Book excerpt: "Dive into the colorful past of Florida's natural wonders! In this visual tour of the state's five largest springs, collector-extraordinaire Tim Hollis brings together postcards, advertisements, brochures, signs, flyers, and souvenirs from the early days of these popular roadside attractions. Since tourists first started visiting the Sunshine State, they were drawn to these liquid gems: Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, Rainbow Springs, Weeki Wachee Spring, and Homosassa Springs. Today the springs are protected as state parks and continue to lure tourists and nature lovers alike. Sit back and enjoy the eye-catching scenes of the mermaids, alligators, underwater mountains, and glass bottom and submarine boats that helped these unique parts of the natural landscape become must-see destinations"--