(killed 1382 at the battle of Rosebecq, between the revolted citizens and the army of Louis II.), should be seen.

Palace of Justice. This striking building by Rôlands, is situated in the Rue du Théâtre. The ground floor is used as the Exchange, and the upper chamber as Courts of Justice.

Palais de l'Université.-Founded by William I., King of Holland, in 1826. It is a beautiful and modern edifice, having a splendid Corinthian portico, modelled from the Pantheon, at Rome, and is built on the site of the Jesuits' College. The library consists of 100,000 vols. and 7,000 MSS.; amongst these are a Mayence Bible, 1472, and a folio Latin Bible, 1466, and a number of other ancient volumes.

The Museum of Natural History is not less remarkable for its extent than for the richness of its collection. The University contains a library, open to the public each day from nine to twelve and from two to five o'clock, except on Sundays and feast-days. This library contains 60,000 volumes, and very many precious manuscripts. The Jardin Botanique, instituted in 1797, belongs to the University, and is one of the finest in Belgium. It contains a collection of 8,000 plants, of 1,000 different species.

Maison des Bateliers, on the Quai aux Herbes, is an old and picturesque edifice, built in 1513. The Halle aux Draps will also repay notice. Maison de Detention, a house of correction, situated on the north side of the city, on the Coupure canal, which is bordered by a double row of large trees. It was constructed in 1773, in the reign of Maria Theresa, and forms a perfect octagon, in the centre of which is a spacious court, communicating with the different quadrangles of the establishment. Each quadrangle or ward has a yard, and in the centre of that belonging to the female ward is a large basin of water, in which the female prisoners wash the linen of the whole establishment. Each prisoner sleeps alone in a small but well-aired room, and is employed during the day in working at whatever trade or business he or she is most competent to do. Of the produce of this labour, five-tenths are retained by government when the prisoners are merely detained correctionally; six-tenths when they have been sentenced

to hard labour. The remainder is divided into two portions; half is given to the prisoners weekly for pocket money, and the other given to them at the expiration of the term of their imprisonment, to assist in their re-establishment in the world. Religious service and instruction are provided and attended to in an admirable manner; and if prisoners are found ignorant of the first elements of knowledge, as reading, writing, and arithmetic, they receive instruction in the various branches. Insubordination or refractory conduct is punished by solitary confinement. The shop for refreshments sold to the prisoners is kept under strict regulations by the officers of the establishment, and the profits are employed as rewards for the most industrious and well-behaved prisoners. The new part of the building, which has been recently completed, has cost upwards of £40,000, and the whole edifice is calculated to receive two thousand six hundred prisoners.

Le Kauter, or Place d'Armes, is a large square planted with trees. It is a beautiful promenade, and has a military band usually playing there on summer evenings.

The Marché au Vendredi (Friday's Market), a vast square, so called from the day on which the fair is held. It is remarkable as having been the spot where the trades' unions of the middle ages planted their standards and rallied to arms. On it the ceremonial of inaugurating the Counts of Flanders was celebrated with a gorgeous and luxurious grandeur, unequalled at the present day. This spot is also identified with one of the most painful and tragic reminiscences connected with the history of Ghent.

It is celebrated as being the scene of an internecine conflict, in which fifteen hundred citizens were slain by fellow-citizens. The weavers and fullers constituted the two factions, and the former were led on and headed by Jacques Van Artavelde, called the Brewer of Ghent, in the corporation of which body he enrolled himself, though descended from one of the first families in Flanders. The day, to mark the sanguinary and disgraceful work, was called Evil Monday, in the annals of the town. On that spot, and on that day forty years after, Philip, the son of that Jacques, was saluted Protector of Ghent, and received the oath

