2o6 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICUI.TURAL SOCIETY. 



total population decreased from 42 per cent, in 1882 to only 

 29 per cent, in 1907. The small actual increase in the number 

 of persons employed in agriculture, either as their only pro- 

 fession or in addition to other occupations, is to a great extent 

 accounted for by women. The young men go to the towns. 



Forestry. — The demand for forest produce, on the part of the 

 agricultural and general population, is a steady one, and prices 

 do not fluctuate, though, with a growing population, a tendency 

 exists to a gradual and slow increase in demand and in prices. 

 Sudden variations in timber prices are only effected by the ups 

 and downs of industrial demands. 



In 1882, 91,600 persons in the German Empire were 

 exclusively employed on forest work, and 26,200 in addition to 

 other occupations ; in 1907, 126,000 persons were wholly occupied 

 in forestry, and 65,400 only partially; 8t per cent, of these 

 were agricultural labourers, which is a matter of considerable 

 importance in forest management. 



The Prussian State forests contain at present 6,593,800 acres, 

 of which 5,889,800 acres are under timber; the remaining 

 704,000 acres are arable land, uncultivated waste, etc. The 

 increase since 1870 is as follows : — 



Forest Land. Other Lands. 



1870-80 56,600 I 



1880-90 79,800 ^140,600 



1890-1900 107,800 j 



1900-10 347,600 65,500 



591,800 206,100 Total, 797,900 



The increase is almost entirely due to the purchase of waste 

 lands, neglected forests, and impoverished estates, chiefly in the 

 east of the kingdom. Till the end of last century Prussia had 

 still to pay off' the debts incurred during the Napoleonic wars, 

 and means were scanty ; but since then forest estates near 

 large towns became available, and were sold at high prices, for 

 building sites, etc. In 190S upwards of ^520,000 were thus 

 obtained. As means became more plentiful, the budgets were 

 increased, not merely for the purchase of lands but for silvi- 

 cultural operations as well. 



The budget of 1907 provided for this purpose about ;^265,ooo, 

 which was increased to ;;^34 2,000 in 1908, and again to 

 ;^392,ooo in 1909; in the present year ^430,000 is available. 



