GRONINGEN, the most northerly of the Seven United
United Provinces, is bounded on the north by the German ocean; on the south, by the county of Drenthe; on the east, by the kingdom of Hanover; and on the west by the province of Friesland, from which it is parted by the river Lawers. Its greatest length from south-east to north-west is about 47 miles; but its breadth is very unequal, the greatest being about 33 miles. Here are rich pastures, large herds of great and small cattle, plenty of sea and river fish, and of turf, with some forests and corn-land. There are several rivers in the province, of which the principal is the Hunse; and a great number of canals and dykes. The surface is level, and lies so low that the whole province is intersected by a multitude of canals and wet ditches for the purpose of carrying off the water, while it is protected by dykes against the inundations of the sea. In the towns there are some manufactures of linen and woollen. The population is computed at 146,000, upon a surface of 770 square miles. The province had anciently governors, under the title of burggraves; but their power being limited, the people enjoyed great privileges. Afterwards it became subject to the bishop of Utrecht; but shook off his yoke at last, and recovered its liberty. In 1536 it submitted to Charles V. and in 1579 acceded to the union of Utrecht. The colleges before the revolution were much the same here as in the other provinces, viz. the provincial states, council of state, provincial tribunal, and chamber of accounts; and six deputies were sent to the states-general.