82 AGRICULTURE OX THE RHINE. 



vation assumes an individual and strictly local character, 

 good reason can be given for the manner in which every 

 inch of land is laid out, as for every halm, root, or tree 

 that covers it. 



Before reaching Coblenz, the fields are covered with 

 fruit-trees, planted in rows like the mulberry-trees in the 

 north of Italy. These plantations are spread as far as 

 Mayence, that is to say, as far as the fields lie at a cer- 

 tain elevation above the river, and which in dry seasons 

 are benefited by the shade of the trees. Many belong 

 not to individuals, but to the parish. These are usually 

 contracted for annually by dealers, or speculative pea- 

 sants, who make their beds in a temporary straw hut under 

 the trees, if the number makes it worth their while, to 

 guard against depredators. 



We are soiry not to be able to confirm the good 

 opinion that has sometimes been expressed by tourists, 

 who are not in the secret, of the good behaviour of little 

 boys and girls, and of travellers of all kinds, in Germany. 

 In fact, fruit is everywhere a tempting thing, and the 

 Pvhenish villagers repose no more faith in the abstinence 

 of their neighbours than experience justifies. The field- 

 police is both well organized and strictly exercised, and 

 yet the complaints of depredations increase from year to 

 year. At the period of the ripening of the fruit extra 

 watchmen are appointed, and the owners tfike this 

 burthen often on themselves, when they are allowed to 

 tirm themselves with an old fowling-piece loaded with 

 shot. It is to such precautions that the loaded state of 

 the trees is mainly to be ascribed, that has excited so 

 much wonder. According to the village laws, moreover, 

 a delinquent caught in the act of field-stealing becomes 



