one fourth to three fourths of a mile wide, for fifty miles or more from their entrance into the ocean, yet none of them are navigable to a greater distance than twenty miles-the navigation being obstructed by rapids. The St. Paul's, the St. John's, and the Junk are the largest; and, indeed, they are the only rivers of any considerable length or width. 2. The other principal rivers are the Gallinas, the Cape Mount, the Mechlin, the New Cess, the Grand Cess, the Sanguin, the Sinou, and the Grand Sesters. Some of these present a bold appearance at their mouths, but they are |