ON AGtHCULTURE TO DENMARK 43 



At the first glance it would seem that this indebtedness is 

 abnormally high, but, on further consideration, it is doubtful if it 

 exceeds that which at present exists in our own country. 



It would seem that the effect of the Small Holdings Acts of 

 1899 and 1904 nuist, at least for a certain number of years, be to 

 increase the present indebtedness to a very appreciable extent. It 

 is possible, however, that the enormous increase in the trade of the 

 agricultural produce of the country, should that continue, may help 

 to counterbalance this. 



There can, however, be no doubt that in Denmark the Govern- 

 ment, by the promulgation of the many laws so beneficial to the 

 agricultural community, have attained the object which all along 

 they have had in view, namely, the arresting of the depopulation 

 of the country, which was fast taking place, owing to the difficulty 

 in finding employment, and the consequent migration to the towns, 

 and emigration to foreign countries. As the result of such a policy, 

 in conjunction with the excellent methods of education and co- 

 operation so systematically carried on, we find a contented, intelli- 

 gent, and patriotic peasantry. 



Woods and Forests 



In Dennuirk, as in most of the European countries, much at- 

 tention is given to the woods and forests, and many Statutes have 

 been passed dealing with these. In many cases it is obligatory 

 that forest lands shall be kept as such, and these must not be sub- 

 divided into parcels containing less than 175 acres. By an act of 

 1805 a proprietor is not allowed to cut down his timber unless 

 with the previous consent of the State, which will only be given 

 on his planting an extent of at least as great as that which has 

 been cut. Assistance, however, is given by the Government in 

 the way of expert advice, and in supplying young trees for 

 planting. 