of fidelity from his townsmen on the occasion of his being called upon to lead them against Louis de Mâle. In the Marché au Vendredi also were lighted the fires of the Inquisition, under the Duke of Alva. The great cannon, situated in a street called the "Mannekens Aert," close to the Marché, is called Die dulle Griete, alias Mad Margery, and is one of the most enormous ever made, measuring 10 feet in length and 10 feet in circumference. It is made of hammered iron, and was used in 1382 at the siege of Oudenarde, by the citizens of Ghent. An interesting monument of antiquity stands in the Place St. Pharailde, near the Marché aux Poissons. It consists of an old turreted gateway, called the Oudeburg, or the count's fort or castle, built in 868, by Baldwin Bras de Fer. It is incorporated with a cotton factory now, and deserves a visit, as one of the oldest buildings in Belgium. In the year 1338, Edward III. and his family resided here. During his residence his queen gave birth to her son, John of Gaunt (Ghent). An intimate and friendly alliance existed for years between the English and people of Ghent.

It may not be uninteresting to mention the fate of Jacques Van Artevelde, the brewer, whom Edward III. of England used to style "his dear gossip." He was a faithful friend and ally to this king, and lost his life, it may be said, in his service. He invited Edward III. over to Sluis, in 1344, with a view of taking council for the promotion of the promise made to the king by Jacques, to the effect that he would make him "Lord and heritor of Flanders," a thing altogether opposed to the wishes of the Gantoises. Public indignation was excited against him, and was further increased by a rumour to the effect that he had, during his administration of the government of Flanders, stealthily sent large sums of money out of the exchequer to England, which so exasperated the people as to cause them to enter into a revolt against him, assault his house, which was attacked by a mob of 400 persons, and broken into, when a citizen, named Thomas O. Dennys, slew him without mercy. Thus perished the man by the hands of those citizens whom he once influenced, led, and governed. His Statue was set up in the Square, 1863, on the site of one of Charles V., which stood here till 1796. A statue of Van Eyck (1878) stands in the Kauter Square, where he lived and died.

Portes de la Ville, or City Gates.-There are seven principal Gates, the most remarkable of which are those of Brussels, St. Lievin, St. Peter, and Bruges, all of which present curious relics of the ancient gates erected in the 14th century. The greater number of these gates have been re-constructed.

Casino. Situated near the canal (cut in 1750, to unite the Lys and Bruges canal together), and built for the Botanical Society and the Musical Society of St. Cécily.

Citadel. Was erected by Charles V., and was the first thing of the kind raised in Belgium. It was called "Château des Espagnols," and is situated on the east side of the town, not far from the Porte d'Anvers. In it were imprisoned the Counts Egmont and Hoorn; and it was besieged in 1570 by the townspeople, under the Prince of Orange, when they rose to throw off the Spanish yoke. The Spaniards vigorously defended it, but 3,000 Gantoises, wearing white shirts to distinguish them, assaulted it, and were repulsed, in consequence of the ladders being too short. The Spaniards capitulated next morning, after the attack, and, terms being granted, the Senora Mondragon, who had bravely defended the fortress during her husband's absence, with about 150 men, some women, and a few children, the sole remnant of the garrison, marched out, to the surprise of the victors.

Hospitals.-Ghent possesses 21 hospitals, civil and military. The principal of these is the Byloque, founded in 1225, and capable of containing 600 sick. In the church attached to it, Jacques Van Artavelde was buried. The Military hospital is situated near the church of St. Martin.

Theatre.-A magnificent theatre has been lately erected at the corner of the Place d'Armes. The salon, concert hall, and ball-rooms are beautiful in

their construction and decoration. It was erected at a cost of £100,000.

Louis XVIII. waited here by the Duke of Wellington's advice before Waterloo, "that he might be ready to go to England or Paris;" and here Rothschild, by watching at the king's door, got news of the victory, posted to London, and made a great sum.

