128    UNITED STATES GAZETTEER.

State of Pennsylvania have all disappeared, so far as regards any distinct social organization.
Their hunting-grounds were yielded to the first white settlers with much less repugnance
than has been manifested in almost every other part of the continent; and their successors,
by constantly pursuing towards the natives a humane and liberal policy, have enjoyed exemp-
tion from those depredations and wars which have so sorely addicted most of the new settle-
ments in this country.

Population. — From the date of the first enumeration of the inhabitants, 150 years ago,
when the colony contained but 20,000 souls, the population of Pennsylvania has continued to
“ increase and multiply," in steady and regular progression. At the present time its population
numbers over 2,300,000. It is composed of the best possible materials for the formation and
preservation of a free state. Industry, frugality, order, and patriotism are among the distinguish-
ing traits of the people. Their enterprise and foresight have been remarkably exemplified in
their magnificent system of public works, in their extensive agricultural and mechanical opera-
tions, and in their flourishing literary institutions. The establishment and support of all these
important interests have been marked by unsurpassed earnestness and munificence.

Climate. — Although the climate of Pennsylvania is subject to much fluctuation at all
seasons, and the extremes of temperature are some 120° asunder, ranging from 20° below
zero, in winter, to 98° above, in summer, still there are few or no states in the Union which
are blessed with a purer atmosphere or a more healthful climate. The spring and autumn,
in all parts of the state, are delightfully pleasant; and notwithstanding the occasional violent
changes, which, however, are not of long duration, the weather is for the most part equable and
mild, according to the several seasons. The mean temperature, for the whole year, is between
44° and 52°. July is usually the hottest month, and January the coldest. In the southern
quarters, winter commences late in December, and continues until March ; but in the northern
parts of the state, the cold season sets in a month earlier, and snow does not generally dis-
appear until late in March. Frosts appear in some localities as early as September.

Religion. — The Friends or Quakers, successors of the first settlers, are probably more
numerous in Pennsylvania than in any other state, having some 150 to 200 congregations.
The Presbyterians, however, outnumber all the other denominations ; then follow in order the
Methodists, Baptists, German Reformed, and Episcopalians, all of whom are numerous. There
is also the usual variety of minor sects.

RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. This, in territorial extent,
is the smallest state in the Union. It lies between 42° and 43° north latitude, and 71° and 72°
west longitude from London, and comprises an area of about 1306 square miles. It is bounded
north and east by Massachusetts, south by the Atlantic Ocean, and west by Connecticut. The

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