Brabant

Brabant, the central district in the Netherlands, extending from the Waal to the head of the Dyle, and from the Meuse and plain of Limburg to the Lower Scheldt, was formerly a separate duchy, but is now divided between Belgium and Holland. It comprises three provinces, viz.: 1, North or Dutch Brabant, area 1,960 square miles, where the inhabitants are mainly Dutch; 2, the Belgian province of Antwerp, area 1,095 square miles, where the inhabitants are mainly Flemings; and 3, South Brabant, also Belgian, area 1,276 square miles, where the inhabitants are mainly Walloons. As to the general aspect of the country, it is for the most part a plain sloping gently towards the north-west, with, in the south, a few low hills and the forest of Soignies, and in the north, level tracts. The principal rivers are the Meuse and the Scheldt with their tributaries. The soil is fertile and well cultivated, agriculture and cattle - raising being extensively engaged in. Chicory, hops, and tobacco, are also grown, and amongst the industries, besides the well-known Brabant lace, are the production of sugar from the beet, of earthenware, leather, salt, thread, woollens, etc. The chief towns are Brussels, Hertogenbosch, Bergen-op-Zoom, Tilburg, Louvain, etc.