would allow it to remain at the Hague. I visited only from 10 to 1. One of the finest pictures in this collection is Poussin's Venus Asleep: a satyr is drawing off the drapery, This artist was one of the most celebrated historical painters the world has ever produced: he was born at Andelys in 1594; studied a long time at Rome; was high in favor with Louis XIII. and Cardinal Richelieu. He died at Rome, in the 72d year of his age. There are several other splendid pictures by Gerard Douw, Holbein, Keyzer, Albert Dürer; some of Wouvermans's best specimens; a storm at sea, by Horace Vernet; two fine portraits, by Rubens-his first and second wives; a hunting scene, by Snyders; a landscape, by Rubens. The lower floor of the Maurits Huis contains the Royal Cabinet of curiosities, which, for its size, is one of the most interesting ever visited, and it is by no means small. It comprises costumes of the Chinese and Japanese of different ranks, historical relics of eminent persons, large collections of Japanese-ware, weapons, coats of mail, and surgical instruments. Among the relics is the dress worn by William, Prince of Orange, the day he was murdered at Delft, the shirt and waistcoat worn by William III. of England the three last days of his life, sword of Van Speyk, the armor of Admiral Van Tromp, a portion of the bed in which Peter the Great slept in his hut at Zaandam, alṣo a model of his cabin. The picture-gallery and museum are open daily from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M., except Sunday; on Saturday it may be THE HAGUE. There is a very The King's Palace, which is near the Museum, is built in the Grecian style, but is not particularly beautiful within or without. It contains the state-rooms in which the King gives audience to his subjects every Wednesday. The Palace of the Prince of Orange contains a very good collection of Dutch paintings, and a large collection of chalk drawings, by the old masters. It was formerly the property of Sir Thomas Lawrence. The Binnenhof is a handsome, irregular, Gothic building, formerly the residence of the Counts of Holland. It is now occupied by different government offices, and the chambers in which the States-General meet. The Hague contains a large number of churches, public and private schools, a state-prison, a library of 100,000 volumes, with a large collection of medals, gems, etc. There are two or three private galleries of paintings that are well worth a visit; those of M. Steengracht and M. Weimar are the principal. The latter are mostly miniatures; in the former are some fine Rembrandts and Tenierses. They must be visited before 12 o'clock: a fee should be given to the servant. There is a fine bronze equestrian statue of William I., Prince of Orange, near the Museum. It was erected in 1848. In the 9th century the Hague was only a hunting-lodge. In 1250 William II. built a palace. In the 16th century it became the seat of government, but it ceased to be the capital in 1806, when Napoleon created the Kingdom of Holland and removed the capital to Amsterdam. In 1814, on the downfall of Napoleon, the seat of government was again located at the Hague. It has been the scene of numerous treatiesin 1630, between France and Holland; in 1658, between France, Holland, and England; in 1701, between the Empire, England, and Prussia against France. The Zoological and Botanical Gardens contain numerous interesting specimens of animals and plants. At the Theatre, French and Dutch operas are performed alternate nights during the season, or four times a week during the autumn and winter. The Public Baths are situated behind the cathedral. In the Willens Park is a SCHEVENINGEN. [HOLLAND.] KATWIJK. monument to Frederick William, Prince of | 30 professors. This is one of the most disOrange. tinguished schools in Europe, and the town William III. of England was born at the long maintained the appellation of the Hague. 'Athens of the West." It has a very valuable museum attached to it. The town is surrounded by a moat. It has eight gates, but its ramparts have been changed into promenades. It is divided by the Rhine into numerous islets, connected by stone bridges. In a tea-garden in the centre of the town stand the ruins of a round tower, said to have been constructed by Drusus Germanicus about the commencement of the Christian era. We would most strongly advise travelers not to leave the Hague without visiting 'T Huis in 't Bosch, or "The House in the Woods." It was the residence of the late Queen of Holland, who died in 1877. It is reached by the elegant promenade the Voorhout, a fine wide road lined with elegant mansions and rows of trees. "The House in the Woods" stands in the centre of a finely wooded park, embellished with artificial lakes and lovely gardens. Externally it is of an unpretending character, The Stadhuis, or town-hall, contains but within it has such an appearance of the some very fine pictures: among them is a luxurious home! The Queen's apartments portrait of the brave burgomaster, Peter teemed with exquisite little gems of paint- Vanderwerf, who so bravely defended the