PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Baltimore is situated, in common with other great centres of the Atlantic border, at the junction of the pla teau of old crystalline rocks and the overlying beds of younger and still unconsolidated forma tions, which stretch out toward the east. The hills within the city are composed of younger sands and gravels, which are cut through by such streams as Herring's Run, Jones's and Uwynns' Falls, and the Patapsco River. The climate of the city is temperate and bracing. re moved alike from the bitter cold and enervating heat of more extreme localities.
Baltimore is roughly divided into two nearly equal parts by a small stream—Jones' Falls— which rises 20 miles to the north and flows en tirely through the city. H is confined by granite walls, and is crossed by well-•onstructed bridges. The portion of the city northeast of the stream, of which Fells's Point and Canton, with wharves, factories, and canneries lining the water's edge, are respectively the south and southeast ends, is still denominated 'Old Town.' The southeastern section is occupied largely by immigrants, and presents the ordinary characteristics of a sea hoard city. T3 the north, east, and northeast
stretches the residential quarter of the city's bread-winners. Of the section west of the Falls, locust Point is an irregular strip extending to the southeast, with numerous wharves, railroad terminals, and grain elevators. and tipped at the very extremity by Fort McHenry. The south western corner is Spring Garden. The wholesale business section extends north from Pratt Street, the extreme northern limit of the harbor, and is hounded by Paca, Baltimore, and Light streets. A little beyond is Baltimore Street, the chief latitudinal thoroughfare. Further on, widening out to the west, lies the retail shopping district, while beyond, extending half way to the northern limits, is the fashionable residential quarter. The northern and northwestern sections are sub stantial dwelling districts, fringing out to mod est but comfortable artisans' homes. Houses are numbered in the decimal plan, running north and south from Baltimore Street, and east and west from Charles Street.