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The first page of this 1834 geography book shows how most Americans viewed their growing country. (Use the "Select a page" to see the frontispiece.) Stagecoaches, canals, steamboats, and factories were seen as the measure of "Civilized Life" as compared to the "Savage Life" of few things owned (and clothes!), idol worship, and unimportant warfare. At this time, smoke from factory chimneys and steamboats were signs of money and growth. (See an early view of Pittsburgh, PA on page 39 on the "Select a page" menu above.) New England towns and villages, with their neatly laid out canals and millponds, were also respected. (See page 20 on the "Select a page" menu above.) Geography books such as this one can give us information about farm life of that time. Apples and cider were important goods. See a young worker filling a cider keg at a cider press on the edge of an orchard in Pennsylvania. (Click on page 36 on the "Select a page" menu.)