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Turkey in Asia: Somdet

King-Phrabat Somdet Phra Para-Mindr Maha Chulalon-Korn Phra Chula Chom Klachow Yuhua, b. Sept, 21, 1853, succeeded Oct. 1, 1868. Heir Apparent- Prince Somdet Chowfa Maha Vajirunhis, b. 1878.

The kingdom of Siam forms the chief territorial division of the Indo-Chinese peninsula, and with its dependencies of Laos, Cambodia, and Malacca, has an area of 280,550 sq. m., and a population of from four to six millions. It has an extensive coast line, and several good harbors. of which that of Bangkok (the capital city) is the chief. It is separated from China, Anam, and Burmah by two mountain ranges which extend S.-E. from the Himalayas, and is well watered by numerous large streams and intersecting canals. The river valleys and the extensive plains are extremely fertile, and yield luxuriant crops of rice, cotton, sugar-cane, and hemp. All kinds of spices, fruits, and vegetables abound; and indigo, pepper, gutta-percha, catechu, gamboge, sapan, and fustic are exported. The forest trees resemble those of Southern Hindoostan and Burmah, and include ebony, teak, rosewood, ironwood, the bamboo, and the banian. The country is rich in minerals, including iron, tin, lead, copper, zinc, silver, and gold, but the mining of the natives is of the rudest character. Precious stones are found in many districts, also salt, saltpetre, arsenic, and antimony. The cultivation of the soil is carried on with the most primitive appliances, but much attention is given to irrigation. There are no manufactures, and the exports consist chiefly of the products of the country, such as rice, pepper, ship timber, and hides. There is considerable commerce with China, India, and Europe, and Bangkok has a large export and import trade. The country is favorable to the growth of animal life, the principal wild animals being the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, bear, and deer of all kinds. There are also many varieties of birds. CHINA.

Emperor-Kuang Hsu, b. Aug. 15, 1871; succeeded Jan. 12, 1875; the regency of the Empress Dowager ceased on March 4, 1889, the Emperor having married Feb. 26 previous.