ings, statuettes, bronzes, etc., likenesses of town when besieged by the Spaniards in the late Emperor Napoleon III. and the 1574. The inhabitants lived on dogs, cats, Empress Eugénie predominating. The bill- and rats for weeks after their provisions iard - room is hung with family portraits. had given out. They were finally relieved The Orange Hall, or ball-room, is most by the Prince of Orange, who inundated magnificent in paintings. Ceiling, walls, the country. There is a monument erectand all are covered. Part of its ceiling was ed to his memory in the Church of St. painted by Rubens, and part by Jordaens; Pancras. There is also a picture by Wapwhile Jordaens, Hondthorst, and others pers representing the siege. Among other finished the walls. Many of the rooms celebrated pictures are the Last Judgment, are hung with Chinese silk, beautifully by Lucas Van Leyden, and the Crucifizion, worked. But then its fragrant gardens, by Engelbrecht. In the Museum of Natits flowers, its butterflies, its birds! Oh, ural History (open from 9 to 3), which is what music! The most gorgeous descrip- one of the finest in Europe, there are some tion in "The Arabian Nights" would not do remarkable mineral productions, among justice to it. Every thing was fresh as the which is the largest topaz in the world; breath of spring, blooming as a rosebud, also a piece of native gold weighing nearly and fragrant as an orange-flower. 17 pounds. The Botanical Gardens, Dr. Siebold's Japanese Collection (open daily from 9 to 3; fee, half-guilder), and the Egyptian Collection are all well worth seeing. A visit should be made to the Promenade outside the walls. It is shaded by a double row of trees, and is the usual resort of the inhabitants. Leyden is surrounded by windmills and private villas. About 3 miles from the Hague is the watering-place of Scheveningen (population 9000), which is very fashionable during the season. Apartments may be had at any price, although the tariff is high. It was from this place that Charles II. embarked for England after the downfall of Cromwell. Omnibuses are constantly running between the village and the Hague; also a horse railway. About five miles from Leyden is Katwijk, where, in 1809, King Louis Bonaparte, Principal hotel, Hôtel de la Promenade, father of the late Emperor Napoleon III., newly built on the Avenue, 10 minutes from erected immense sluice-gates, for the purthe beach in the direction of the Hague; pose of helping the Rhine to discharge comfortable apartments. Trains from the its waters into the sea. The works are Hague to Leyden every hour; time, 30 m. remarkable, and well deserving a visit. Leyden is a town of 40,724 inhabitants; They were executed by the celebrated enhotel, Plaats Royal. It is very prettily sit-gineer Conrad. The town contains some uated on the Rhine, and is celebrated for 4200 inhabitants, and is much visited by its University, which has 500 students and the middle classes during the season for WARMOND. [HOLLAND.] HAARLEM. sea-bathing. It.may be reached by omni- | Church of St. Bavon, a vast Gothic strucbus or steamer on the Rhine. ture with a high square tower, from which Trains from Leyden to Haarlem nearly there is an extensive view. It contains every hour; distance, 19 miles. Two miles from Leyden is Warmond, where there is a Roman Catholic college. Eleven miles farther is Vogelenzang, where may be seen the immense steamengines for filling a reservoir of seven acres, to supply the city of Amsterdam with water. Haarlem, situated on the Spaarn, contains 34,132 inhabitants. Hotels, Alouette and Crown. This town is well known in history for the remarkable and prolonged siege which it endured in 1573. It lasted seven months, at the end of which time the inhabitants, wasted by famine, having consumed every thing within the walls, determined to make a sortie and cut their way through the enemy's camp. The Spaniards, hearing of this desperate determination, offered pardon and amnesty if they would yield the city and deliver up 57 of their principal citizens. For the sake of the starving women and children, 57 of the citizens voluntarily yielded themselves up. The city surrendered to the Duke of Alva, who basely violated the terms of the capitulation, putting all the garrison and nearly 2000 of the citizens to death. Haarlem was formerly famous for its bleaching-works, as well as for its cotton manufactures; but both of these branches of industry have fallen off. It is a great mart for the sale of bulbous roots, tulips, hyacinths, and others, which are very extensively cultivated in its outskirts, and supply the floricultural tastes of the most distant portions of Europe. When the tulip mania was at its height in Europe, the most fabulous prices were paid for the bulbs of Haarlem. Instances are recorded where $2000 was paid for a single bulb. The public gambled in them as they do in the different stocks, and they were bought and sold without ever appearing in the transaction. The highest price any of them now brings is $50, although the average price is about 25 cents. There is one horticulturist who exports annually 300,000 crocuses, 200,000 tulips, 100,000 hyacinths, and 100,000 ranunculuses, besides other flowers. one of the lions of the Continent, the great organ, which has 5000 pipes and 60 stops. Its largest metal pipe is 15 inches in diameter. It fills up the whole of one end of the church, reaching nearly to the roof. It is played on certain days, when all are admitted gratuitously. At all other times the fee is $5 for the organist and $1 for the blower. The party may be large or small, it makes no difference. Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 1 to 2 o'clock, a selection of music is played, to hear which the public are admitted gratuitously. Underneath the organ are three excellent statues, representing Faith, Hope, and Charity. Opposite the church is a statue of Lawrence Coster, the reputed inventor of movable types. The Stadhuis, which dates from the early part of the 17th century, contains a muscum of portraits, many of which are of raie interest. The At the south of the city there is a wood of considerable extent. In it there is a pavilion fitted up as a picture-gallery, containing the works of modern Dutch artists. This elegant mansion was built by a banker of Haarlem named Hope, and sold by him to the Emperor Napoleon I. for a residence for his brother Louis. It now belongs to the King of Holland. Among the collection is the Wreck of the William I., by Meyer; the Meeting of Isaac and Rebecca, by Navez; Battle of Waterloo, by Pieneman; the Marriage of Jacqueline of Bavaria and the Duke of Brabant. gallery is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 to 4 o'clock. On other days a small fee will procure admittance. The neighborhood round Haarlem is beautifully laid out in plantations and public walks, and sprinkled with lovely villas. The famous engines that pumped out the Lake of Haarlem, nearly 1,000,000,000 tuns of water, are well worth a visit. By means of this stupendous undertaking, 50,000 acres of land were redeemed and made productive. The appearance of the country, as we approach Amsterdam, is very interesting-with causeways, canals, sluices, and windmills in every direction. Trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam The principal edifice in the city is the every hour; time, 30 m. Amsterdam derives its name from to "dam" the river "Amstel," which runs through the city, and divides it into two nearly equal portions. This commercial capital of Holland, and one of the most wonderful in Europe, contains 289,982 inhabitants. Principal hotels are Hôtel Amstel, and Brack's Doelen Hôtel-a most admirable hotel, one of the very best in Holland: it has large and spacious baths connected with it. The first named is a new and magnificent house, admirably managed. There is a telegraph-office in the house, stables attached, and every accommodation to make the traveler comfortable. AMSTERDAM. there is an excellent view of this most singular city. The palace is richly adorned with pillars and various works of art. During the reign of Louis Bonaparte it became his palace. It was built between the years 1648 and 1655. It contains one large hall in the centre of the building, used for a ball-room, which is considered one of the finest in Europe: it is 125 feet long by 55 feet wide, and is lined with white Italian marble. The palace contains many splendid paintings: one of the most attractive is Van Speyk blowing up his ship sooner than yield to the Belgians, by Wappers. This is situated in the Audience Chamber. In the Bankrupt Court there is a splendid group, representing Dædalus and Icarus. The tower of the palace should be mounted, as from its summit the best view of this curious city can be obtained. The Museum, containing an excellent collection of about 500 pictures, including several masterpieces, principally of the Dutch and Flemish schools, is open to the public from 10 to 3 every day but Saturday, when a fee of one guilder to the keeper will insure admission. Catalogues containing fac-similes of the dif The city, nearly crescent-shaped, has had its ramparts planted with trees and converted into boulevards, the inhabitants trusting their safety to the facility for inundating the surrounding country. On both sides of the Amstel, in the centre of the city, the streets and canals are very irregular; but running parallel with the walls are four canals, and streets not easily matched in any other city of Europe, either for their length, width, or the elegance of their buildings. They are called Princen Gracht, Keyser Gracht, Heeren Gracht, and Singel Gracht. These are so intersected with ferent painters' autographs are for sale, other canals that they divide the city into 90 islands, which are crossed by nearly 300 bridges, partly wood and partly stone. The principal streets are about two miles long. The houses are nearly all of brick, large and well built. The whole city, however -wharves, streets, houses, and canals-is built on piles driven into the ground. The mouths of the canals which open into the River Y (pronounced eye), and also those of the River Amstel, are provided with strong flood-gates, and