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Show 22 BASIS OP AMERICAN HISTORY [ 1500 \ Off the Pacific coast the only islands of importance are Vancouver, north of Puget Sound and opposite the international boundary; and the Aleutian group, far to the north, which stretches from the Alaskan peninsula nearly to the coast of Asia and forms the southern limit of Bering Sea. From even this rapid survey of the continental features the infinite variety of natural advantages which North America offers to man is clear. By its extensive mineral deposits, by the adaptability of its soil and climate to the development of agriculture in every form, and by its contour which admits of easy distribution, it is fitted by nature, for the support of an enormous population. |