n for the considerable mercantile
marine, which is needed for constant intercourse with a colonial empire
(the third in importance at the present time) consisting chiefly of
islands in a far-distant ocean.

Between 1850 and 1914, 375,430,000 fl. have been devoted to the
reduction of debt; and the Sinking Fund in 1915 was 6,346,000 fl. Since
that date Holland has suffered from the consequences of the Great War,
but, having successfully maintained her neutrality, she has suffered
relatively far less than any of her neighbours. Taxation in Holland has
always been high. It is to a large extent an artificial country; and
vast sums have been expended and must always be expended in the upkeep
of the elaborate system of dykes and canals, by which the waters of the
ocean and the rivers are controlled and prevented from flooding large
areas of land lying below sea level.

Culture in Holland is widely diffused. The well-to-do classes usually
read and speak two or three languages beside their own; and the Dutch
language is a finished literary tongue of great flexibility and
copiousness. The system of education is excellent. Since 1900 attendance
at the primary schools between the ages of six and thirteen is
compulsory. Between the primary schools intermediate education
(_middelbaaronderwijs_) is represented by "burgher night-schools" and
"higher burgher schools." The night-schools are intended for those
engaged in agricultural or industrial work; the "higher schools" for
technical instruction, and much attention is paid to the study of the
_vier talen_--French, English, German and Dutch. In connection with
these there is an admirable School of Agriculture, Horticulture and
Forestry at Wageningen in Gelderland. To the teaching at Wageningen is
largely due the acknowledged supremacy of Holland in scientific
horticulture. There is a branch establishment at Groningen for
agricultural training, and another at Deventer for instruction in
subjects connected with colonial life. The _gymnasia_, which are to be
found in every town, are preparatory to the universities. The course
lasts six years; and the study of Latin and Greek in addition to modern
languages is compulsory. There are four universities, Leyden, Utrecht,
Groningen and Amsterdam. The possession of a doctor's degree at one of
these universities is necessary for magistrates, physicians, advocates,
and for teachers in the _gymnasia_ and higher burgher schools.

In so small a co