As a matter of fact they were playing golf, as old pictures tell, before it had found its way to England at all; and there are now many golf clubs in Holland.

The Dutch are excellent also at lawn tennis; and I saw the youth of Franeker very busy in a curious variety of rounders.

There are horse-racing meetings and trotting competitions too.

But the nation is not naturally athletic or sporting.

It does not even walk except on business.
In winter, however, the Dutch are completely transformed.