WHEAT IN EUROPE 323 



communication, and heavy taxation. The last 

 has fallen with such great weight on the farmers 

 that the actual tillers of the soil live in poverty. 



The annual production is about one seventh of 

 that of the United States. The average yield per 

 acre is from 10 to 14 bushels. Except in unusually 

 good years, wheat must be imported to meet the 

 home demands. 



Marketing the Crop.- -The methods of market- 

 ing are poor. Farmers raise just enough for the 

 community and this is then ground at the town 

 mill. Wheat here is all handled in bags. Pack 

 mules and ox carts are still common and means of 

 communication are generally primitive. Although 

 railway development has proceeded with some 

 rapidity during recent years many sections are 

 still very poorly served. 



The Wheat Region of France. Position and 

 Climate. - - France, whose area is about four fifths 

 that of Texas, lies in the same latitude as north- 

 ern United States and southern Canada. Since 

 it is so situated that the Atlantic winds have free 

 access almost everywhere, the country has an 

 equable climate. Winters are moderately cold, and 

 summers are mild. The rainfall averages about 

 30 inches per year. 



Culture Methods. - - Among European countries, 

 France is second only to Russia in total produc- 

 tion. Although only one eighth of its area is 



