1846.] Agriculture of Different Countries. 28d 



TUSCANY. 



Face of the Country. — Tuscany is admired for its romantic 

 scenery. The boldness, grandeur and rich luxuriance of the 

 country is hardly any where equalled. The Valdamo, or vale 

 of the Amo, is one of the most delightful regions in the world. 

 One-half of Tuscany consists of mountains, producing only tim- 

 ber, one-sixth is composed of hills covered with vineyards and 

 olive gardens; the remainder consists of plains. 



Climate. — The climate is exceedingly diversified. On the 

 mountains the snow lies for weeks, during the winter; in the 

 valleys it scarcely continues a day. Rain is not common, but the 

 dews are copious. On the Appenines, and in the delightful val- 

 ley of the Amo, the air is always healthy. In summer the south- 

 erly winds are very oppressive, and the region of the Marerama 

 is unhealthy. 



Soil. — The vale of the Amo is rich and well cultivated. The 

 soil on the Appenines is strong. The coast is low, sandy, and in 

 parts swampy. In the southern part begins that desolate region 

 called the Maremmo, the soil of which consists of white clay 

 impregnated with sulphur and alum, and emits consequently me- 

 phitic vapor. The malaria, or unhealthy exhalations of this region 

 have obliged the population to emigrate, or swept them off by 

 disease. In those parts which are cultivated, the peasants from 

 the mountains come down to gather in the harvest, but they often 

 fall victims to the insidious air. This region extends from near 

 Leghorn to Terracina, about 200 miles, and from the sea to the 

 foot of the Appenines, from 25 to 30 miles. 



jSgriculture. — Corn, wine and oil, are common productions. 

 The valley of the Amo is divided into very small farms, separated 

 by rows of trees or small canals. The Maremma pastures great 

 numbers of sheep and horses. Chestnuts are an important pro- 

 duction; in some parts they are used for bread. 



PAPAL DOMINIONS. 



Face of the Country. — This territory is intersected by the Ap- 

 penines. The mountains are as barren as those of Tuscany, and 

 Vol. III., No. II. 21 



