Some aspects of the evolution and distribution of settlements and industries in the Black Forest region, considered in relation to the geographical setting

Abstract

Chapters I-III. A review of the Regional Geography of the Black Forest, comprising (a) an analysis of the relief, morphology, and drainage, considered in the light of recent research; (b) an outline of the climate and leading features of the soils represented; (c) a survey of plant life and land utilisation, based on maps constructed from 'Gemeinde' data, and on field studies. Chapters IV-V deal with the evolution of settlement, considered in the various phases: Pre-historic, Roman, Allemannish, early Mediaeval, and late Mediaeval; and the initial growth of industries, based on the exploitation of the forest resources, is noted. Chapter VI outlines the present distribution and forms of rural settlement, by reference to specific examples. Chapter VII treats the urban settlements in a similar way, paying special attention to the manufacturing centres of the Forest proper, and to the marginal towns of historic and modem significance. Chapter VIII surveys the distribution and evolution of factory industries in the Black Forest region, and discusses the various localising factors, where possible. Chapter IX summarizes population trends, during the last I20 years, noting areas of rural depopulation, static population, and areas of increasing density. Finally, a short study of the history of migration and emigration is made, and some of the causes are suggested.