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ARCHITECTURE has been carried to its highest degree of perfection in the construction of the cathedrals and town halls of Belgium, which display the finest specimens of the ornamental Gothic style of the middle ages. In England, Gothic architecture is confined chiefly to churches, but in Belgium it is shewn to be equally suitable to civic edifices and private dwellings. Fronts richly decorated with quaint and fantastic sculptures, lofty sloping roofs, full of windows, pointed gables castellated towers, battlements, and projecting windows, combine to produce a general effect, which, from its grandeur and intricacy, delights the spectator.

MANUFACTURES.-The industry of the Flemings has, within 200 years, converted a tract of land, once a sandy and barren heath, into a beautiful garden; and the product of its wheat is often not less than sixteen to one, and oats ten to one, whilst scarcely in any part of Britain does wheat give more than eight or ten to one. East and West Flanders alone produce, annually, flar to the amount of £1,600,000, employing above 400,000 persons. Hops, beetroot, chicory, and tobacco are also grown. The coal mines of Hainault produce more than those of the whole of France; and the annual quantity raised in Belgium is 12,000,000 tons, valued at £5,000,000 sterling. About 1,000,000 tons of iron ore are annually raised. The cloth manufactures of Verviers employ 4,000 men; and the cotton manufacture, notwithstanding the loss of the Dutch colonial markets, has improved steadily since 1830, and now represents a capital of £3,000,000 sterling. The woollen manufacture may be said to constitute the staple manufacturing trade of Belgium; at all events, it is the object of immense industry, and a quantity of foreign wool to the value of 14,000,000 francs, or about £600,000 sterling, is consumed annually. Hardware, cutlery, and fire-arms are produced at Namur, Mons, and Liége; lace at Brussels, Malinės, Louvain, and Bruges. Carpets, flax, and linen, also constitute important items in the manufactures of Belgium. Its cotton manufacture represents a capital of 60,000,000 francs in buildings and machinery, and the number of hands employed is at least 122,000. A brisk trade is likewise carried on in silk, ribbons, hosiery, hats, leather oil-cloth, paper, and lithography, &c.

COMMERCE has greatly increased in Belgium lately. The principal Exports are the productions of its flourishing agriculture and numerous manufactures, such as corn, bran, coal, oil, lace, woollen and cotton cloths, linen canvas, arms, cutlery, and ironmongery. The average amount of value of the Imports and Exports is £131,000,000 sterling, of which £26,000,000 are with England. The external commerce of Belgium suffered greatly by the revolution in 1830, as Holland has since retained and monopolised the trade with all the colonies which belong to the kingdom of the United Netherlands. Its mercantile marine numbers 67 sailing and steam vessels.

RELIGION.-Leopold I., when chosen, was a Protestant; but the Roman Catholic is the religion of the State. Every other form of faith has free exercise.

RAILWAYS.-Belgium is the first State in Europe in which a system of railways has been planned and executed partly at the public cost; and certainly it is an honourable distinction to have given the first example of such a national and systematic provision of the means of rapid communication. The undertaking was first projected in 1833, and the object proposed was to unite the principal commercial towns on one side with the sea, and on the other with the frontier of France and Prussia. In this respect Belgium is most favourably situated for the experiment of a general system of railroads. It is compact in form, moderate in size, and is surrounded on three of its sides by active commercial nations, and on the fourth by the sea, by which it is separated only a few hours' voyage from England. On the west are the two large and commodious ports of Antwerp and Ostend, and its east frontier is distant only a few leagues from the Rhine, which affords a connection with the nations of central and southern Europe. It is therefore in possession of convenient markets for its productions, and of great facilities for an extensive transit trade. The physical nature of the country is also most favourable, being for the most part very flat, and requiring but few of those costly works of levelling, tunnelling, and embanking, which serve to increase so enormously the expense of similar undertakings in England.

In 1871, there were about 1,900 miles of rail in Belgium, forming a complete network between all the towns, large and small, of which one-third, belonging to the State, had cost 10 millions sterling. There are 445 TELEGRAPH Stations, and rearly as many POST-OFFICES.

BRADSHAW'S

HAND-BOOK TO BELGIUM AND THE RHINE.

SECTION I.-BELGIUM.

ROUTE 1.-LONDON TO BRUSSELS,

BY DOVER, CALAIS, LILLE, COURTRAY, GHENT, AND MALINES.

TRAINS leave by the London, Chatham, and Dover Line, from Victoria or Ludgate Hill, at 7 40 mrn. (1 & 2 class) and 8 40 aft. (1st class); and by the South Eastern Line, from Charing Cross, at 7 40 mrn. (1 & 2 class) and 8 45 aft. (1st class), and from Cannon Street at 7 45 mrn. and 8 50 aft.; arriving at Dover at 9 30 mrn. and 10 35 aft. Steamers start from Dover at 9 35 mrn. and 10 40 aft.; arriving at Calais about 11 15 mrn. and 12 30 night. There is also a Special Fixed Night Service (3rd class) as follows, viz. :-From Victoria, 6 25 aft.; Ludgate Hill, 6 20 aft.; Charing Cross, 6 35 aft.; Cannon Street, 6 48 aft.; arriving at Dover at 9 40 aft.; leaving Dover at 10 30 aft., and reaching Calais at 12 30 night.

