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and Nyland and Carelia, where also there is a
comparatively denser population, and whence comes
most of the grain. In comparison with Sweden,
Finland has more flat country, though its plains are
hardly so fertile as those of Upland, Westergötland,
and Scania. As a consequence of the prevailing
geological formation, the soil contains a good deal of
potash or kali. On the other hand there is not much
chalk or limestone. There is some chalk or marble
in the south-east, and shells useful for agricultural
purposes are found in Nyland, in Central Ostrobothnia
in the fertile regions of Vasa and Kyro, at the old
convent of Nådendal near Åbo, and on the island of
Åland, where also there is some good marl. The
whole of the land used for agricultural purposes does
not amount to much more than a tenth part of the
country, of which hardly 4 per cent. is really under
cultivation, and 5 per cent. is grass land. The land
under cultivation and capable of cultivation is,
however, increasing rapidly. Finland is north of the line
where the surface of the earth rises gradually above
the sea-level, and it is now continuing to rise at a rate
varying from .6 metre per century in the Gulf of
Finland to 1.5 metres in the north of Ostrobothnia.
Still more important is the draining of the lakes and
marshes, due partly to natural causes and partly to
very profitable labour. Even in Nyland, where
cultivation began at an early period, the amount of land
under cultivation has increased by more than one-third
since the beginning of last century. Large marshes
have been and are still being drained in the northern
part, especially in the province of Uleåborg. The
government assists with money, which is lent through
the medium of the parish authorities.
We have already spoken of the harsh climate. The
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