When particularizing, in our second number, the several parts of the Mantchou-Chinese Empire, we considered the whole as consisting of three principal divisions, viz: China Proper, Mantchouria, and the Colonial possessions. The first of these we have already briefly described. It remains to sketch the extent, boundaries, and characteristics of the other two.

{{sc|Mantchouria} or Mantchou has generally been classed by geographers, with the other countries of central Asia, under the general name of Tartary,—a name which is used to include a great variety of countries, speaking very different languages; and which is almost as erroneously, as it is extensively, applied. The Mantchous, who now govern the whole Chinese Empire, are in fact of Toungouse origin; and have scarcely existed for more than three centuries, as a distinct and independent nation. Their country is mountainous, barren, little cultivated, and very thinly peopled. It was formerly divided among a number of petty chieftains, who seldom remained for any long period at peace with each other. Hence the people, habituated to the exercises of the field, and always leading a wandering and predatory life, became a much more hardy and vigorous race than their neighbours, the Chinese; who were enervated by the consequences of long-continued peace, and oppressed by the tyrannical representatives of their indolent and unprincipled monarchs. It was at such a period, when the empire was torn by dissensions between the Imperial princes, and by revolts among the people.