482 



THE LIVING RACES OF MANKIND 



ties to their native soil and to 

 the interests of the fatherland, 

 they are not jealous enough of the 

 national glory; and though accus- 

 tomed to the calm of a monarchy, 

 enemies of servitude and despotism. 

 This is the portrait of the Danes." 

 There is nothing which calls 

 for special remark in the Danish 

 costume. In the towns the people 

 are always ready to follow the 

 lead of Paris in the way of fashion. 

 Consequently the apparel to be 

 seen in a street of Copenhagen 

 is, in make and material, very 

 much the same as that which is 

 generally displayed on the boule- 

 vards of the French capital or in 

 the streets of London. 



Denmark has made surprising 

 progress in the last thirty years. 

 Her loss of territory in the war 

 with Germany has been compen- 

 sated for by the development of 

 her internal resources. Less than 

 a century ago she was one of the 

 poorest countries in Europe. In 

 proportion to her size she is to-day 

 among the richest, and can boast 

 of possessing the most cultured, 

 thrifty, and self-reliant peasantry 

 in Europe. 



Denmark has justly been de- 

 scribed as the paradise of peasant- 

 proprietors. Nearly two-thirds of 

 her population make their living 



from the land, about half being their own masters. A sixth of the whole area is owned by 

 about 150,000 agricultural labourers, some 35,000 being only small cottars. About a third is 

 in the hands of small freeholders. Landlords with farms of more than 275 acres possess a 

 sixth. The remarkable success of Danish agriculture is chiefly due to the excellent system 

 of general and technical education, and to co-operative enterprise. A brief sketch of the 

 leading features of agricultural and educational institutions in Denmark may be of some interest. 

 It will afford an illustration of the way in which the energetic and practical qualities of a 

 nation may be brought out and turned to the best advantage. We have here a lesson much 

 needed in many countries to-day. 



Scattered about throughout the country are butter-factories. Of these there are altogether 

 more than 1,200. They are controlled by large co-operative associations. The farmers who 

 belong to these associations act under uniform regulations. Rules, to which they must strictly 

 adhere, are laid down for their guidance in the feeding and tending of their cows. The object 

 aimed at is twofold. In the first place, it is sought to ensure excellence of quality in the 

 products of the dairy milk, cream, and butter; and, secondly, to facilitate the distribution of 

 these articles in the most expeditious and economical manner. The farmers send their produce 



Photo by Hansen <& Wetter] 



[Copenhagen. 



A DANISH COUPLE. 



