80 



numerous and moro extensive than are required in 

 this country. From the indolent manner in which 

 all labour is performed, a greater number of cottages 

 is indispensable for the workmen. The Corn is 

 seldom or never formed in stacks in the open air, but 

 is housed in barns; and the same is the case with the 

 hay. The Snow is so deep in the winter, that there 

 is no food for cattle to be found in the fields ; and 

 such is the Severity of the Cold, that it is indispen- 

 sable to build houses large enough to contain the 

 whole herds of cattle, and the whole flocks of sheep. 

 Besides the severity of the climate, the number of 

 Wolves is so great, and, in spite of all excitement by 

 the Government to destroy them, is so fast increasing, 

 that no cattle can be left in the fields in the winter. 

 These animals range the country in bodies of from 

 four to fourteen ; and, when pressed by hunger, will 

 attack any of the domesticated animals ; and indeed, 

 no winter passes without several human beings, par- 

 ticularly children, falling a sacrifice to their voracity. 

 Instances, it is said, are not uncommon of Wolves 

 undermining the foundation of sheep-houses to get at 

 their prey. 



From these circumstances, the relative expense of 

 building on estates, compared with the value of the 

 mere land, in spite of the low price of timber of 

 which those buildings are chiefly constructed, is 

 greater than with us. 



An estimate was made by a person eminently 

 skilled' in the Value of Land, who formed it upon 

 actual sales made in the last four years. He divided 

 it into three classes, according to their fertility. The 

 lowest land in a state of cultivation, with good 

 buildings and a competent number of peasants, he 

 stated to be worth one thousand florins the huff. 

 Valuing the florins at sixpence, though worth a 

 fraction less, and taking the huff of thirty Magde- 

 burg morgens, as equal to twenty-two English acres, 



