On returning from Marken the traveler will find it worth his while to
run west to the quaint old town of Haarlem (hahr´-lem). This is the city
of the governor of the province of North Holland, and is one of the
cleanest and neatest towns in the Netherlands. Its population is
something over 70,000, and it has the appearance of prosperity and
welfare. During the Middle Ages, Haarlem was the residence of the counts
of Holland, and was the scene of several important military engagements
between the Dutch and the Spaniards. It is famous for its horticulture,
and furnishes bulbs to every country in Europe and North America. Along
about the middle of spring a wonderful sight may be seen in the lands
surrounding Haarlem. Whole fields of hyacinths, crocuses, anemones,
tulips, lilies, etc., offer a brilliant variety of color and fill the
air with delicious perfume. It is a feast for the senses indeed!
[Illustration: Copyright, American Press Association