Government, some of which may be denoted by the mythological devices on the monument.

Karthaus (Station). Here the line crosses the Moselle, and the Saarbrück line, in the valley of the Sarre.

Löwenbrücken (Station). 1 mile from
Trèves (Station), see Route 25.

ROUTE 14.

Mons to Manage.

Mons (Station), as in Route 7.

The railway starts from the Government Station, where it joins the line from Brussels to the frontier of France.

Nimy (Station), near a small village containing a population of 2,000 souls. It is remarkable for an earthenware manufactory, that at one time employed three hundred men, which number has fallen below fifty since the introduction of English potteries. The ware made at Nimy is composed of clay and silex, and is susceptible of receiving the most graceful forms, and has the advantage, from its cheapness, of being within the reach of all classes of purchasers. Nimy, through which the high road from Mons to Brussels passes, is much frequented during the fine season, and is considered a pleasant residence.

Obourg (Station) is 1 league from Mons, at the confluence of the Haine and Aubechuelle, surrounded by pasture land and meadows, from which it derives its chief riches. It contains a population of 4,000 inhabitants. The line of wood which bounds the horizon on the left, beyond Obourg, contains the old Castle of Rocult, one of the most remarkable in Belgium. It is built on a hill, sloped by a magnificent park, spreading from grove to grove and lawn to lawn, with incomparable grace.

Havre (Station), near Harre-Ville, which is situated in the vicinity of Obourg, and possesses a Gothic castle, built in 1603. It is seen to the right of the railway, in the midst of a park. The wood of Havre and the castle of the Duke of Croy, are favourite country walks with the inhabitants of Mons.

Bracquegnies (Station). The place is a mere dependency of Strepy, a village of the canton of Roe

cruix, situated three leagues east of Mons. Near Bracquegnies the railway, after repeatedly passing the Haine, crosses it for the last time. From this place onwards, the soil, less level, is diversified by several hills, between which lie narrow valleys. On the right and left of the road are numerous coal works, established in carboniferous strata connected with the basin of the east of Mons.

Bois-du-Luc (Station) the great coal works of that name, consisting of five pits. The collieries of La Paix, on the territory of the parish of St. Vaast forms the sixth intermediate station. These coal pits present a most picturesque aspect, situated in a woody hollow, penetrated in a graceful curve by a road, which disappears in the shade.

La Louvière (Station), the last stop between Mons and Manage, is the principal station on the line. It is one of the most important coal districts on the territory of St. Vaast, where the new quays have been established along the branch of the canal from Charleroi to Brussels. At this station the Branch Rail towards L'Olive and Bascoup begins. Between La Louvière and L'Olive there are five stations, Housseau, Beaume, La Verrière, St. Adolphe, and Mariemont. This branch traverses the centre of the richest coal region. The tourist will do well to visit this vast work

shop, which employs a numerous and intelligent population. The country besides offers more than one site worthy of attention. One view in particular, of the most charming character, is to be found at Mariemont, where the magnificent residence of M. Warocque contrasts in its modern luxury with the highly picturesque ruins of the residence of the Archdukes of Austria.

Leaving the station of La Louvière the main line crosses the branches of the Charleroi canal, on a fixed and a swing bridge. Numerous industrial establishments continue to appear on both sides of the railway, which passes through a well cultivated country, with some orchards, whose aspect relieves the monotony of the landscape. Finally, on the high road from Nivelles to Mons, the railway enters the station at Manage, which it shares in common with the government railway.

Manage (Station), a few years ago, was close to an insignificant hamlet, forming a part of the village of Leneffe. The place is now daily rising in importance since the building of the Government and Namur and Liége railway stations there. Rail to Braine-le-Comte. Charleroi, and Nivelles, towards Brussels and Louvain, see page 49,

ROUTE 15.

Charleroi to Morialmé and Givet. Between Charleroi and Marchienne-au-Pont, this railway turns off from the Brussels and Namur line, and passes through a district rich in minerals, and having an extensive trade in iron, coke, and coal. It strikes the valleys of the Sambre and Meuse a few miles above Givet, and likewise at Charleroi and Mézières. Starting from the government station at Charleroi, the train passes La Sambre, Montigny-le-Tilleul, Bomerée, Jamioulx, Ham-sur-Heure, and arrives at

Berzée, where a branch railway leads by ThyleChâteau to Laneffe. Another short branch to Thuillies.

