The population increase in the Netherlands in the years after the first World War caused the author to study its consequences, particularly in relation to Dutch agriculture. The concepts 'overpopulation and underpopulation and optimum population' were discussed in the light of the theories of Malthus and many others. As definition the standard of living, measured by average income per head, was chosen.The population density and the possibilities of changing the agricultural production were also judged from an economic aspect. Employment in agriculture could be diminished by planning and mechanization; intensification and reclamation could increase employment. In the 1920's the prices of land and the rent of farms increased sharply anddid not respond to the decline in prices of agricultural products. This led to a partial overpopulation that may be ascribed to the large number of farmer's sons, born during prosperity, who had been waiting for a farm. Besides the possibilities of extending agricultural employment, emigration of farmers and farmer's sons was considered one of the best remedies for this problem. Improvement of the facilities (without direct subsidies of the Government) for settlement in France were discussed.

The population increase in the Netherlands in the years after the first World War caused the author to study its consequences, particularly in relation to Dutch agriculture. The concepts 'overpopulation and underpopulation and optimum population' were discussed in the light of the theories of Malthus and many others. As definition the standard of living, measured by average income per head, was chosen.The population density and the possibilities of changing the agricultural production were also judged from an economic aspect. Employment in agriculture could be diminished by planning and mechanization; intensification and reclamation could increase employment. In the 1920's the prices of land and the rent of farms increased sharply anddid not respond to the decline in prices of agricultural products. This led to a partial overpopulation that may be ascribed to the large number of farmer's sons, born during prosperity, who had been waiting for a farm. Besides the possibilities of extending agricultural employment, emigration of farmers and farmer's sons was considered one of the best remedies for this problem. Improvement of the facilities (without direct subsidies of the Government) for settlement in France were discussed.