Abridgement of the author's work previously published in English under the title: New Netherland.

Introduction : "a blessèd country, where milk and honey flow" -- Reconnaissance and exploration -- Population and immigration -- Authority, government, and justice -- Trade, agriculture, and artisans -- The Reformed Church and the others -- Burghers and status -- Living in a colony -- Epilogue : "it has pleased the Lord [to ordain] that we must learn English.".