AGRICULTUEE. 



359 



A considerable portion of tlie northern plain is naturally unproductive,* and 

 it required all the persevering energy of the sturdy Prussian peasantry to subdue 

 this stubborn soil. 



About 48"0 per cent, of the total area is arable land, 17"7 per cent, meadows 

 and pastures, and 25-5 per cent, forests. The latter constitute a considerable source 

 of wealth, and their preservation is in some measure due to the multiplicity of 

 small sovereigns who formerly shared the covmtry, every one of whom was bent 

 upon having his game preserves. The forests are managed with great skill in 



Fig. 207. — Increase of the Urban Population of Germany. 

 According to Hasse. 



5" E of Pans 



Non-German Decrease. Tncrense Increase Increase Increase 



Countries. up to 12-5 p. c. 12-5 to 25 p. c. 25 to 50 p. c. over 50 p. c. 



Germany, and their favourable influence upon climate and drainage is justly 

 appreciated. 



Rye is the principal cereal crop cultivated, and not only the peasants, but also a 

 considerable proportion of the town population eat rye bread, or bread made of a 

 mixture of rye and wheat. Pumpevnickel, one of the heaviest kinds of bread in 

 existence, is even esteemed a great delicacy. In former years Germany exported 

 corn, but it is now no longer able to supply its own wants, and imports not only 

 rye, but also wheat, barley, and oats, as well a^ cattle, horses, and other agricultural 

 produce. Only potatoes, sheep, and dairy produce form articles of export.f 



* In Prussia 28-67 per cent, of the total area consists of clayey soil ; 32-11 per cent, of loam; 30-81 

 per cent, of sand ; 636 per cent, of swamps; 2-0Ô per cent, of water. 



t The average annual produce of Germany has been estimated at 11,793,000 quarters of wheat, 

 5,108,000 of spelt, 32,626,000 of rye, 10,417,000 of harlcy, 29,920,000 of oats, and 93,541,000 of potatoes. 



