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XIX

EUROPEAN  POSSESSIONS  IN  THE  WEST
INDIES
Four  European  countries,  England,  France,
Holland  and  Denmark,  have  possessions  in
the  West  Indies.  They  are  readily  accessible,
cleanly,  attractive,  hospitable,  and  will  repay
a  visit  both  for  business  and  for  pleasure.  All
of  them  are  dependent  on  the  outside  world
for  their  staples  and  food  supplies,  and  to-day
are  receiving  great  attention  at  the  hands  of
the  Canadian  merchant,  who  has  in  many  instances ­
  supplanted  us,  especially  in  such  necessities ­
  as  flour,  dried  fish,  butter,  potatoes,
onions,  cheese  and  fruits.  Their  trade  is  well
worth  catering  to,  and  much  of  it  can  be  diverted ­
  into  American  channels.  With  the  exception ­
  of  Martinique  and  Guadeloupe,  English ­
  is  spoken  universally,  even  in  the  Dutch
and  Danish  islands.