Philip II. in 1584: and there are also monuments to the memory of Prince Maurice and Frederic-Henry. Delft was formerly famous for its manufactures of earthen-ware, which rivalled the porcelain of China, and was generally sought after and esteemed throughout Europe, for its elegance and beauty. At present scarcely five hundred persons are employed in the potteries of this place, which in their most flourishing days gave subsistence to upwards of ten thousand labourers. The same jealousy, however, towards strangers is still observed; here; and unless a traveller is well recommended, he cannot obtain a sight of their manufactures. The decay of this branch of commerce doubtless arises in part from the same causes which have enfeebled the republic, as the dissensions of domestic parties, the expensive wars in which the state has been involved, and the dreadful termination of its hostilities with France; but the more prominent causes of this astonishing decay are, the immense quantities of porcelain which for a century and a half have been imported into Europe
