Zealand

Zealand (Dutch Zeeland), a province of the Netherlands, consists of portions of Flanders (East and West) and of the islands Walcheren, North Beveland, South Beveland, Schouwen, Duiveland, and Tholen, with an area of 690 sq. m. and a pop. (1897) of 213,618, about three-fourths Protestants. The provincial capital is Middelburg: Flushing is also in Walcheren. The greatest part of the soil, which is a rich clay, has been redeemed from the sea; and the number of Polders (q.v.), or drained districts, is about 400. The neighbouring seas abound with fish, and in Schouwen many eggs are collected, myriads of water-fowl resorting thither to form their nests. In 1866 a ship-canal through the island of South Beveland was made to take the place of the Easter Scheldt. Hence came the name of New Zealand (q.v.).