OLDENBURG, a grand-duchy of northern Germany, consisting of three distinct and widely separated territories, viz., Oldenburg proper, the principality of Lilbeck. and the principality of Birkenfeld. The collective area of these districts is now 2,461 square miles. Pop. in 1875, 319,314. Oldenburg proper, which comprises seven-eighths of this area, and four-fifths of the entire population, is bounded on the n. by the German ocean, e., s., and w. by the kingdom of Hanover. The principal rivers of Oldenburg are the Weser, the Jande, and the Haase, Vehne, and other tributaries of the Ems. The grand-duchy of Oldenburg proper is divided into 8 circles. The country is fiat, belonging to the great sandy plain of northern Germany, and consists for the most part of moors, heaths, marsh or fens, and uncultivated sandy tracts; but here and there, on the banks of the rivers, the uniform level is broken by gentle acclivities, covered with wood, or by picturesque lakes surrounded by fruitful pasture-landi . Agriculture and the rearing of constitute the chief sources of wealth. The horses and cattle raised in the marsh lands are excellent of their kind, and in great request; the horse-markets at Oldehurg, and the cattle sales at Ovelgonne, being frequented by puichasers from every part of Germany. The scarcity of wood for fuel, and the absence of coal, are compen sated for brthe existence of,turf-beds of enormous extent. With the exception of some linen and stocking loonts, anda-few.tobaccolvork; there are rut Maniafactories. There are, however, numerous distilleries, breweries, and tan-yards in all parts of the duchy.
'lie trade is principally a coasting trade. carried on in small vessels, from 20 to 40 tons, which can thread their way along the shallow channels connecting the larger rivers.
• The exports are horses, cattle, linens, thread, hides, and rags, which find their way chiefly' to Ho:land and the Hanseatic cities; while the imports include the ordinary colonial goods, and manufactures of numerous kinds.
The receipts for the collective grand-duchy were, in 'the budget for 1875, 7,104,150 marks, and the expenditure, 7,546,380. The public debt, at the close of 1874, was 84,575,942 marks.
The principality of Lubeck, consisting of the secularized territories of the former bishopric of the same name, is surrounded by the duchy of Holstein, and is situated on the banks of the rivers Schwartau and Trove. 'It contributes 199 sq.m. to the general area of the grand-duchy, and 34,085 inhabitants to the collective population. It is divided into tour administrativedistricts. It has several large lakes, as those of Ma— noted for its picturesque beauty—Keller, Uklei, and Gross-Eutin; while in regard to climate, soil, and natural products, it participates in the general physical arracterisfies of Holstein. The chief town is Eutin (pop. in 1871, 3,700), pleasantly situated on the lake of the same name, with a fine castle surrounded by a magnificent park.
The principality of Birkenfeld, lying saw. of the Rhine, among the Humisrtlek moun tains, and between Rhenish Prussia and Lichtenberg, is an outlying territory, situated in ha. 49° 30'-49° 52' n. and in long. 7°-7° 30' e. Its area is 192 sq.m., and its pop. 37,003. The soil of BirLimfeld is not generally productive; but in the lower and more sheltered valleys, it yields wheat, flax, and hemp. Wood is abundant. The mineral products, which are of considerable importance, comprise iron, copper, lead, coal, and building stone; while in addition to the rearing of cattle, sheep and swine, the polishing of stones, more especially agates, constitutes the principal source of industry. The principality is divided into th'iee governmental districts.
Oldenburg is a constitutional ducal monarchy, hereditary in the male line of the reigning family. The constitution, which is based upon that of 1849, revised in 1852, is common to the three provincas, which are represented in one joint chamber, composed of 33 members, chosen by free voters. Each principality has, however, its special pro vincial council, the members of which are likewise elected by votes; while each govern mental district within the provinces has its local board of councilors, and its several courts of law,•police, finance, etc.; although the highest judicial court of appeal, and the eccle siastical and ministerial offices, are located at Oldenburg.