VERVEIERS, a circle of the province of Liege, in the Netherlands, containing six cantons, divided into twenty-one communes. The capital is the city of the same name, and is situated on the river Besdre, partly in a valley, and partly on the declivity of some hills. It is well built, and is the place of the most active industry in the kingdom. The
chief trade is that of making fine woollen cloths, which are celebrated in every part of the continent, especially from the brilliant colours, to which the quality of the water is said greatly to contribute. There are also some chemical manufactures, producing aquafortis, vitriol, and soaps. The wealth and number of the inhabitants have rapidly increased since the peace of 1814. The population then was 9960, and in 1831 was 19,592.