Photo by W. h. Gifford 



THE SEAWARD SIDE OF A HOLLAND DIKE 



The seaward side of the dikes has to be heavily armored with riprap. This riprapping 

 consists of great granite blocks, which extend above the highest tide and below the lowest 

 tide. In many places where the ocean threatens to break through a sand-dune dikes have 

 been built back of the dunes to serve as Holland's reserves in its war with the waves. 



reputed to be one of the wealthiest cities 

 in the world. The appearance of this old 

 town at once impresses one with its 

 solidity and massive proportions. Its 

 wide avenues and large buildings do not 

 suggest that this city is supported on 

 piles, connecting some 90 islands, except 

 the frequent crossing of bridges, which 

 number more than 350. So numerous 

 are the waterways that the map of the 

 city resembles a spider's web in form. 

 And when one inquires the distance to a 

 certain point, the reply is, "It is so many 

 canals" in the direction indicated. 



Amsterdam at the end of the eleventh 

 century was a poor fishing village. Five 

 centuries later it became the grain em- 

 porium of northern Europe, while its 

 bankers have since assumed wonderful 

 prestige and wield a tremendous power 

 in the financial circles of the world. 



Among the most conspicuous buildings 



of the city is the Royal Exchange, which 

 rests on a foundation for which 34,000 

 piles were used. Another great building 

 is the Royal Palace, built in 1648 on 

 13,659 piles. Its massive walls inclose a 

 ball-room said to be the largest in all 

 Eitrope. 



The employment of 12.000 of Amster- 

 dam's Jewish population in the polishing 

 of diamonds is an important factor in the 

 industry of this city. 



PHILANTHROPY SYSTEMATIZED 



The powerful philanthropic organiza- 

 tions of Holland have earned for her the 

 reputation of being the most liberal in 

 charities of the European States. To the 

 tourist who has encountered the disgust- 

 ing beggars of some parts of China and 

 India, the entire absence of this class in 

 Holland is very noticeable. Among other 

 favorable conditions reputed to her is 



