184 



Physio- 

 graphy. 



Sweden is divided into three main sections, viz., Svealand, Gotaland and 

 Norrland. The former district, roughly speaking, is composed of the provinces 

 lying between parallels of latitude 59 and 62. This district is popularly 

 spoken of as Middle Sweden, although strictly speaking it is not in the centre 

 of the country, but rather toward the south. Gotaland comprises the district 

 south of Svealand, while Norrland represents the northern region. 



In physical features Sweden may be said to be rather broken, the greater 

 part of the country consisting of low granite hills covered with pine and fir, 

 but not infrequently interspersed with fertile plains. The best part of the 

 country from an agricultural standpoint, is found in the southern provinces. 

 The only mountains in Sweden worthy of note are found along the Norwegian 

 frontier. The greatest elevations within Swedish territory are found on 

 the peaks of Kebnekajse and Sarjektjocko, which attain a height of 7,192 

 and 6,920 feet respectively. 



Photo by L. H. N. 



FIG. LXI. Typical landscape "Plains of Skane," Southern Sweden. (Lat. 55 43'.) 

 Preparing land for Autumn Wheat, July 14. 



The very large number of lakes in Sweden forms a striking feature of 

 the country, nearly one-twelfth of the whole surface being covered with 

 water. The presence of so much water has an important influence on 

 vegetation. 



The geological formation of Sweden consists largely of granites, gneiss 

 and metamorphic rocks broken through and overflowed by trap, the surface 

 being covered with drift formation and boulders. The "Plains of Skane" 

 (See Fig. 61), which occupy the southernmost section of Sweden and which 

 are noted for their excellent agricultural soil, rest on a foundation of sedi- 

 mentary formations. In general character these plains are somewhat 

 variable. Thus in certain sections where there is a covering of recent marine 