Calais Station.-Hotels:

The nearest

Paris Hotel, kept by A. Louis. hotel to the steam packets and the railway station. Hotel Meurice, Rue de Guise, open for night trains and boats; moderate charges.

The Buffet Hotel, at the railway station; conveniently situated; sleeping, refreshments, and accommodation at moderate charges.

De Flandre; Du Sauvage; De Londres; Quillacq; Marine, &c.

Calais is a second-class fortress, and contains It is surrounded by about 15,000 inhabitants. sand-hills on one side and by morasses on the other, which, though detracting from its beauty, yet add much to its military strength. The town is situated in a very barren and non-picturesque

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district. It has latterly been re-fortified, and its works strengthened considerably, particularly to the sea coast. Its harbour, which has been much improved and lengthened, is defended by several small forts, and consists of a large quay, terminated by two long wooden piers, stretching into the sea. Its inhabitants are chiefly engaged in the herring and cod-fishery trade, and carry on a considerable traffic in Dutch spirits. Calais has lately taken to encourage manufacturing establishments- the bobbin-net (tulle) trade is carried on there with great vigour, in opposition to a similar branch of trade in England. Several mills have been established, steam-engines have also been introduced in increased numbers, and factories have been erected within the inner rampart. It is stated that 55,000,000 of eggs are annually exported from this place to England.

The pier of Calais is three-quarters of a mile in length, and is used as an agreeable promenade. On a spot of it is seen the pillar erected to commemorate the return of Louis XVIII. to France It originally bore the following inscription:-" Le 24 Avril, 1814, S. M. Louis XVIII. debarqua vis-àvis de Cette Colonne et fut enfin rendu a l'amour des Francais; pour en perpétuer le souvenir la ville de Calais a élevé ce monument." His Majesty Louis XVIII. disembarked beside this column on the 24th April, 1814, and was at last restored to the love of the French people. The town of Calais erected this column to commemorate the event.

A brazen plate was fixed on the exact spot where the monarch's foot stepped, in order to further commemorate the act; but at the revolution of 1330 both plate and inscription were effaced, eaving the pillar to stand as a monument of the eapriciousness of French enthusiasm. Calais has very little to interest; and though one or two incidents in its history are fraught with deep interest, particularly the recent embarkation of French troops on board of English ships for the Baltic, yet its objects of attraction are few, and may be visited in about two hours. Its principal gate, built in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, and figured by Hogarth in his celebrated picture, is worth a short inspection. The Hôtel de Guise will also interest the English traveller, as having been the place where Henry VIII. lodged, and as the original building where was established the guild hall of the mayor and aldermen of the "staple of wool," founded in 1363 by Edward III. The Hôtel de Ville, or Town Hall, situate in the market place, will repay a visit. Within it are all the public offices, and the front of it is ornamented with busts of St. Pierre, of the Duke of Guise, and of Cardinal de Richelieu. It is surmounted by a belfry containing a chime of bells. The tower and steeple of the principal church, built when Calais appertained to England, deserve attention. Immediately to the rear of the choir is a modern circular chapel, and the church itself is a fine structure, built in the early Gothic style.

English service at Trinity Church and in St. Pierre.

The ramparts around the town and pier form admirable promenades. The Basse-Ville, or lower town, is a pleasant walk on a fête day. The new lighthouse should be visited. It is one of the most beautiful works of mechanism in the world. The view from the summit of the tower presents a panoramic scene of great beauty, comprising, on a clear day, the distant cliffs of England and the outlines of Dover Castle. The public cemetery outside the town contains the ashes of Lady Hamilton (Nelson's Emma), who expired here, destitute and impoverished.

The railway from hence to Lille enables passengers to proceed direct by rail to Brussels and all parts of Belgium; also to Douai and Paris, Travellers proceeding to Belgium or Germany will

avoid much trouble by informing the authorities of their place of destination, and by what train they intend to proceed; their luggage should then be duly marked for transit, and they will avoid the annoyance of a custom-house search in France.

Steamers ply thrice each day between Calais and Dover, making the voyage in about one and a half to two hours. Steamboats sail direct to London twice a week, performing the voyage in from 10 to 12 hours.

Calais to Lille, 65 English miles.

