A Marken interior.
the group of curiously dressed people, who returned their looks of astonishment. Over small bridges the little black tarred houses of the islands, with their red-tiled roofs, were
soon reached, the casings of the small, square-paned windows and doors contrasting beautifully white against the blackened walls. Green doors, and here and there a red-striped green shutter lent color to the scheme, and some of the doorways were relieved with the emblem of a ship painted in black, above them, with the date of the building arranged on either side. The captain stopped to explain that the occupants were often “much wealthy,” living a simple life, far away from the vanities of this foolish world, with no expenditure except for the necessities of life, and a lucrative fishing trade constantly, through generations, adding to the family strong box; and it was found by exploring, that many a modest exterior held articles of virtu, which many collectors would like to possess. The floors were covered with china matting, much heavier than the usual kind, and scrubbed very clean. It is the custom among the people to leave their shoes outside when they enter, walking on the matting in their heavily stockinged feet; and no doubt the cleanly Marken housewife has many qualms as the tourist, unacquainted with the custom, knocks at her52