Maremma

Maremma (corrupted from Marittima, 'situated along the sea'), a marshy region of Italy, extending along the sea-coast of Tuscany from the river Cecina to Orbitello, and embracing an area of about 1000 sq. m. The Pontine Marshes and the Campagna of Rome are similar districts. In Roman times and earlier the Maremma was a fruitful and populous plain; but the decay of agriculture, consequent upon unsettled political history, fostered the encroachments of malaria, which now reigns supreme in great part of these stricken districts. Leopold II. of Tuscany directed especial attention (1824-44) to the drainage and amelioration of the Maremma, and his efforts and subsequent measures have been attended with considerable success. Crops are now grown in the summer on the fertile soil of the infected area by the inhabitants of the adjoining hill-country, who go down only to sow and to reap their crops. During winter the Maremma is healthier and yields good pasture.