Mr Anderson on the Railways of Belgium. 309 



The line from Ghent to the frontiers of France, and the 

 branch from Mouscron to Tournay, with the exception of one 

 or two of the sections, are of very easy construction. The 

 largest work of art is that in the low grounds of Meir, which 

 consists of a series of 16 arches of about 16'4 feet of span each. 

 Near Tournay there is a bridge of 56-4 feet of span, and also 

 one of 30 feet upon the canal of Espierre. Betwixt Courtray 

 and the French frontiers there are several enabankments and 

 cuts of considerable importance. The largest embankment 

 and cut are both in the valley of Mouscron, the former of 

 which is 32-4 feet at its maximum height, and 1 mile 21-9 

 chains in length, and the latter 17"2 feet at its maximum depth 

 and 30-82 chains in length. 



But of all the lines in Belgium, the most favourable, con- 

 sidering the distance, for the formation of a railroad, is that 

 from Ostend to Malines. This arises principally from the 

 level nature of the country. However, on this line it has also 

 been necessary to raise and strengthen the embankments, to 

 prevent damage arising from the overflowing of the rivers. In 

 consequence of this, the banks in the meadows of Tronchiennes, 

 betwixt Ghent and Bruges, have been considerably strength- 

 ened ; and several aqueducts and bridges have also been con- 

 structed betwixt Malines and Termonde for the same purpose. 

 The bridges upon the line are very numerous, several of which 

 are constructed of iron, and serve as draw-bridges. The largest 

 bridge is that upon the Scheldt at Ghent, which has been made 

 for four tracks, one forming the double way towards Ostend, 

 and the other towards Courtray. There is also a bridge of 

 two arches over the Senne at Hombeeck, and a viaduct at 

 Malderen. 



From a short distance from Malines the railway begins to 

 ascend to Ans. The works upon the line, though numerous, 

 are light. The greatest undertaking is the tunnel of Cumptich, 

 which has been lately constructed for the double way. It is 

 entirely built of brick, and is 20*6 feet in height, and 4573 

 chains in length. The heavy works, however, of the Belgian 

 railroads only begin at Ans, where the railway descends into 

 the valley of the Meuse. 



Ans stands upon the west bank of the valley of the Meuse, 



