176 AGRICULTURE OS THE EHI^E. 



The city of Mayence is one of the largest corn-markets 

 in Germany. Not only are large supplies of grain and 

 seeds collected by the merchants there to be distributed 

 amongst the numerous small markets, and to be sent down 

 the Rhine to the manufacturing districts, but a consider- 

 able exportation takes place by the Rhine to Holland 

 and to the adjoining districts of France. JSIayence is 

 the capital of the province of " Rheinhessen," belonging 

 to the Grand Duchy of Hesse. This province is one of 

 the most populous districts of Germany, and the sole oc- 

 cupation of the inhabitants is agriculture. The soil is 

 for the most part of fair quality, and, under the cultiva- 

 tion of a great number of small proprietors, is made to 

 ])roduce a great deal ; but, as usual, at the cost of all to 

 the peasant owners but the means of subsistence on the 

 footing of labourers. The high roads most frequently 

 travelled do not run through this part of the Grand 

 Duchy of Hesse. We prefer, therefore, enlarging on 

 the agricultural ])rocesses and prospects of the districts on 

 the Upper Rhine when we come to the Duchy of Baden 



