he buildings are much handsomer here," she assented.

"O, how lovely!" "How splendid!" cried Nettie and Allan in a breath, as
they came upon a fine open space, ornamented with a lake, and wooded
island in its centre.

"This is the Vyverberg," the boatman said.

"Mamma, how good of you to bring us here!" cried the children; "it is
perfectly splendid!"

Well might they say so. The square containing the lovely lake and island
was surrounded by the handsomest and chief public edifices of the city,
the finest one of them all being the former palace of Prince Maurice, now
the National Museum, celebrated for its gallery of pictures.

The Royal Museum and other famous buildings were there; but that to which
our party's attention was most closely drawn was the hotel.

It stood facing the lake, a broad, comfortable-looking brick building,
with heavy balconies, and frowning eaves and ornamental stucco work
surrounded its doorways and windows. Between it and the avenue lay a
beautiful garden, and just beyond the building was a small shady grove.

"Mamma," exclaimed Nettie, "I _do_ think the Germans and Dutch have the
most exquisite gardens in the world."

"They are certainly very beautiful," said Mrs. Hyde. "Here in Holland
great attention is paid to the culture of flowers. Indeed, some of the
finest varieties are raised here, and Holland bulbs are among our choicest
varieties."

"Mrs. Hyde, I suppose I am very stupid," said Allan, blushing, "but I do
not know what 'bulbs' are."

"No, indeed, Allan; you show great good sense in asking about whatever you
do not understand. That is the way to learn. Bulbous plants are those
which have a round root, and produce very few leaves; they are such as the
tulip, hyacinth, crocus, and others. They are nearly all ornamental and
beautiful from the very large size and brilliant color of their flowers.
Holland tulips were once so much in demand as to bring almost fabulous
prices. A gentleman in Syracuse gave a valuable span of horses, and
another exchanged his farm, for a bed of the tulip bulbs."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Allan. "It is very interesting. When I am a man I
think I will be a florist. I am very fond of flowers; they were a great
comfort to me when I was blind."

As Allan ceased speaking, the boat stopped, and they were landed upon a
short flight of stone steps. Eric gave directions for the baggage, and
then all proceeded to the hotel.

A carriage was approaching them q