in its relation to Agricnlture. 439 
swampy plain, uliu li cxtonds as far as the moutlis of tlic Rhone. 
Their respective populations fluctuate in the following ratio : — 
Tncreiise. Decrease. 
Le Viga,n 28-5 
Alais 57-4 
Uzes 11-3 
Nisnies 50-9* 
In Montpellier the decrease is 45", whereas in the same depart- 
ment of Herault, in more favoured localities as regards elevation 
and dryness of soil, such as St. Pons and Lodeve, the increase 
is 48*. The authenticity of these returns cannot be challenged ; 
but the question may fairly be asked how it is that the popula- 
tion does not become altogether extinct. The answer to this is, 
that the cheapness of living, the almost nominal rent asked by 
the owners of the soil of tenants willing to cultivate the farms, 
are sufficient inducements to attract people from the neighbour- 
ing districts, and it is thus that the population is kept up ; for 
without this influx, the fearful preponderance of deaths over 
births would in a very short time leave these districts a desolate 
waste, where solitude and death would hold undisputed sway. 
The fatal effects of the marsh miasmata on animal life in 
various climates and positions are thus forcibly set forth. I 
have myself witnessed, in the desolate plain of Forez, the effect 
of periodical attacks of marsh fever on the languid and wasted 
forms of the once energetic labourers. During the summer 
months every human being who can do so flies from this accursed 
district, which only wants a little drainage and deep cultivation 
to become one of the most fertile and healthy plains in Europe. 
On a first visit to this spot I suggested the use of Howard's 
steam cultivator to a wealthy and enterprising proprietor. This 
implement may now be seen at work stirring the soil to a depth 
never before attained, facilitating a percolation of the stagnant 
surface-water. I am happy to say the results alreadv obtained 
hold out the prospect of a speedy and complete regeneration of 
the whole district. 
IV. The Law of the Waters of France. 
The numerous and varied uses to which water is applied, its 
universal requirements for the support of animal and vegetable 
life, and the great evils it may produce if left to the direction 
of natural agencies, all show the primary importance of defining 
riglits connected with it by legislation. Without going further 
back into the records of the history of mankind, it will suffice 
for my purpose to trace the connexion between the Civil Code at 
* ' Anmiaire dcs Eaux de la France,' page 24. 
