The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-05-13
HE LIKES MARYLAND.
Rev. NJ. Il. A. Van Der Walk, Of Hol-
land. Is Impressed With This
States Advantages.
States Advantages.

Rev. VI. II. 4. Van Der Nalk editor of
the New Provincial Journal, published at
Groningeu, Holland, has been on a tour OF
inspection over the Eastern Shore Of May.
land in company with Secretary Van Der
Ucoet. Of the bureau of immigration. In
explaining his visit to Maryland, Mr.. Van
Der Walk said
'The people of Holland have heard much
of the resources aud the heautes OF this
State through Mr.. Van Der Hoogt who
recently lectured throughout the Neither
lands Oh Maryland and my people have
delegated me to visit Maryland and report
to them personally what advantages this
State offers for immigration. l have made
a close inspection, not only OF the land,
but of the people generally. On my trip
have been accompanied by my brother, MI.
L. Van Der Walk, who is an expert farmer.
81 first visited Wilhelmina Colony, in
Caroline county, where a number OF my
countrymen are located. | was agreeably
surprised and pleased to find them happy
and fairly prosperous. examined the
soil, which seems to be especially adapted
to the growing of vegetables and small
fruits.
"After leaving Wilhelmiua we visited
Wicomico and Somerset counties. was
particularly grattied with the section OF
Somerset county near Westover, where a
number of my countrymen have located.
1t is, indeed, a charming spot. The soil
there, | found, was different from that
examined in Caroline county, being par
ticularly well adapted for grazing purposes
and for stock. Our people, you know, are
great cattle raisers and butter and cheese
producers, and this particular part OF
MARYLAND would be an ideal spot for them.
Both my brother and found that the SOIL
of Somerset was identical with that in the
best part OF the Netherlands.
''rhe cheapness OF Che land here is in
striking contrast with the high prices al
which land is held in Holland. Two and
ODp-tliLt acres Vi SNNiI ltii' 80 l '''''''' "a
Somerset would rent for $500 per year in
Holland. | am told here that for $500 sc
could purchase outright about live times
that amount OF land. This will be one OF
the strongest inducements that can he OF
fered to my countrymen.
"The conditions existing in the Neither
lands are entirely different from thoss in
Maryland, and you will pardon ME if say
that the coming Of number OF my coun
trymen to this State would reyolUtionize
the method OF farming here. do not mean
this as reflection on Mary land, whose
people | have found most hospitahle aud
kind, but the manner Of cultivating the
land is entirely different. Owing to the
scarcity OF farm land and to high prices
the Holland farmer is compelled to cu!ti-
yate every inch of territory, while in Mary
land have noticed much land which APP
parently is left uncultivated. | represent
at least fifty families, and on my return
shall report to them that all the good
things we have heard about Maryland are
true, and shall advise them by all means
to make for themselves homes in this
country.
81 am satisfied that in the fall there will
be general movement from the Neither
lands to Maryland, whose advantages
consider unsurpassed.