The commerce and manufactures of Ghent are very extensive and various; the most important of the latter consist of cotton weaving, bleaching, and printing, cotton spinning, lace making, cloth working, gin distilling, sugar refining, soap

making, brewing, goldsmiths' work, paper making, and numerous other branches of industry, particularly the making of masks, of which large quantities are exported all over the world. There is also a superb iron foundry and engine manufactory, called the Phoenix, founded 1821 by M. Huytens Kerremans, in Ghent. Every day, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, a bell rings, to announce to the workmen, who amount in number to 1,500 and upwards, the hour of going to work. While this bell is ringing, none of the bridges are allowed to be turned, lest they should intercept the passage of the industrious artizans.

The environs of Ghent are pleasant and fertile, abounding particularly in corn, flax, madder, and tobacco. Outside the Porte de Courtrai are numerous country houses, and the road is bordered with pleasure gardens. Near the Porte d' Anvérs are still to be traced the ruins of the citadel constructed by Charles V., as above mentioned, on the site of the abbey of St. Bavon; and in the neighbourhood of the gate of St. Lievin is found a transparent stone, resembling the flint of Fleuris.

The fairs held at Ghent commence on the 16th March, and continue for eighteen days; 10th July, seventeen days; 9th August, one day; and 3rd October, two days.

A communication between the sea and Ghent exists by means of a canal, which enters the Schelde at Terneuse. This ensures all the advantages of a seaport to the city. Vessels drawing eighteen feet of water can enter the basin. About fourteen miles north, at Sas van Ghent, are sluices, by means of which the entire country can be laid under water.

GHENT TO ANTWERP, see Route 10. Six other lines run to Selzaete, Hecloo, Bruges, and Ostend; Thourout, Oudenarde, Malines, &c.

Ghent to Mechlin and Brussels. Leaving Ghent, the railway after crossing the Scheldt is carried along the south side of it. The scenery is interesting, and such as usually characterises the environs of a great and populous city, until we arrive at

Melle (Station), on the Escaut. Containing a population of 1,900. The routes from Brussels to Ghent, and from Ghent to Mons by Grammont here join. From this station to Wetteren the line describes an immense curve, following the bend of

the Escaut, on whose surface can be seen the boats as they sail up and down the river.

Wetteren (Station). A charming village, or rather town, the capital of a canton, situated to the right of the railway, on the right bank of the Escaut. It contains a population of about 9,000 souls. At this point the direct line to Brussels diverges to the right, forming a communication with

Alost (Station)-Hotels: De Flandre, opposite Station; des Trois Rois. On the river Dendre, the chief town of the district of East Flanders, said to owe its origin to a fortress built by the Goths in 411. It was formerly the capital of what was call Imperial Flanders, and was reduced to ashes by conflagration in 1360; in 1667 the celebrated Marshal Turenne took and dismantled it. The old Town Hall, a fine Gothic edifice, built in 1210, was unfortunately burnt in 1879. The collegiate Church of St. Martin was built by the same architect as the cathedral of Amiens, and contains a fine picture by Rubens, representing the "Plague of Alost." The population is about 21,630, chiefly engaged in linen, soap, and thread-lace manufactures. From here a branch goes off to Antwerp, viá Opwyck (Station), on the Assche and Termonde line; Londerzeel (Station), on the line from Ghent to Malines; Boom (Station), page 31; and Hoboken (Station).

Leaving Wetteren, the road crosses a viaduct, and passing along, has to the left the little villages of Cherscamp and Schelle-Belle, and arrives at Wichelen, after passing the Molenbeek, a stream flowing into the Escaut.

Wichelen (Station). A small commune to the right of the railway, with a population of 4,000 inhabitants. This station is the point-d'arrét for each train. On quitting this place, the railway proceeds through a rather uninteresting piece of country, and arrives at

Termonde (Station), or Dendermonde.

