Page:Cornwall (Salmon).djvu/31

 POPULATION— COMMUNICATIONS more than balances this by a decrease of 1167 rural population. This rural population was a mining one, not agricultural. Penzance and St. Ives show a growth oP over 600 each ; but in spite of this the population of the Land's End district shows a heavy failure. The peoples of Penzance and St. Ives, it must be noticed, depend on fisheries, not on mining, for their prosperity ; and they are now also looking for the wealth that comes with visitors. Falmouth, somewhat strangely, has declined to the extent of 1018; but we must recollect that its trade as a port is practically dead. When once appreciated by the British public as it deserves to be, the population must increase by leaps and bounds. The combined popula- tions of Stratton and Bude illustrate the growth of Cornwall's popularity; they show an increase of 526, which on a small population is very striking, and which entirely represents the growth of Bude. There is a heavy decrease in the rural population around Helston, Launces- ton, Liskeard and Truro. In Truro town we find a small increase likely to be maintained. But the sight of miles of country scattered with the refuse and lumber of disused mines, fully accounts for any diminution of population, and we must not forget that there are many Cornishmen living E. of the Tamar. It may be hoped that a growth of industries may combine with Cornwall's rare natural charm in maintaining the check that the decline of her population has already received. 13