viil Preface

was empty, and many things in Holland had changed since the
days when Hans and his little sister skated on the frozen “ Y.”
But, to my joy, every detail of the earlier picture of the coun-
try was verified. Holland was still wonderful, —in fact, more
wonderful; for time only increased the marvel of its not being
washed away by the sea.

Its cities have grown, and, in some of them, national cos-
tumes have given place to the conventional European dress of
the day. A few of its peculiarities have been brushed away
by contact with other nations; but it is Holland still, and always
will be; full of oddity, courage and industry, —the pluckiest
little country on earth.

Through the liberality of the publishers, this story of Dutch
life is now presented in a more beautiful form than ever be-
fore. Mr. Allen B. Doggett, who made a journey to Holland
for the express purpose of illustrating this latest and best edition
of the story, has done his work with rare skill and discretion
and appreciative fidelity to nature.

While thanking the illustrator for his artistic and sympathetic
work, I must again express my gratitude to the publishers, the
critics, and, above all, the boys and girls of America, England,
France and Holland for the kindness they have shown toward
this simple story of Hans and Gretel and the Silver Skates.

M. M. D.