AGBICULTUEE ON THE KHIXE. 115 



But this improved value cannot, for evident reasons, 

 be anticipated from a corresponding rise in the price 

 of fuel, as we have seen the value of arable land is not 

 raised by high prices of food, so little is the landlord 

 anywhere dependent upon any fixed crop for the best re- 

 turn, and so sure are ail to share in the growth of general 

 prosperity. In that part of Bavaria which lies remote 

 from the Rhine the price of wood is not above half that 

 which is paid in the Black Forest. In many of the 

 manufacturing districts on the Lower Bhine higher 

 prices are obtained, both for fire-wood and timber, than 

 are obtained in Baden. 



Amongst the most valuable property of the villages in 

 Germany must be reckoned the forests which are com- 

 mon property. Their management has latterly been 

 taken under the guardianship of the state, and the dis- 

 trict forester has to be consulted both as to the plan of 

 cultivation and the quantity to be felled. Every village 

 has its supply of wood for fining and for building ; what 

 remains, after the village wants are covered, is sent to 

 the nearest market. The price of wood, like the price 

 of corn, thus depends upon the size of the towns where 

 purchasers are to be sought. In the country, every man 

 having enough for his own consumption, there are 

 scarcely any buyers. Hence the great variations in the 

 price of wood in different states, whereas it may every- 

 where be assumed that the inhabitants of towns pay 

 nearly double the price that it costs the villagers. 

 Where towns or corporate bodies have forests as com- 

 mon property, the produce is generally sold at market 

 and the proceeds divided amongst the parties interested, 

 unless the situation and size of the town be such as to 



