Limburg

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the Netherlands and Belgium. Limburg remained a duchy until 1903, and this is perhaps why the Queen's Commissioner for Limburg is still called Governor and the arms of Limburg province incorporate those of the duchies of Gelderland and Limburg.

Apart from the towns Limburg is still largely an agricultural province, though since the end of the 19th century industry has come to play a predominant role in the economy. Typical of the region are large scattered villages made up of small and medium-sized farm holdings. Outside the villages there are many larger farms of 50-100 hectares/125-250 acres. The principal crops are wheat and sugar-beet, with some fruit and dairy farming. North Limburg is an area of arable farming and market gardening (particularly asparagus), as well as mushroom- growing. There are also nurseries growing flowers and vegetables.

A major tourist and holiday center is the little town of Valkenburg, dominated by the ruins of its 13th century castle, which has an underground Mining Museum in a disused pit. There is also a Mining Museum in Rolduc Abbey (founded 1104) at Kerkrade. At Heerlen is the Museum Thermen, with the remains of Roman baths.