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MARTHA

Volume 10 · 293 words · 1797 Edition

(St), a province of South America, on the coast of Terra Firma, bounded on the north by the North Sea, on the east by Rio de la Hache, on the south by New-Grenada, and on the west by Carthagena. It is 300 miles in length and 200 in breadth, is a mountainous country, and the land very high. Here begins the famous ridge of mountains called the Cordilleras del los Andes, which run from north to south the whole length of the continent of South America. It is extremely hot on the sea-coast; but cold in the internal parts, on account of the mountains. It abounds with the fruits proper to the climate; and there are mines of gold and precious stones, as also salt-works. The Spaniards possess but one part of this province, in which they have built Martha the capital. The air about the town is wholesome; and is seated near the sea, having a harbour surrounded with high mountains. It was formerly very considerable when the galleons were sent thither, but is now come almost to nothing. W. Long. 74° 11'. N. Lat. 11° 20'.

(St), or Sierra Nevada, a very high mountain in New Spain. Some say it is 100 miles in circumference at the bottom, and five miles in height. The top is always covered with snow in the hottest weather; and the French affirm, that they can perceive it from the island of St Domingo, which is 370 miles distant. W. Long. 74° 35'. N. Lat. 8° 0'.

MARTHA'S Vineyard, an island of North America near the coast of New-England, 80 miles south of Boston. The inhabitants apply themselves chiefly to their fisheries, in which they have great success. W. Long. 70° 35'. N. Lat. 41° 0'.