A race, engaged for generations in stubborn conflict with the angry elements, was unconsciously educating itself for its great struggle with the still more savage despotism of man.
The whole territory of the Netherlands was girt with forests.

An extensive belt of woodland skirted the sea-coast; reaching beyond the mouths of the Rhine.

Along the outer edge of this carrier, the dunes cast up by the sea were prevented by the close tangle of thickets from drifting further inward; and thus formed a breastwork which time and art were to strengthen.

The groves of Haarlem and the Hague are relics of this ancient forest.

The Badahuenna wood, horrid with Druidic sacrifices, extended along the eastern line of the vanished lake of Flevo.