Thence 2 miles to Walcourt, where there is again a branch to Yves, where one line runs off to Morialme, while others proceed to Florenne and Philippeville.

The Charleroi-Vireux line is continued from Walcourt to Mariembourg, whence it is 10 miles (across the frontier) to Vireux, which is close to Givet.

At Mariembourg, there is a short branch (4 miles) to Couvin.

For Givet see next page.

ROUTE

16.

Namur to Dinant and Givet, up the Meuse, in 1 hour.

Namur (Station), as in Route 8.

Though the Meuse above Namur is less visited, it is not less interestingly attractive there than 'below it. Escarpments of limestone, magnificent in their lofty outline and bold projecting heights, hem in the river as it flows gently along its pebbly bed, the entire landscape forming a tout ensemble resembling the vales of Derbyshire. At Dinant the road crosses the river by a stone bridge, and at Yvoir, 4 miles below, are some intermittent springs, rising and sinking regularly, every seven

minutes. Passing several picturesque villas and chateaux we perceive, about 3 miles below Dinant, the ruins of the Castle of Poilvache, taken and destroyed, by Bishop Jean de Heynsberg.

To the left, on the summit of a rock, half a mile before reaching Dinant, is seen the ruined Castle of Bouvignes or Crèvecœur. A thrilling tale of female heroism is connected with the history of this castle, and tradition does not fail to perpetuate and hand it down to each succeeding generation. The French, under the Duke de Nevers, besieged this castle in 1554, and three beautiful women, with their husbands, took refuge in the tower of

Crèvecœur, designing to aid the garrison by their succour and presence. The besieged were all slain save the three females, who, rather than submit to the brutality of their conquerors, threw themselves from the top of the battlements, and were dashed into atoms on the rocks beneath. Dinant (Station).--Hotels:

Tête D'Or, good and reasonable; recommended, good trout fishing.

Des Postes.

Population, 6,485. It is situated in a romantic position at the base of limestone cliffs, with the citadel and church crowning their summits.

The

The Bouvignese and people of Dinant were rivals in the manufacture of copper, and from this arose a hostile animus on both sides, which led to the most cruel and sanguinary encounters. two parties fought constantly against each other. The castles of Crèvecœur and Montorgueil were built, the former by the Bouvignese, and the latter by the Dinantese, for the purpose of mutual annoyance. In 1467 Dinant was besieged by Philip the Good, with an army of 30,000 men. On being summoned to surrender, they hung the messengers sent with the terms of capitulation, which so enraged the duke that, on the town being forced to surrender, he gave it up to pillage for three days, and then burned it to the ground, ordering eight hundred of the inhabitants, bound two and two, to be thrown into the Meuse. The town was rebuilt by his son, Charles the Bold, but was again pillaged and sacked, in 1554, by the French, under the Duke de Nevers, who, history tells us, was provoked to this cruel act by the answer of the townspeople to his summons to surrender. They

replied that if the King of France and the Duke fell into their hands they would roast their hearts and livers for breakfast. The treaty of Ryswick gave Dinant to the Prince-Bishop. Attacked and taken during the first French revolution, it became the chief town of a French department, and so remained until 1813, when it was retaken by the allies, and definitely joined to the royalty of the Netherlands, together with the ancient district of Liége.

Givet (Station). Inn:-Le Mont d'Or.

A small but prettily situated town, on the right bank of the Meuse, opposite Charlemont, with which it is connected by a bridge. Here is the French douane. Both places belong to France. Givet has a population of about 5,000, and is a fortress. The fortifications of Charlemont stand on the left bank, on a rock of limestone. is a statue to Méhul, the composer. Mézières, Mariembourg, Morialmé, Charleroi, &c. ROUTE 17.

There Rail to

210 feet high.

Excursions from Dinant to the Grotto of Hansur-Lesse (see page 60), Castle of Montaigle, the finest ruin of the kind in Belgium, and to Château de Wabzins.

Above Dinant the line leads us through a species of natural portal, abruptly terminated by a wall of rock shot out from the precipitous cliffs on the left, and on the right by the Roche à Bayard, an isolated mass of rock; close by here quarries of black marble are to be found; also immediately above is the pretty little town of Anseremme. The valley is very picturesque, and well deserves to be explored. This is best done on foot. At this spot, the Lesse falls into the Meuse.

