Culture in Holland is widely diffused.  The well-to-do classes usually read and speak two or three languages beside their own; and the Dutch language is a finished literary tongue of great flexibility and copiousness.  The system of education is excellent.  Since 1900 attendance at the primary schools between the ages of six and thirteen is compulsory.  Between the primary schools intermediate education (middelbaaronderwijs) is represented by “burgher night-schools” and “higher burgher schools.”  The night-schools are intended for those engaged in agricultural or industrial work; the “higher schools” for technical instruction, and much attention is paid to the study of the vier talen—­French, English, German and Dutch.  In connection with these there is an admirable School of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry at Wageningen in Gelderland.  To the teaching at Wageningen is largely due the acknowledged supremacy of Holland in scientific horticulture.  There is a branch establishment at Groningen for agricultural training, and another at Deventer for instruction in subjects connected with colonial life.  The gymnasia, which are to be found in every town, are preparatory to the universities.  The course lasts six years; and the study of Latin and Greek in addition to modern languages is compulsory.  There are four universities, Leyden, Utrecht, Groningen and Amsterdam.  The possession of a doctor’s degree at one of these universities is necessary for magistrates, physicians, advocates, and for teachers in the gymnasia and higher burgher schools.

In so small a country the literary output is remarkable, and, marked as it is by scientific and intellectual distinction, deserves to be more widely read.  The Dutch are justly proud of the great part their forefathers played during the War of Independence, and in the days of John de Witt and William III.  For scientific historical research in the national archives, and in the publication of documents bearing upon and illustrating the national annals, Dutch historians can compare favourably with those of any other country.  Special mention should be made of the labours of Robert Fruin, who may be described as the founder of a school with many disciples, and whose collected works are a veritable treasure-house of brilliant historical studies, combining careful research with acute criticism.  Among his many disciples the names of Dr P.J.  Blok and Dr H.T.  Colenbrander are perhaps the best known.

In the department of Biblical criticism there have been in Holland several writers of European repute, foremost among whom stands the name of Abraham Kuenen.