THE SEINE, MARNE, AND OISE. 273 



called Vilatte in the department of the Meuse. The 

 river flows by St. Menehould (a saint who has a reputa- 

 tion in the French cuisine), where it is divided into several 

 branches for the convenience of the inhabitants, and the 

 traffic of the place. It then pursues its course to 

 Vouziers a small place on its left bank. The Aisne is here 

 very favourable for trout-fishing ; and the fly may be used 

 most advantageously. From Vouziers to Rethel the 

 water is likewise remarkably good ; but it is considerably 

 impaired in this respect below Rethel, on account of 

 becoming navigable for small craft. 



A short distance before the river reaches Soissons, it 

 receives the waters of the river Vesle, which run a course 

 of above fifty miles, and take their rise at Somme-Vela. 

 This is an excellent trout-stream, and will well repay the 

 persevering angler for the labour he may bestow on it. It 

 flows through a most picturesque and beautiful country, 

 to the charms of which no brother of the angle can ever 

 be insensible. The principal place which the river Vesle 

 passes in its course is the city of Rheims, one of the oldest 

 and most interesting towns in France. It is situated on 

 the right bank of the river; and the country round is 

 of a somewhat mountainous character. Rheims was an 

 important place long before the Roman conquest of Gaul, 

 and was one of the chief towns of Belgic Gaul; and at 

 that time bore the name of Durocortorum. The cathe- 

 dral is one of the noblest Gothic structures in Europe. 

 It was founded in the thirteenth century; and its painted 

 windows and statues, representing nearly a hundred 

 different personages, are exceedingly interesting, and 

 cannot be regarded without the most lively feelings of 

 admiration and delight. Here is said to be the tomb of 



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