Three miles above Dinant is the Château of Freyer, situated at the base of luxuriantly-clothed hills, on the left bank of the river. It is a country seat of the Duchess of Beaufort-Fontin, and has within its grounds a beautiful grotto. Opposite here the scenery is very picturesque. Forms and outlines of the most singular caste and character are shadowed forth by the broken masses of limestone, rising like so many giants out of the Meuse. As far as Flamignoul the scenery partakes of quite a romantic aspect. Close by is Heer, a red marble quarry. The road is enlivened by chaste and beautiful scenery, and from the top of the hill we have a magnificent view of Givet on French territory.

The Stations of Hastière and Agimont are passed; then comes

and Aix-la-Chapelle.

Leaving Landen (Station)-Route 18-the railroad passes Attenhoven, a commune of 700 inhabitants, and soon after leaves the province of Liége, and enters that of Limburg, and shortly arrives at

Velm (Station), in a commune of Limburg, in the district of Hasselt, crossed by a Roman causeway.

St. Trond (Station), near the chief place of a canton of the district of Hasselt, in the province of Limburg, situated upon the Cicindria. There are several fine old Churches, the best is in a vast square; in which is also the Town Hall, worthy of notice. The manufacture of lace is the principal occupation of the inhabitants. Population, 12,000. Cortenbosch (Station) and Alken (Station) followed by

Hasselt (Station). Hotel: De Limbourg; de Bois-le-Duc. Capital of Belgian Limbourg. Population, 12,470. Its two good Churches, containing many pictures and good carving, are worth visiting. A rail to Utrecht and Amsterdam via Eindhoven, Boxtel, and Bois-le-Duc. Past several unimportant places to

Maastricht (Station), in Holland. Population,

29,210.

Hotels: Du Casque; Du Levrier (Greyhound). The capital of Dutch Limburg, on the Meuse, Maas, or Maes, from which, and the old Roman ferry, or trajectum, it derives its name. It has a strong fortress (taken after a long siege by the Spaniards 1579) and a six-arch bridge to the suburb of Wyck. The Town Hall (1664), in the Market Place has pictures and good tapestry. The Collegiate

a holiday, and the people were dancing under the trees. Van Dyck delayed, and danced with the most beautiful girl in the village, and before the ball was over, found himself deeply in love with her. He was then twenty-four years of age, Rome was forgotten. Days, weeks, and months rolled by; his money was all gone. Van Dyck's passion being now calmed, and his resources exhausted, he found that his interest and fame called him to Rome; but what was he to do, not

ROUTE 18.

courage sustained him. He presented himself to the curé, and proposed to paint an altar-piece for his church. The subject was agreed on, and the price fixed at 100 florins. The painting was

and Aix-la-Chapelle.

Brussels (Station), see Route 6. The rail quits the Rue Neuve, traverses the Senne, and rejoins the old line of railway leading to the station d'Allée Verte. To the left we see the Royal Palace of Laeken, on a height, from which by far the best and most comprehensive view of Brussels is obtained.

The Château of Laeken dates no further back than 1782. It was built after a design of the Archduke Charles Albert, Governor of the Netherlands, and is erected in a charming position. The park surrounding it contains an orangery, a theatre, pavilions, and beautiful trees. It was in this château that Napoleon signed the celebrated declaration of war against Russia. The palace is now the property of the crown, and favourite residence of the Royal Family (see page 16).

The first station passed is Schaerbeek, where the line to Malines diverges. Next Dieghem, and then Saventhem (Station), 12 miles from Brussels, a commune of the district of Brussels, with 1,200 inhabitants. The Church will well repay a visit to the amateur in painting, who will see there a magnificent picture by Van Dyck, representing St. Martin on his horse, giving a portion of his cloak to a poor man. The history of this painting is interesting, and deserves relating:

Van Dyck, on his way to bid farewell to his illustrious master, previous to his departure for Rome, was mounted on a superb horse, a gift from Rubens, and passed by Saventhem. It was F

horse served as models for the horse and saint, and the beadle of the church for the poor man. The curé was, by chance, a judge of painting; he paid the demand without murmuring, and Van Dyck set out for Rome. This circumstance provided the poor village church with a chef d'œuvre. This picture was a reproduction of Rubens' picture. It was stolen by the French, and given back in 1817. Van Dyck also painted another picture for this church, the Holy Family, in which he introduced the portrait of Anna van Ophen, the girl of whom he was enamoured.

This is the only station of interest between Brussels and Louvain, which is reached after passing through Cortenbergh, Velthem, and Herent. The scenery is thoroughly Dutch.

