xists
in France a large number of banks, principally in the provinces, carrying
on a very considerable business. Little is known as to their deposits, but
their business appears to be conducted with great prudence and discretion.
One hundred and eighty-two of these firms were members of the French
Country Bankers' Association in 1898. They carry on business in 66 out of
the 86 departments into which France is divided. More than one of these
banks has several offices--one possessing 18, including the head office.
These branches are situated in the small towns in the vicinity. In this the
business follows more the English method of small branches. The French
Country Bankers' Association holds its meetings in Paris, where matters of
interest to bankers are discussed. (See _Bankers' Magazine_, July 1898.)

_Germany_.--Besides the Imperial Bank of Germany, the "Reichsbank," there
are about 140 banks doing business in the states which form the German
empire. These credit and industrial banks with their large resources have
had an immense influence in bringing about the astonishing industrial
development of their country. Five banks possess the right of uncovered
note-issue; these are:--

The Imperial Bank of Germany with right of issue L23,641,450
The Bank of Saxony " " " 838,500
The Bank of Bavaria " " " 1,600,000
The Bank of Wuerttemberg " " " 500,000
The Bank of Baden " " " 500,000
-----------
L27,079,950

At the Bank of Germany the coin and bullion held is sometimes larger than
at the Bank of England. The statement of the specie in the weekly accounts
includes silver. The amounts held in gold and silver are only separated
once a year, when the balance-sheet is published. The figures of the
balance-sheet for the 31st of December 1906 showed in round numbers
L24,000,000 gold and L9,000,000 silver. As far as the capital is concerned
the L18,000,000 of the Bank of England considerably exceeds the L9,000,000
of the Bank of France and the L12,200,000 of the Bank of Germany. The note
circulation of both the other banks is considerably larger than that of the
Bank of England, that of the Bank of France being L186,300,000, and of the
Imperial Bank of Germany L69,000,000 in 1906.

The capitals and reserves of the Ger