Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 10.djvu/75

 THE FIRST GERMAN MUNICIPAL EXPOSITION 63

well maintained in the field of municipal statistics. Statistical tables, and graphic charts of many varieties served to show what an immense field is embraced. It would be difficult to find a single municipal department not represented by statistics. The department of vital statistics is careful, accurate, and complete; but this is only one of many departments equally well treated. A great many of the exhibits in this section have already been referred to, and, indeed, a complete discussion of the section would carry us again over the same path we have just traversed, for there is little which is not at least suggested by the statistics. One noteworthy record was that presented by Strassburg for the years 1541-1901. The only deficiencies are the years 1694-1727, and three or four single years. The ravages of bubonic plague, of war; the decrease in deaths since 1855 (with the exception of 1870!); the marked preponderance of births over deaths since 1872, following the very low birth-rate in 1871 ; the gradual decrease of both birth-rate and death-rate since 1874, with the death-rate decreasing rather more rapidly all this was shown by one large graphic chart. The less showy charts were, however, as full of interest and meaning, and attested to the thoroughness of the methods and to the advantages of well-conducted statistical departments.

HOWARD WOODHEAD.

BERLIN, GERMANY.