BETHUNE. 193 



At Lillers, the first Artesian well projected in France 

 was satisfactorily completed. 



We should scarcely recommend the angler to waste his 

 time here. The waters yield nothing but trout and 

 minnow; and it is evident from the locality, that the 

 former cannot be very numerous. 



The river Brette runs through this town, and, at a short 

 distance from its walls, is fishable for pike, roach, perch, 

 bleak, eels, etc., etc. There are a few trout in the water; 

 but the angler must go pretty near the source of the river, 

 or at any rate as far up as Houdain before he can fall in 

 with them. 



This town is not mentioned in history, until about 

 the ninth century. It was taken by the French in 1645, 

 and very strongly fortified by the celebrated Vauban. 



The angler will not find Bethunc a disagreeable 

 residence for a few days. Several canals meet here, and 

 barring trout, pretty good sport may be expected. 

 A cheap and clean hotel, where good cheer and civility 

 are to be found, will be an additional inducement; and a 

 tolerable library, etc., will help to dispose of the time to 

 advantage. There is the runniest and most grotesque 

 tower in the Grande Place, that was ever devised ; the 

 architect must have been drunk or deranged when he 

 planned it, or perhaps both; and the authorities who 

 allowed him to construct it, and consented to pay for it, 

 were in all probability in a similar condition. The 

 carillons are placed in it, and being visible from the Place, 

 contribute to its absurd and ridiculous appearance. 



o 



