THE ALLUVIAL REGION is the most important from both the agricultural and the industrial point of view. It contains the greater part both of the arable land and of the grassland of Holland, which cover respectively 25 and 50 per cent. of the total area of the country. The fertility of the soil and the humidity of the climate combine to make the region an ideal one for dairying purposes, and Dutch cattle, especially those of the Frisian breed which are well adapted to the clay soils of the polders, are noted for their milk. The manufacture of butter and cheese, frequently carried on in creameries conducted on the co-operative plan, is an important industry, and large quantities of both are exported. Among the principal crops grown, are wheat and beetroot in the south of the region, and oats and rye in the north. Flax, tobacco, chicory, and colza are all cultivated. In North and South Holland, and more especially at places like Haarlem, on the margin of the alluvial soils where clay and sand can both be obtained, many people are engaged in horticultural occupations, and large quantities of fruits, flowers, and bulbs are exported.
The chief manufacturing districts are also situated within this region which contains most of the large towns, and nearly 60 per cent. of the total population of the country. ' Amsterdam and Rotterdam, on account of their position as ports, are engaged in shipbuilding and in employments subsidiary thereto. The sugar industry is twofold. At the ports, more especially at Amsterdam, there are refineries in which is prepared for consumption cane-sugar imported from Java and other Dutch possessions in the East Indies, while in Zeeland and Brabant there are numerous factories for the extraction of sugar from beet. Brewing and distilling are both extensively carried on, and Schiedam is noted for its gin, the excellence of which is said to be due in part to the quality of the water obtained in the vicinity. Bricks and tiles are made in many places where suitable clay can be obtained, and Delft and The Hague manufacture all kinds of pottery. Several towns, including Amsterdam and Utrecht, are engaged to some extent in the production of cotton and woollen goods.