Page:Maury's New Elements of Geography, 1907.djvu/111

Rh wool. In the valleys fine crops of wheat and corn grow.

The southern portion of the peninsula is a land of fruits. Grapes and figs, lemons and oranges grow in profusion. The wines are among the most celebrated in the world.

From Spain we get sherry; from Portugal, port wine; and from both, raisins and other fruits, and cork.

Cork is the bark of the tree called the cork-oak. Large forests of this oak grow in Spain and Portugal.

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain; Lisbon, of Portugal.

3.Italy is a peninsula, and, as we see on the map, has the shape of a boot. The Apennine mountains stretch through it from top to toe.

Sicily and Sardinia belong to Italy.

No country in the world is more famed than Italy for its beautiful scenery, its sunny skies, and its delightful climate.

The agricultural products are like those of Spain. Immense plantations of mulberry-trees are grown, and more silk is produced here than in any other country of Europe. Here, too, are the largest rice fields on the continent.





Among the mineral products we must remember sulphur. The chief supply of the world comes from Italy. It is used in making gunpowder.

4.Rome is the capital. In ancient times this city ruled the world. In Rome is St. Peter's, the largest church ever built. Naples is built round the shores of a beautiful bay.

In sight of Naples is the volcano, Vesuvius. An eruption about 1800 years ago buried three cities in ashes and lava.

Venice is a curious city built on numerous islands several miles from the mainland. It has canals instead of streets, and boats instead of carriages. Beautiful glassware, jewelry and lace are made in this city.

5. Greece was the most cultivated nation of ancient times. Athens is the capital. The Greeks wrote the best poetry, painted the finest pictures, and erected the handsomest buildings. Many



remains of these still exist: but the glory of Greece has passed away. Still the country is far better off than it was some time ago. There are now good roads; you can travel by rail, and send a telegram if you wish, and everybody can get a public school education.

The only export that deserves to be mentioned is currants, which are a kind of little grape.