“ Physical Features.—With the exception of a comparatively narrow seaboard of low alluvial plains, the country consists mainly of a plateau about 2000 ft. above the sea, broken by a large number of volcanic cones. These are geologically of more recent origin than the main chain of the Cordillera which rises farther N. The principal river of the republic is the Rio Lempa, which, rising just beyond the frontier of Guatemala and crossing a corner of Honduras, enters Salvador N. of Citala. ”

“ Agriculture.-The only industry extensively carried on is agriculture, but the methods employed are still primitive. The more important products are coffee, sugar, indigo and balsam. The country is rich in medicinal plants. ”

“ Santa Ana (8300 ft.) and San Miguel (7120 ft.) are the loftiest volcanoes in the country. A The neighbourhood of the capital is subject to earthquakes. San Miguel is described as one of the most treacherous burning mountains in America, sometimes several years in complete repose and then all at once bursting out with terrific fury. ”

“ Revolutions have been frequent. In July 1906 war broke out between Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, but was terminated within the month by the arbitration of the United States president (see as above) . In 1907 Salvador supported Honduras (q.v.) against Nicaragua; its prosperity was not, however, seriously impaired by the defeat of its ally.
See E. G. Squier, The States of Central America (London, 1868) ; D. Guzman, Apuntamientos sobre la topografia física de la república del Salvador (San Salvador, 1883) ; D. Gonzalez, Datos sobre la republic de El Salvador (San Salvador, 1901) ; No. ”