Page:Maury's New Elements of Geography, 1907.djvu/126

122 A great deal of Turkey in Asia is desert, and much even of the fertile land is not cultivated. If a man raises a crop, the government takes a large part of it from him. The people therefore feel that it is not worth while to be industrious. Still many of the products are valuable.

Various grains, fruits, tobacco, and the poppy are raised, and a large quantity of silk is produced. Near the coast are the great sponge fisheries of the Mediterranean. Divers go down from boats to the bottom of the sea, and pull the sponges from the rocks.



Damascus is the oldest city in the world. It looks beautiful at a distance, but it is dirty and ruinous. Smyrna is the chief city and seaport. Its exports are figs, raisins, and rugs.



The customs of the people are curious. The men shave their heads and wear turbans. These consist of several yards of linen or muslin wound round the head to protect the wearer from sunstroke.

When they enter their mosques, they take off their shoes instead of their turbans. In the evening crowds of people are seen drinking coffee and smoking in the coffee-houses, and eagerly listening to story-tellers.

Palestine, or the Holy Land, is in Turkey in Asia. Here are Jerusalem, once the capital of the Jewish nation; Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and many other places that recall memories of the life and teaching of Christ.



For Recitation.—What have you learned of Afghanistan and Baluchistan? Of Persia? Of Arabia? Of Turkey in Asia?



Countries.—''In what part of the continent? Name capital or an important city.''

Islands.—''Near what part of the coast? To what country does it belong?—''

Capes.—On what part of the coast is each located?—

Mountains.—''Where are they? In what direction do the ranges extend?''—

Seas, Bays, and Gulfs.—Where is it?—

Straits.—''Connects what waters? Separates what lands?''—

Rivers.—Where ''does it rise? Into what does it flow?''—

Lakes.—Location.—

Cities.—In what country?—