OVERYSSEL, a province of Holland, bounded on the N. by those of Friesland and Drenthe, E. by Hanover and Rhenish Prussia, S. by the province of Gelderland, and W. by Gelderland and the Zuider Zee. Length, from N.W. to S.E., about 60 miles; breadth, 27 miles; area, 1282 square miles. It is entirely low and flat, with few hills and no mountains. The principal river is the Yssel, which separates it from Gelderland, and falls into the Zuider Zee below Kampen. The province is also watered by the Vecht and its tributaries; but none of these is of any importance. With the exception of a tract of rich clayey soil along the Yssel, the surface consists of wet and marshy ground, or of sandy and barren heaths. There are several lakes, but not of any size. The climate is damp, and not very salubrious. Wheat, barley, rye, buckwheat, pulse,
potatoes, and fruits, are raised in the more fertile regions; but the inhabitants depend for their subsistence mainly on the rearing of cattle and digging of peat. The pastures are good, especially in the west; and horses, oxen, and sheep are bred. Bees are likewise a source of much profit, and fishing forms a lucrative employment. The chief manufactures are linen, woollen, and cotton fabrics; calico, damask, paper, &c. Spinning, bleaching, dyeing, and boat-building are also carried on. The capital is Zwolle; and among the other towns the chief are Deventer and Kampen. Pop. (1856) 233,723. (See HOLLAND.)