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The Netherlands: Gelderland

The Netherlands is divided into 11 provinces, known as North Brabant, Gelderland, North and South Holland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssel, Groningen, Drenthe, and Limburg. The Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, on the S.-E. border of Belgium, though it is governed by the King of the Netherlands, is in point of administration entirely separate, and will shortly pass from under Dutch control. There are important colonial possessions in various parts of the world under the control of the Netherlands Government, the principal ones being: In the East Indies- Java, Madura, Bali, Lombok, Banca, Ternate, Amboza, Banda, an extensive territory in Sumatra, Borneo, and Celebes; in America-Surinam (Dutch Guiana), Curaçoa, and the islands of St. Eustatius, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Martin, and Saba.

The coast of the Netherlands is low and irregular, and largely composed of sand heaps thrown up by the ocean waves. Where these have not formed, the Government has, at enormous expense, constructed vast dykes, built mostly of granite blocks. These embankments average about 30 ft. in height, 70 ft. in breadth at the bottom, and are wide enough at the top for a roadway. Great pains are taken to keep them in order. Some of the rivers are kept within their channels by embankments, and are connected by canals, serviceable not only for navigation, but to prevent inundation by draining off superfluous waters.

AGRICULTURE.-In some places the soil is naturally poor, especially in the waste lands of Gelderland and Drenthe, but constant cultivation and enrichment of the soil has rendered it productive. Wheat, rye, barley, oats, peas, beans, buckwheat, hops, tobacco, clover, mustard seed, flax, and hemp are extensively raised. The Dutch people have long been noted for their proficiency in the art of horticulture, and among the flowers cultivated, tulips and hyacinths are principally notable. Garden vegetables are raised in great abundance. Fruits are grown extensively, apples, pears, and cherries being grown especially in Gelderland. It may be stated that of the entire area of the country three-fourths is productive, and more that one-half of this consists of meadows and pasture. About 9 per cent. only of the productive soil is in woodland The most extensive pasture lands are in South Holland, where the rearing of live stock and diary husbandry are more productive and profitable than tillage. The amount of butter and cheese exported from this country is very great, and forms an important feature in the industries of the nation. The poultry yard is a source of great wealth to the Dutch farmer, and bee-culture is actively carried on. Iron, brick, and tobacco manufactories and oil mills are among the leading industries. There are about 650 shipyards. Earthenware is extensively made at Delft. The country is noted for its distilleries of spirits, especially gin, for which Schiedam is famous. Paper, linen, cotton, and silk are manufactured. One of the chief industries is the fisheries, especially that for herring, which, since the 12th century, has been called "the Dutch gold mine." Among the people it is said that "the foundations of Amsterdam are laid on herring bones." It is estimated that no less than 20,000 families are supported by the fisheries, the value of the product exceeding $15,000,000 annually. Amsterdam is noted for its diamond cutting trade, which is the most important in the world. Exports-1891- £73,125,628; imports, £90,695,602. Holland does the largest amount of trade per head of population of all the countries of Europe. The extent of the average Hollander's commercial operations during the year totals up to £40, Is. 72d. After Holland comes Switzerland with £20 8s, per head of population. England is third on the list with £16, 16s. 10d., while France and Germany average about £4, or $20.