As the Dutch commerce was decidedly and undoubtedly more extensive than that of all the rest of Europe, about the middle of the seventeenth century, it may be proper, before we conclude our notice of it at this time, to consider briefly the causes which cherished it into such full growth and vigour.  These causes are explained in a very judicious and satisfactory manner by Sir William Temple, in his observations on the Netherlands.  He remarks, that though the territory of the Dutch was very small, and though they laboured under many natural disadvantages, yet their commerce was immense; and it was generally esteemed that they had more shipping belonging to them than there did to all the rest of Europe.

They had no native commodities towards the building or equipping their ships; their flax, hemp, pitch, wood, and iron, coming all from abroad, as wool does for clothing their men, and corn for feeding them.  The only productions or manufactures of their own, which they exported, were butter, cheese, and earthern wares.  They have no good harbours in all their coast; even Amsterdam is difficult of approach, from the dangerous entrance of the Texel, and the shallowness of the Zuider Zee.

What then were the causes which, in spite of these disadvantages, rendered Holland so commercial?  In the first place, great multitudes in small compass, who were forced to industry and labour, or else to want.  In the second place, the emigration of men of industry, skill, and capital, driven into Holland from Germany, France, and England, by persecution and civil wars.  In the third place, the security to property established by the government of the United States; and akin to this, general liberty of conscience in religious matters.  The great fairs in the Netherlands may be regarded as another cause.  These Sir W. Temple regards as the principal causes of the foundation of their trade.  He next enquires into the chief advancers and encouragers of trade in that country.

These he considers to have been low interest, which caused money to be easily obtained, not only for the purposes of commerce, but also to make canals, bridges, &c. and to drain marshes.  The use of their banks, which secures money, and makes all payments easy and trade quick,—­the sale by registry, which makes all purchases safe,—­the severity of justice, especially with regard to forging bills,—­the convoys of merchant ships, which gives trade security, the nation credit abroad, and breeds up seamen,—­the lowness of their custom duties and freedom of their ports, which rendered their cities magazines as well as markets,—­order and exactness in managing their trade,—­each town affecting some particular commerce or staple, and so improving it to the greatest height; as Flushing, the West India trade; Middleburgh, French wines; Terveer, the Scotch staple; Dort, the English staple and Rhenish wines; Rotterdam, the English and Scotch trade at large, and French wines; Leyden,