During this period (1820-1910) the character of immigration has changed. Prior to 1880 the greater part of it came from northern Europe, but since that time the number has constantly fallen off, and the flow from southern Europe has greatly increased. During the decade 1871-1880 Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Russia sent only 181,000 of 2,262,000 aliens who landed in the United States--about eight per cent. During the decade 1901-1910, 8,130,000 immigrants came to our shores, and of these 5,800,000, or over 70 per cent, were from these three countries. In 1901 Austria-Hungary sent, 113,400; in 1907 about 338,500, but owing to the passage of the immigration law in 1907 the number fell abruptly, but by 1910 had again increased to 260,000. The same is true of Italy. In 1901 about 136,000 came; in 1907 nearly 286,000, and in 1910 about 215,500. Russia sent 85,000 in 1901, some 260,000 in 1907, and 187,000 in 1910. The numbers from northern Europe do not approach these. The immigration from the British Isles does not reach the 100,000 mark; from Germany only 30,000 come yearly. Causes for this influx are varied. Many come desirous of owning homes, a pleasure out of reach in their home country on account of high prices. Free institutions attract others. A land which offers free schools to all regardless of race or creed, religious freedom, and the opportunity to play some part in the political life of the state is naturally attractive. Some come to escape military service, others with the idea of making money and returning to their native land. Density of population and the accompanying excessive competition in the struggle for existence also play a part. Hundreds of letters telling of the general prosperity in America and contrasting this with the condition at home, do their work with the disheartened peasants. It is said that half of our immigrants come on tickets paid for by friends in America. The large employers of labor, and even the States themselves, are constantly calling for laborers. Ours is a huge, half-developed country, and the development of our resources, particularly the coal and iron industries, the cotton; rice, cane, and tobacco industries, and the railways demands thousands of helpers. [Illustration: Several hundred people on a ship.] Emigrants bound for America. The steamship companies which have found an extremely profitable business in the transportation of immigrants have used various means to increase the numbers. Agents are said to be in all European countries soliciting trade. Associations for the assistance of poor emigrants have been formed in various European cities--this is especially true among the Jews who, by means of societies such as the "Hebrew Shelter" of London, have aided thousands of Roumanian and Russian Jews on their way to America. [Illustration] Entrance to Emigrant Station or "model town" in Hamburg. Built for emigrants waiting to sail.