Holland (properly THE NETHERLANDS)

Country in n.w. Europe. The surface is everywhere low and level, a large part of it being below sea level and protected from the encroachments of the ocean by dykes along the shores and the river banks. The climate is exceedingly humid. Its area is 13,627 sq. m. The people are mainly engaged in manufactures and commerce. Of the former, the making of cotton, woolen, and silk goods and earthenware are prominent. Market-gardening and floriculture are pursued to a considerable extent. The government is a limited monarchy. The capital is The Hague. H. was early inhabited by Celts, of whom some became allies of the Romans, others tributary. The Salian Franks appeared in the 3d century, and afterward the Saxons. Christianity was introduced by Will i brod 695. The land was ruled by Dukes Holland House, South Side. third Baron, 1773-1840. Member of Whig cabinets 1806-7 and 1830-40; translator and biographer of Lope de Vega, 1806. Foreign Reminiscences , 1850; Memoirs of the Whig Party , 1852. His house in Kensington had great social fame.