496 



THE NETHEELANDS. 



Conscripts usually serve twelve montlis with tlie colours, and afterwards attend 

 four annual drills of six weeks each. The Militia, or Schutterij, includes all citizens 

 up to fifty-five, but in reality only 40,000 men are organized. The colonial troops 

 are in a large measure foreign mercenaries. The regular army numbers 62,000 

 men, the colonial army 35,000. 



The Navy, which under the lead of De Euyter and Yan Tromp was one of the 

 most formidable in Europe, consists at present of 19 ironclads, 70 steamers, and 

 17 sailing vessels, with an armament of 507 guns. It is manned by 8,049 ofiicers 

 and men, including marines. 



The Dutch Colonies exceed the mother country fifty-four times in area, and 

 seven times in population, and vastly contribute to the flourishing commerce of 

 the country. Slavery was abolished in them in 1863. 



The National Revenue, principally raised by indirect taxation, amounted in 

 1878 to £9,525,320, balancing the expenditure, one-third of which is expended 

 upon army and navy. There is a national debt of £79,276,000. 



Tabular Statement of Area and Population. 



