GEOGRAPHICAL ARTICLES. The articles on the various territories in this Encyclopedia are prefaced by a geo graphical sketch giving the chief characteristics of the area in question. This, in the case of the continents, is general, and for particular details the reader is referred to some article of more restricted scope. In the case of countries the geography is given first and references made to later sections where Geology and Archaeology and Antiquities may add something of importance to the understanding of the territory. In the British Isles each county has its own heading and the important cities and towns have likewise separate entries. In the United States the main article is concerned with the general geography, etc. ; and each State is treated separately. The chief towns also have entries as in the case of other countries.
Where divisions or special districts of continents had, before the World War, a well-established name which has since been officially changed, the old name is given a place with a cross reference to the new designation. Changes of government and administration, mandates and changes of territorial allocation have been dealt with in the same way.
In addition to the articles to be found under well-known geo graphical names attention may be drawn to such comprehensive articles as ARCTIC REGIONS, METEOROLOGY, STEREOGRAPHY, and TIDES. Articles on natural phenomena such as MONSOON, EARTH QUAKE, HURRICANE, etc., carry cross-references to articles on the territories and waters where they are commonly found. Mountain ranges have, in some instances, their own articles (ALPS, HIMALAYA, etc.), as is also the case with the world's chief rivers.
Every subdivision of geographical study has been treated, either under its own head or that of a related subject. In every case where confusion might possibly arise cross-references have been inserted. The many archipelagos of the Pacific, have, for ex ample, been treated comprehensively in the article PACIFIC ISLANDS but each group (and the main islands separately) has its own heading where the geography and physical features are given, with a cross-reference to the regional article.