Morris tribune., 1884-12-17
THE DIKEs OF HOLLAND.
An Incessant Toll and Vigilance ny
Which Safety is Secured.

Skirtinr along the dikes we had
GOOD opportunity of seeing some OF the
Snrsssant toll. some of the constant
engineering and battling with inc sea
to keep it at anything like o saie ols,
lance. The dikes about this lslano
are, perhaps, the finest, the most con
stantly guarded in all the country
The dike.workers are distinct class
a Guild, in fact, jealous OF their craft
and its rights and privileges. 1t Is
not the first conner who may be o regu-
lar dike-worker. even if he should wish
to be. We saw great gangs OF them
Going from point to point with pick ana
Shovel. ever on the lookout for weak
spots in the great embankment, ever
refacine it with miles of concrete, ana
strengthening every point with strong
groins running into the sea. o.,
It was almost pathetic to note with
what solicitude every blade OF the
binding bent-grass was coaxed TO
GROW. Every little tuft was watched
and tended as if it was some choice
tulip. The top of the dixie formed
level, firm road, stretching away 1or
miles. The sea looked so mild, ana
CAV, and innocent as it gently Tapped
the edges of the mighty barriers, that
it seemed an effort to fancy it an enemy
capable of mischief. The breezes were
simply delicious and fresh, coming
over the wide North Sea. Inland, the
scenery was fiat and grim, and seri-
Gus. Farmsteads in the far distance
looked green and fat enough. Sheep
and kline were plentiful about the rlch
fields. Just over the edge of the dikes
were the little scattered hamlets OF the
fisher-people and poldermen: the dixie
workers lived more of a rowing ilfe'
camping out here and there, as their
work called them from one point to
another. Sometimes the wind had
blown up and the seas tossed up great
long meandering mounds of sand,
helping to back and strengthen the
bikes. On these billowy hillocks the
grass was carefully planted in little
regular tufts, and stunted pines were
set wherever the tempest would spare
them to grow. All sorts OF binding
vegetation were carefully protected.
The very children knew enough to let
It alone.
! We stopped atZoutland, and climbed
to the top of the dunes to look about
US and sniff tho sea-breeze. Down far
below us lay the village-so far, that
had the waters swept over the rim OF
the sandy dixie, the sea would have
only reached its level when it played
about the tail of the weather-cock or
the gray old church-tower. There are
watchers ever on the lookout, day and
night, calm and storm. No wonder
that the set, anxious look one sees or
every face, that seems to be born VIII
every babe, should be the only char
acteristic expression one remarks
among the people here!
When the watchers of the dikes SCI
danger, the alarm-bell is rung, ant
eyery soul either flies to the dikes TO
J safety, or to help the gangs of worker
, to stop the threatened breach. Al
was calm enough at that moment, tn
tide was far out, and yet the villag
seemed far below its level. The cottag
window lights were twinkling in tn
} | gloom as evening was just coming on
: The church-bell was tolling for even
ING service, and the warm glow OF sun
set lust touched the top of its tower
Through the tall lancet-windows on
7 could See q flush of warm lamp-ligh
t within. All sounds and sights were
peace and calm, and yet there some
! how came upon the imagination tn
,, grim reverse of the picture; the clane
inc alarm-bell, the hurrying to and ire
the wild fight for safety from the mao
: hungry sea. We were feeling deadl
oppressed by the prevailing seriou:
ness of the place.-George Il. Boatghto'
in Harper's MAGAZINE.