199 
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 in 
stances supplanted us, especially in such neces 
sities as flour, dried fish, butter, potatoes, 
onions, cheese and fruits. Their trade is well 
worth catering to, and much of it can be di 
verted into American channels. With the ex 
ception of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Eng 
lish is spoken universally, even in the Dutch 
and Danish islands.