History of Netherlands

A marriage by proxy, or as it is called, "marriage by the glove," is prevalent in Holland, and is brought about by the fact that many of the eligible young men, after having finished their education, depart for Dutch India. A friend selects a willing young lady, generally one with a substantial dot and otherwise conforming closely to specifications of the letter. A photograph of the favored one is inclosed in the return epistle. After the lapse of a few months, a soiled left-hand glove, with a power of attorney, is received from the far-away bachelor. The friend in Holland marries the selected bride in exactly the same manner as if he were the actual groom, and the young wife departs in the next India mail steamer to bring happiness to the lonely one in the far East. A marriage of this description is as binding as if the bridegroom were present, and is never repudiated. If either party to the glove marriage should die before meeting in India the survivor would share the property of...

Netherlands, called also Hol’land, a maritime kingdom on the western border of continental Europe, lying be tween lat. 51° 10' and 53° 30' N. and lon. 3° 20' and 7° 20' E. On the W. and N. it is bounded by the North Sea, on the E. by Prussia, and on the S. by Belgium. The river Ems marks the boundary towards Hanover; but between the Netherlands and the Prussian provinces W. of the Rhine the line is fixed by conventions rather than by nature; on the S., also, the boundary towards Belgium from the left bank of the Meuse or Maas to the sea, though de fined accurately by the treaty of November, 1831, to which the chief powers of Europe were parties, is not marked by any natural features. The country thus marked out has an extent from N. to S. of 150 miles, with a breadth from W. to E. of 120 miles throughout; area, 12,680 square miles. The grand duchy of Luxemburg, though subject to the Dutch monarch as grand duke, forms no part of the kingdom proper...

Amsterdam:

Anne Frank House: Explore the powerful museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist.

Van Gogh Museum: Immerse yourself in the works of the famous Dutch artist.

Rijksmuseum: Discover an extensive collection of Dutch art and history.

Red Light District: Experience Amsterdam's famous nightlife district.

Keukenhof Gardens:

Visit in spring to witness the stunning tulip fields in bloom.

Zaanse Schans:

Experience traditional Dutch culture with historic windmills and wooden houses.

Giethoorn:

Take a boat tour through the picturesque canals of this charming village.

Utrecht:

Climb the Dom Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Explore the vibrant cafes and boutiques in the city center.

Haarlem:

Wander through the cobblestone streets and visit the Frans Hals Museum.

Rotterdam:

Marvel at modern architecture, including the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge.

Visit the Maritime Museum for a taste of the city's seafaring...