AGRICULTURE ON THE RHINE. 53 



this manner small allotments may be useful. For the 

 growth of grain, or of other products that are best culti- 

 vated on a larger scale, a small parcelling of the land is 

 not economical. 



The pride of the German |)easant is to be a small land- 

 owner. The sacrifices made to gratify this longing are 

 incredible, as is the tenacity with which he clings to his 

 land in all changes of fortune. The price paid for small 

 lots of land in the valley of the Wiipper and the adjoin- 

 ing districts would frighten an English farmer. From 

 500 to 700 dollars per morgen, or 117/. to 150/. per acre, 

 is no unusual price for arable and meadow land. What 

 interest he gets for his investment seems never to cross a 

 peasant's mind. The rent of small patches adjoining 

 these houses is not proportionately high, although dear 

 enough"; 10 or 12 dollars per morgen (21. 10s. or 3/. Os. 

 per acre) is constantly paid in situations remote from the 

 influence of towns. Building sites, especit^ly those 

 favourable for trade or manufactures, sell also as high as 

 in England. The sum of 3000 dollars was paid a few 

 years back for about an acre and a half of ground on 

 which some zinc-works now stand at Duisburg. This 

 was equal to 500/. per acre. 



We shall, as we proceed, have frequent opportunities 

 of describing the position and life of the German peasant, 

 tlere we shall only remark that the leading distinction 

 between the industrious classes in England and Germany 

 is mainly the result of a difference in the division of 

 labour. In England, the labourer is early taught to 

 look to his own exertions, concentrated upon some special 

 occupation. He is fully aware of the advantages to be 

 drawn from, and of the risk attendant on, a minute divi- 



i> 



