OLDENBURG, a sovereign duchy in the north-east of Germany, but consisting also of two other portions separated from it, though both of them are of small extent. One of these smaller divisions in the north is called the principality of Lubeck, consisting of a small territory surrounded by the Danish territory of Holstein, and some small spots on the banks of the Trave, and near Schwartau, adjoining to the territory of the republic of Lubeck. The other of these small divisions is on the western side of the Rhine; it is called the principality of Birkenfeld, and is wholly surrounded by the Prussian province of the Lower Rhine. The whole of these three divisions extend over 2721 square miles, and comprehend nine cities, ten mar-
ket-towns, and 776 villages and hamlets, with 233,400 inhabitants, of whom 161,420 adhere to the Lutheran church, 68,000 are Catholics, and the remainder, excepting 900 Jews, are Calvinists. The population of the principality of Lubeck is 19,070, that of Birkenfeld is 21,180, and the remainder is found in Oldenburg proper. The revenues of the state amount to about L.130,000 annually, arising partly from tolls on the Weser, and partly from taxes on foreign goods, but chiefly from domains. The state has no debt. The army consists of 1650 men; but the state is bound to contribute to the force of the German confederacy a contingent of 2177 men. The principal river is the Weser, into which the smaller streams flow, and it is the ordinary channel of marine commerce. The soil is in general poor and sandy, but near to the rivers there are some rich marshes, obtained by draining and embankments, which fatten cattle, and afford the productions of the dairy. The cultivation is badly conducted in the large division. There are a great number of small proprietors, who cultivate their own fields, and thereby procure a bare subsistence. The climate is raw, cold, and exceedingly variable.