much later statistics than 1848, and it has not been translated into English. The writer, wishing to see for himself what were the sources from whence a supply of food might come, and what was the condition of the people of the Western countries of Europe, paid a rapid visit last autumn to France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Holland, during which the letters which form the following pages were written. In the course of his travels he endeavoured to obtain the latest statistical information in the countries he visited, to condense that which he has collected, and to present it in as concise and readable a form as possible. He also has tried to show, by comparison, the difference between the farming of small proprietors, who till their own estates; and that of Great Britain and Ireland, where the land is worked by tenants. The civic population of the United Kingdom are deeply interested in the proper cultivation of the land. The cheapness of provisions, and the quantity of food which they can obtain, depend upon its proper tillage. If land is more productive, when farmed by small owners, than by the tenants of large plots, then the comforts of the residents in cities and towns are affected by the issue. The rural population, which forms the strength of the nation, would find their comforts largely increased, their independence more securely established, and their labour more productive, if the whole produce of that labour was secured to them, as in France, Switzerland, Holland, and Belgium. Ireland would be vastly benefited by the creation of a class of peasant proprietors. The writer wishes to acknowledge, the kind courtesy with which the officials connected with the statistical departments of the various countries he visited, received him, and to thank them for having afforded him all the facilities in their power, for acquiring correct information respecting the agricultural produce, of their several nations. The letters were written rather hurriedly, during a somewhat rapid tour, and necessarily possess many of the defects arising from hasty composition. WATERFORD: January 1866. CONTENTS. First Necessity of Existence-Meat required in Cold Climates -Routes to Paris, Littlehampton, Alderney, Guernsey, St. Aubyn's Bay, Bay of Avranches-The Tides-Population of Dinan-Export of Barley, of Butter, &c.-Condition of Farmers LETTER IV. ROUEN. Normandy-Rolph-Ranger, or Rollo-The Scandinavians-The Goths-Gavelkind-Vitality of Principles-William I.— Arlotto-Norman Invasion-Cherbourg-Export of Cattle- PAGE 26 City of Palaces-French Customs-Goldsmith-Paris and Lon- don-Supply of Grain-Population of Capitals-Division of the Land of France-Civic Population-Cereal Produce of Silk Manufactures-Clear Atmosphere-Macon-Fête in Lyons -Fourvieres-Supply of Vegetables and Fruit-Lovely View French Costumes-English Service-Fish-Fibrous Products of France-Textile Exports of England and France -Cereal Produce of France-Capital of English and French Social Science Congress-Opening Meeting-Address of the Presi- dent-Hereditary Transmissions by Will, by Law-Right of Bequest-Property in Land-The Jews-The Greeks-The Celts-The Romans-The Sarmatians-The Goths-The Irish-Feudalism-England-The Tudors-The United States Zurich-Sail to Horgen--Horgen to Zug-Dutch Boers-Arth -Goldau-Ascent of the Rigi-Sunset-Sunrise-Lake Lu- Lucerne to Giesbach-Waterfall, Night View-Hôtel de la Women-Band-Soldiers |