Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo were established by Dutch settlers in the early 17th century. In 1814 or 15 the three colonies were ceded to Great Britain, which merged them in 1831 to form the colony of British Guiana, the former colonies becoming counties. In 1966 British Guiana became the independent nation of Guyana. Works by these jurisdictions are found under the following headings according to the name used at the time of publication: Berbice. Demerara. Essequibo. British Guiana. Guyana. SUBJECT ENTRY: Works about these jurisdictions, regardless of period covered, are entered under Guyana. Works limited in subject coverage to historical, political or cultural aspects of Guyana for the pre-merger period are entered under the name of one or more of the original jurisdictions. Works on other subjects relating to Berbice, Demerara and/or Essequibo for any pre-merger period are entered under the name of the present jurisdiction, Guyana.