Leaving the station at the end of the pier, near to the gate,

St. Pierre Station, in the suburbs, is passed, and

Ardres Station arrived at. It is a small fortress, situated on a canal. A little to the west of the road, between the town and Guisnes, is the spot called by historians the "Field of the Cloth of Gold," where Henry VIII. of England and Francis I. of France met in 1520. It is so called from the cloth of gold covering the tents and pavilions occupied by the two monarchs and their suites, comprising 5,696 persons, with 4,325 horses. Andruicq Station. Watten Station. St. Omer Station.-Hotels:

Hotel de la Porte d'Or, Rue St. Bertin.-New proprietor, D. Coolen. Very attentive and charges moderate.

Hotel d'Angleterre; Du Commerce.
Population, 22,000.

A third-rate fortress, situated in a marshy district on the Aa, well built and strongly fortified; streets wide and well made. A plentiful supply of refreshing water is afforded from 12 fountains in different quarters. The Hôtel de Ville is situated in the Place d'Armes. Beyond the walls are two considerable suburbs, between which and Clairmarais are situated, amid extensive marshes, several floating islands, covered with trees and excellent pasture. The proprietors row them like a boat to land their cattle or take them up. The town is on the line of railway from Calais to Lille. Living is said to be cheap. It possesses two ecclesiastical buildings well worthy of noticethe Cathedral, and Abbey Church of St. Bertin. The former is a magnificent constructión, exhibiting a transition from the round to the pointed

style of architecture, situated in the Rue St. Bertin. Its east end is of a polygonal termination, with projecting chapels. The interior of the church is in good preservation, and the small Chapel of the Virgin has been lately redecorated. At the extreme end of the street in which this church is situated are to be seen the remains of the once famous Abbey of St. Bertin, formerly the noblest Gothic building in French Flanders. The only fragment now remaining is a stately tower, noble even in its ruins, the mutilated panelling of its walls bespeaking the chaste and superior elegance of its florid Gothic style of ornament. From off the tower, which is propped by a rude buttress of masonry, a fine panoramic view of the town may be had. Thomas à Becket sought refuge in this once-famous abbey, when a fugitive from England, and within its cloister were passed the last four years of his life. The monastery was suppressed in 1792, but was spared by the Convention. The Directory was less considerate, and under it the roof was taken off, the building stripped of its fixtures and wood work, which were sold. The work of destruction was completed a few years since by the local authorities, who had the walls taken down, in order to find work for some unemployed labourers!

It was here existed the celebrated Jesuits' College; founded in 1596 by an English Jesuit, named Parsons. In it were educated many of the conspirators mixed up in the Gunpowder Plot, and some of the wild spirits whe intrigued against Elizabeth. This college was succeeded by a seminary, for British Roman Catholics, and in it was educated the famous agitator, the late Daniel O'Connell.

English Church Service, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Eblinghem Station.

Hazebrouck Station. From here a branch line leads to Dunkirk. Refreshments may be had. The following unimportant stations are next passed:-Strazeele, Bailleul, Steenwerck, Armentières, and Perenchies.

Lille Station.-Hotels:

Hotel de l'Europe-the best in the town. Paris; Nouveau Monde; Flandre; France; Chemin de fer du Nord.

English Church Service on Sundays.

The

This city is strongly fortified, and forms, on the northern frontiers of France, the central point of defence. With a population of 155,000 inhabitants, it is the seat of thriving industry and of busy manufacture, ranking as the seventh industrial and commercial city of the new empire. town is traversed by the waters of the Haute and Basse Deule, which fill its moats, and work the mill machinery about. They are connected by a canal, so arranged as to be able to inundate the country for one and a half mile around the walls, if necessary. Though the city is spacious and its wealth very great, yet its monuments and buildings are few and unimportant.

The Citadel is looked upon as a master specimen of the skill of Vauban, who held the position of governor for many years. The Hotel de Ville is an erection of the 13th century, built by Jean SansPeur, inhabited by Charles V., and was anciently ing is in the early Gothic style, and has in one of the palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. The buildits tourelles an exquisitely groined staircase and a chapel. A school of art, containing an interesting and rich collection of drawings by the old masters, occupies one division of the building. This collection consists of 44 paintings by Raphael, some by Masaccio and Fra Bartolommeo, and a few architectural designs by Michael Angelo. An inspection of them will interest and gratify all lovers of the fine arts. Chevr Wicar bequeathed them to the city. Though Sunday is the only day on which there is a public admission, the housekeeper will not hesitate to admit persons of respectability on other days.

The Museum will scarcely repay a visit; it, however, contains many curious old portraits of the Dukes of Burgundy and of the Counts of Flanders, besides a painting by Rubens, and two by Arnold de Vuez, a native artist, born in 1642, and considerably eminent in his profession. The former painting represents St. Catherine rescued from the wheel of martyrdom, and the two latter are portraits of Saints Francis and Cecilia.

The chief church in Lille is that of St. Maurice, a Gothic building of the 16th century, resting on delicately light pillars, but presenting no appearance of general interest. The Rue Royale, a street one mile long, should be visited, and the immensely

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