The chief streams are the Werra, which traverses the south and east of the duchy, and various tributaries of the Main and the Saale, so that Saxe-Meiningen belongs to the basins of the three great rivers Weser, Rhine and Elbe.
Neuwerk and Scharhorn, situated off the mouth of the Elbe, are islands belonging to the state of Hamburg.
For practical studies see official reports on the Mississippi, Rhine, Seine, Elbe and other great rivers.
Augustus had planned the conquest of Germany up to the Elbe.
The harbour is good and secure, and is much frequented by vessels delayed in the Elbe by unfavourbale weather.
