ZEALAND, a province of the kingdom of Holland, which, besides the group of islands formed in the river Scheldt, includes a section of the continental dominions. The province extends in north latitude from to and in east longitude from to . The whole extent is 667 square miles. The surface is flat and low, being but a few feet higher than the water at half-flood tide. As the shore in this province is not, as in some others, protected against the sea by sand-hills or downs, it has been found necessary to defend it by artificial walls,
which are from fourteen to sixteen feet in height, with a gentle declivity towards the sea, and nearly perpendicular on the land side. In front they have placed stakes, which, by dividing the waves, in some measure break their force.
The soil of the island is uniformly rich; being clayey, with a fruitful loam, which requires but little manure, and scarcely ever disappoints the hopes of the husbandman. All kinds of corn and green crops come to perfection in these soils. As agriculture is thus productive, there is every year a surplus of food. The wheat, especially in South Beveland, is considered the best in the kingdom; besides which, much rye is cultivated, and likewise barley, which is of peculiar excellence for malting. Beans and peas are raised in great quantities, chiefly for export; and flax is raised to a great extent both for home use and for foreign trade. Madder is a valuable article of cultivation, and that of the island Schouwen is in the highest estimation. The annual export of this dye amounts to more than 20,000 quintals. The dairies yield large portions of good cheese and butter, and fatten swine, whose flesh, when pickled, furnishes provision for the shipping. The sheep are small, and their wool indifferently fine. The horses are a heavy breed, but strong and tolerably hardy.
The climate is heavy, moist, and variable, and for strangers very unhealthy, but much less so for the natives. It snows and freezes much less on the islands than on the mainland.
The inhabitants consisted in 1833 of 67,059 males, and 70,203 females; thus making together 137,262, of whom 43,145 were found in the cities, and 94,117 in the villages. The divisions of religion shew 100,747 Protestants, 36,060 Roman Catholics, and 455 Jews. The population had increased in 1837 to 145,542; and, on the whole, they are supposed to be in as easy circumstances as any in the kingdom. They adhere to their ancient customs, manners, and dress, and speak a peculiar dialect of Dutch, nearly approaching to that of the Flemings. Many of them are engaged in fishing and other marine pursuits. Their manufacturing industry is chiefly applied to spinning fine linen yarn; and there are many distilleries, breweries, oil-mills, limekilns, salt-refineries, and establishments for ship-building. The capital is the city of Middelburg, in the island of Walcheren, containing 14,700 inhabitants.