Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Scheldt

SCHELDT (skĕlt; Dutch, Schelde —shel'-duh), one of the most importantrivers of Belgium and the Netherlands.It rises in the French department of theAisne; flows circuitously throughBelgium; reaches Ghent, where it receivesthe Lys; at Antwerp attains a breadthof about 1,600 feet, and forms a capaciousand secure harbor. About 15 milesbelow Antwerp, shortly after reaching theDutch frontier, it divides into the Eastand West Scheldt, thus forming a doubleestuary. The whole course is 267 miles,about 210 of which are navigable. Until1863, when navigation was made free bythe Treaty of Brussels, the Dutchmonopolized it and levied tolls on foreignvessels. As a result of the World Warand the Peace Treaty of Versailles,control of the Scheldt became again asubject of controversy between Holland andBelgium.