Rural Economy of France since 1789. 535 
5. The South-Eastern, formed of the ancient province of 
Ciuyenne, with part of Languedoc, and the two small provinces 
of Roam and Roussillon, now comprised in 14 departments. 
6. The Central, composed of Sologne, Berri, Nivernois, 
Bourbonnais, Auvergne, Velay, Gevandau, Masche, Limousin, 
and Perigord, the whole being divided into 13 departments. 
These six divisions are pretty equal in respect of area, but in 
that point alone, as the following Table will show : — 
Acres. 
I'opulation 
In 1856. 
I'opuUtion 
per -^50 
Acres. 
Amount of 
Government 
Taxes paid 
in 1857. 
Average 
per Acre. 
Average 
per 
Inliabi- 
tant. 
£. 
£. s. d. 
£. s. d. 
1. 
N.VV. division . . 
21 ,413,270 
9,310,452 
109 
27,586,835 
1 7 6 
2 19 2 
2. 
N.E. 
22,453,250 
5,ai2,li4H 
61-37 
8,764.780 
0 19 2 
1 12 0 
3. 
W. 
22,771,170 
6,416,477 
70 
8,585,2.16 
0 18 8 
1 6 9 
4. 
S.E. 
22,KriO,427 
5,1'K-', 129 
64 
9, 173,274 
1 2 0 
1 15 1 
5. 
S.W 
21,971,125 
4,753,116 
54 
6,298,0.S6 
0 14 8 
1 5 0 
6, 
Central , , . . 
21 ,100,9^5 
4.228,042 
50 
4,233,688 
0 10 0 
10 0 
132,576,227 
36,039,559 
Average 
per Acre. 
0-27 
64,641,849 
Average 
1 2 0 
Average 
1 16 0 
Here we see at a glance wide difTerences in population, and 
wealth as indicated by taxation, differences for which we must 
seek an explanation from an endless variety of local pecu- 
liarities, among which, apart from the quality of the soil, 
the stimulus given to natural resources by markets, means 
of communication, climate, education, and civilization must 
not be overlooked. A rapid sketch of these peculiarities 
will suffice to show that the empire of France, which on the 
map appears so compact, so homogeneous, so well defined by 
seas, rivers, and lofty chains of mountains, is in reality composed 
of heterogeneous parts in every possible respect. Whether we 
look at the topographical features of the country, and its varieties 
of climate and produce, or to the striking contrast presented by 
the several races from which its inhabitants have sprung, their 
divers dialects, ethnological peculiarities, diversity of tastes, 
habits, wants, and traditions (each at least as distinct and easily 
recognized as the peculiarities which in this country betray the 
Irishman or Scotchman), we cannot wonder that there should 
exist so marked a difference in the respective prosperity of these 
divisions, governed though they be by the same laws, and 
having access to the same advantages of education and social 
enlightenment. 
Among the aids to natural fertility few are of more import- 
ance than the means of communication afforded by public roads 
and railways. The following Table will show how unequal is 
the distribution of these advantages over the French empire. 