Inns: Aigle; de la Demi-Lune. Population, 8,640. An ancient town, said to be earlier than the time of Charlemagne. It is situated at the mouth of the river Dendre, at its confluence with the Scheldt. The inhabitants have a taste for the fine arts, and the traveller may readily obtain access to several private collections, among which we may name those of M. Schellekin and Madame Terlinden. David Teniers married in this town,

and resided for several years. The population is chiefly engaged in the hemp and flax trade. It is 16 miles by railway west of Malines and 19 from Ghent. The church of Notre Dame will repay a visit. It is a low. old building, surmounted by an octagon tower, and contains a Crucifixion and Adoration of the Shepherds, by Van Dyck, and a Virgin and Saints, by Crayer. A rail from Lokeren comes in here.

From Termonde, a line of 94 miles goes off, via Grembergen and Hamme, to St. Nicholas (page 58). From Baesrode (Station) near this, a branch rail goes to St. Amand (Station), 5} miles, and Puers (Station), 9 miles, down the Schelde.

Malderen (Station). A commune containing 1,700 inhabitants, situated at the extremity of the province of Brabant.

Capelle-au-Bois (Station). A little village of no importance. Leaving at a short distance from here the province of Brabant, we enter at Hombeck the province of Antwerp. Passing the ruins of the famous valley of Seliendael, we arrive at MECHLIN (Station)-French, Malines; German, Mecheln; Flemish, Mechelen.

The Malines station is about five minutes' walk

from the town, which is one of the most picturesque Flemish cities. An obelisk is here erected to mark the point where the various Belgic lines of railway diverge to Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Liége. A line to Terneusen (p. 25) was opened 1871. Population (1882), 43,355.

Hotel: Hotel de la Grue; de la Grande Cigogne; Buffet.

Mechlin is a large town in the province of Antwerp, divided by the Dyle into two parts. It is equidistant from Brussels, Antwerp, and Louvain. The streets are broad, and bordered in many places by good buildings.

The river Dyle passes through the town, and has an ebb and flow of tide for more than a league beyond Mechlin, in the direction of Louvain.

This town dates its origin as far back as the fifth century, and was long a subject of contention between the lords of Brabant and Flanders.

The Lace produced at Mechlin is considered second only to that of Brussels, from which it differs principally in being made in a single piece, by means of bobbins, by which the entire patterns

are produced at once, instead of being worked gradually by the hand; and hence it is stronger than the Brussels lace, though inferior to it in delicacy of workmanship.

The principal building of Mechlin is the Cathedral, which is the metropolitan church of Belgium. It is dedicated to St. Rumbold, who was assassinated by the Pagans, in 755, in the chapel of St. Stephen, which stood near the site of the present edifice. The cathedral was commenced in the latter part of the twelfth century, but was not finished until the year 1513. The choir is of 1366; the great nave of 1487. The tower was begun 1452; and the round Tower which surmounts the building, is almost entirely composed of buttresses, which give it, when seen from a distance, the appearance of a fragment of a colossal fluted column. It was built with the funds supplied by the offerings of the pilgrims, who came in crowds to Mechlin, to share the advantages of the jubilee and general indulgence proclaimed by Pope Nicholas V., on the occasion of the war in the East, which however terminated the very next year in the annihilation of the Eastern Empire, and the occupation of Constantinople by the Turks, under Mahomed. It was from this jubilee that the town acquired the name of "Malines l'heureuse," as it has since, from its great cleanliness, been named "Malines la propre," but it is now often called "la tranquille," as the grass grows in its streets.

This tower, 350 feet high, has a clock face 144 feet in circumference. The view from the summit over the surrounding country is extensive, comprising the towns of Antwerp, Brussels, and Louvain. It was originally intended to surmount the tower by a vane of copper gilt, which would have increased the height nearly one-third but the project has never been put into execution, and the tower remains unfinished. The alarm occasioned by the reflection of the moon on this tower, which gives it the appearance of being on fire, was the origin of the proverb of the wise men of Mechlin, who try to extinguish the moon; the bare mention of which, to an inhabitant of the town, would even now excite an irritation not easily to be appeased. The interior of the cathedral presents nothing worthy of notice except the altar-piece, which is by Van Dyck; its subject is the Crucifixion. It has also paintings of Crayer,