a dike is erected upon the side of the town nearest the sea to guard against the chance of inundations. The harbor is secure and spacious, and the largest ships come close up to the quays and warehouses. The Royal Palace is the finest building in the city, and, indeed, one of the noblest to be any where met with: it stands in an open space or square called the Damm. This fine structure, regarded by the Dutch as one of the wonders of the world, is erected on a foundation of over 13,000 piles: it is 282 feet in length, 235 in depth, and 116 high, exclusive of the cupola, which is 41 feet higher, and from the top of which price 1 guilders. This catalogue also gives iers's Body-Guard, Temptation of St. Anthony, and Hour of Repose, are all excellent works. The museum contains one of the finest collections of prints in Europe, most of which were collected by Van Leyden. There are numerous private collections in Amsterdam, among which are those of M. Six and Madame Van Loon. The New Church contains some fine monuments, particularly one erected in honor of the brave Admiral De Ruyter. The Old Church of St. Nicholas has some of the finest painted windows in Europe. Amsterdam is famous for the number of its charitable institutions; there are over twenty of different descriptions in the city. Among others is the Society for the Promotion of the Public Weal, extending all over Holland, comprising 14,000 members; also the Burgher Orphan Asylum. You never see a man, woman, or child in the street covered with rags, and a case of drunkenness is of rare occurrence. It is said that Charles II. of England, who had lived a long time in Amsterdam, remarked, when Louis XIV. was about attacking the city, that "Providence will preserve Amsterdam if it were only for the great charity they have for the poor." To obviate the dangers and difficulties of navigating the shallow water of the Zuyder-Zee, a ship-canal has been constructed from Amsterdam to the Helder, a distance of 50 miles, and at an expense of about $5,000,000. This magnificent work is 20 feet deep, and sufficiently wide for two large ships to pass each other. The dues are moderate, and it has been of the greatest service to Amsterdam. There are three theatres in Amsterdam, which are opened alternately every night in the week, Sundays excepted. The performances are in Dutch, Italian, and French, and begin at 6 or 6.30. There are also two smaller ones, where smoking is allowed, with concerts at Frascati's. The theatres are closed from May to September. In the Oude Man Huis are some fine paintings bequeathed to the Royal Academy by M. Van der Hoop. Among them is a remarkably fine Ostade from the cabinet of the Duchesse de Berri. Admission, 50 cents. The Fodor Museum, open daily from 10 to 2 (entrance, 50 cents), contains a valu AMSTERDAM. able collection of modern pictures, etchings, engravings, and ancient and modern drawings. In the Artists' Club on the Rokin there is also an Historic Gallery of Paintings by celebrated Dutch artists of the present day; admission, 25 cents. The principal promenade is the Plantaadje, near the dockyards, and surrounded by canals. Near this are the Zoological Gardens, which well deserve a visit: the fashionable world of Amsterdam may be seen here on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. An English writer says the Dutch bear a strong resemblance to the Chinese: like that industrious and economical race, they keep their hogs, their ducks, and other domestic animals constantly on board their vessels. Their cabins display the same neatness as the parlors of their countrymen on shore. The women employ themselves in all the domestic offices, and are assiduous in embellishing their little sittingrooms with the labors of the needle; and many of them have little gardens of tulips, hyacinths, anemones, and various other flowers. Some of these vessels are of great length, but generally narrow, suitable to the canals and sluices of the town. Ship-building is carried on to a great extent in Amsterdam. There are also manufactures of linen, cotton, silk, with distilleries and breweries, tanneries and tobacco manufactories. The art of cutting diamonds and other stones for the lapidaries has here attained a great perfection. If you are not a dealer in diamonds, you can obtain permission to witness the process of cutting and polishing the stones. The mills are worked by steam-engines; the machinery, acting on metal plates, causes them to revolve with fearful rapidity. On these plates pulverized diamond is laid. The diamond to be polished is then placed on a cap of amalgamized zinc and quicksilver, and pressed on the plates. Diamond dust is the only thing that will cut diamond. When a diamond is to be cut, the diamond dust is placed on a very fine wire, and drawn rapidly backward and forward. Hence the origin of "Diamond cut diamond." The refineries of smalt and borax are peculiar to Amsterdam, as well as the manufacture of vermilion and rouge. Steamers leave for Hamburg every five days; also for London, Hull, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, and Marseilles. |