PREFACE
AVA is still the most beautiful country in all the world, and in the twentieth century is a much more enjoyable place than during the century when I paid it my first visit. The Netherlands officials have greatly relented in their attitude to travelers, and really welcome them. There are guides and guide-books, even an official tourist bureau, and one may be personally conducted or go with his own coupons everywhere. The hotels have been enlarged and modernized, and the automobile has made a driving tour over the beautiful country roads a still more perfect pleasure. The price of the toelatings kart, or admission fee, has recently been doubled, but it does not become an American to grumble at anything Dutch officials or a custom-house may do, after the extraordinary exhibit of American methods at near-by Manila.
The Netherlands India government is doing much to advance the welfare and education of the natives.
ix