LOUVAIN (Station); Leuven, in Flemish; Löwen, in German. Population (1884), 37,490. Hotels: De Suède, good; de la Cour de Mons du Nouveau Monde; de l'Industrie; du Nord. Resident English Vice-Consul.

A large, irregularly-built town, of a circular form, situated on the Dyle, which passes through it. Facing the station is a pedestal Statue of Van de Weyer, the statesman, 36 feet high, which was uncovered by the King, 1876.

The foundation of Louvain has been attributed to Cæsar; but nothing certain is known of the history of the place until the year 888, when the Emperor Arnold, in order to protect the country from the predatory incursions of the Normans, built in the place of Louvain a castle, which has

been long improperly called Château César (Cæsar's Castle). The Dukes of Brabant resided many years in the castle, and Henry, the first Count of Louvain, was assassinated there in 1308. It was rebuilt at the expense of the magistrates in 1375, and was the winter residence of Edward III. of England, and his Queen, in 1485: At a later period it was selected as the place of abode of the illustrious Charles V. during his youth. The ruins of the castle are still remaining. Till the year 1792, when the revolutionary troops, under General Kleber, made themselves masters of the town, Louvain could boast of never having been taken by an enemy, though it had been repeatedly besieged during the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries.

In the beginning of the fourteenth century Louvain was a large, populous, and rich city, in which the manufacture of woollen stuffs was so considerable, that in 1317 it reckoned 4,000 establishments connected with the cloth trade alone, and contained 40,000 inhabitants. During the reign of Duke Wenceslaus however, and about the year 1370, a tumult arose in the town, in consequence of the arbitrary punishment of a citizen, after he had been judicially acquitted of a petty theft of which he was accused. A number of cloth manufacturers took part in this tumult, and on its suppression were banished from the town. These ingenious workmen retired to England, drawing after them many of their relations and friends; and so rapidly did the town decrease in population from that period, that in less than forty years Louvain presented all the appearances of a vast deserted city. To remedy the evil, John, the fifth Duke of Brabant, founded in 1246, a University, which afterwards became one of the most celebrated in Europe. It was suppressed by the French in 1793, and the building converted into an hospital for invalids. It was, however, reestablished, under the late government, in 1817, in the former Halles of the cloth workers; large building of great simplicity, erected at the close of the last century. There are 17 professors and about 1,500 students. The library contains about 10,000 volumes, and the university also possesses a botanical garden and a tolerably good museum of zoology and mineralogy.

a

are

The principal productions of Louvain woollen stuffs and dimities, with the various articles proceeding from the salt-works, sugar refineries, manufactories of potash and starch, bottle works, window-glass manufactories, potteries, brandy and gin distilleries, and establishments for extracting oil from rape-seed and colza. There are also a number of cotton-printing establishments and several printing offices. The White Beer of Louvain is in great repute, and exported to all parts of Belgium; besides which, another kind of malt liquor, called peterman, is the common table beer of the higher classes. The town contains upwards of forty breweries, producing, annually, above 200,000 barrels of malt liquor.

The Hôtel de Ville, is one of the most perfect specimens of later Gothic architecture extant, and the innumerable carved figures which enrich the front exhibit indubitable traces, notwithstanding the ravages of time, of exquisite workmanship. It was built in 1439. In the council chamber are some paintings by Verhaegen, and the Continence of Scipio, by Luca Giordano; and in the Grand Saloon is a collection comprising the Resurrection, by Rubens; Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, by Crayer; and a portrait of Lipsius, by Van Dyck.

The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, was built about the year 1010, and replaced by the present building, a beautiful edifice, in 1490. This had a spire of the height of 533 feet, considered by the people of Louvain as the eighth wonder of the world; but, unfortunately, this bold and justly admired specimen of steeple building was levelled with the ground, by a violent storm of wind, in 1604. The interior of this church contains much to attract the attention, particularly a fine allegorical subject, representing Faith, Hope, and Charity, by Crayer, which is in the Chapel of the Trinity. The iron screen, curiously wrought in one piece, is by Goemans, and the iron lustre by Quentin Matsys.

The Crucifixion, by Van Dyck, which adorns the altar of St. Julien, is remarkable for the artist's introduction of a number of winged boys, who are stationed with a cup at the foot of the cross, to catch the blood of our Saviour. The Last Supper, and the Martyrdom of St. Erasmus, by Dietric