ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DIKE 9

 

A DUTCH DIKE AS SEEN FROM THE LAND SIDE,

they are so skilfully slanted and paved on the outside
with flat stones that the efforts of the thumping waves
to beat them down only make them all the firmer!

These Holland dikes are among the wonders of the
world. I cannot say for how many miles they stretch
along the coast, and throughout the interior ; but you may
be sure that wherever a dike is necessary to keep back
the encroaching waters, there it is. Otherwise, nothing
would be there—at least, nothing in the form of land;
nothing but a fearful illustration of the principal law of
hydrostatics: Water always seeks its level.

Sometimes the dikes, however carefully builded, will
spring a leak, and if this be not promptly attended to, terri-
ble results are sure to follow. In threatened places guards
are stationed at intervals, and a steady watch is kept up
night and day. At the first signal of danger, every Dutchman
within hearing of the startling bell is ready to rush to the
rescue. When the weak spot is discovered, what do you
think is used to meet the emergency ? What, but straw—

everywhere else considered the most helpless of all things