It is remarkable, that though Amsterdam yields a revenue of 1,600,000/. a year, which is considerably more than that of all the other provinces together, it holds only the fifth place in the assembly of the states of Holland, and possesses no other privilege than that of sending four members to the assembly, while the other cities send only two. From the great amount of its re venue, we may form some idea of the opulence of this city, which, before it fell into the hands of the French, was, without doubt, one of the richest in the world. Every wind wafted into its harbour vessels fraught with the varied produce of all the regions of the globe ; and while its own colonies supplied it with abundance of the most valuable commodities, its ships were employed in the carrying trade of other nations, so that it became as it were the storehouse of the world. This pre-eminence it owed not more to the industry of its inhabitants than to its advantageous situation ; for it has an easy connection with the other towns of the province, and with all the ports of North Holland, Friesland, Overyssel, and Guelderland. Its port is a mile and a half in length, and so wide that though both sides are thronged with vessels, the channel in the middle is at least as broad as the Thames at London bridge. The form of the port, too, is particularly advantageous for a display of the shipping, which, from a fine bay in the Zuyder-Zee, may be seen nearly at one glance, forming an extensive floating city, while their masts resemble a thick forest.
On this side the city is enclosed by double rows of piles, connected by large horizontal beams. Between these piles are openings through which the ships pass, and which are shut every evening at the ringing of a bell.
For the encouragement of the navy there is a marine school, into which the children of citizens of all classes are admitted from seven to twelve years, upon the pay.
meld of a very small sum annually. This seminary wa', originally instituted, and is still supported by the pa triotism of a few wealthy individuals.
The population of Amsterdam in 1806, was estimated at about 300,000 persons; it has a militia consisting- of from 15,000 to 18,000 men; a city guard composed of 1400 soldiers, and a night watch who patrole the streets, and proclaim the hour. Besides these, there are watch men stationed at all the church steeples, who sound a trumpet every half hour, and m case of fire give the alarm by ringing a bell. Amsterdam is distant 44 leagues from Brussels, 49 from Liege, and 112 from Paris.' N. Lat. 52° 22' 45". E. Long. 4° 45' 30". (A4)