284 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



the town in almost every direction, communicate with 

 the sea ; and are very full of bleak and roach. 



The city is one of the most distinguished in Belgium, 

 and is replete with interest for the artist, the historian, 

 and the politician. The noble pictures in its churches and 

 hospitals the historical records with which it abounds 

 and the position it formerly occupied, both in a com- 

 mercial and political point of view, all conspire to fill 

 the mind of the traveller with interesting topics for 

 meditation and reflection. 



This very fine old city is situated on the confluence of 

 the Lys and the Escaut, both of which rivers contain 

 trout; but there is no fly-fishing. The only chance of 

 catching the trout is by minnow or red- worm; and this, 

 to the enthusiastic sportsman, is not by any means a 

 pleasant kind of sport. There are considenible quanti- 

 ties of pike, roach, bream, bleak, etc. in the waters 

 about; and they afford considerable amusement to the 

 inhabitants of Gand, who have a peculiar fondness for 

 angling ; indeed, rods and lines may often be seen 

 dangling from the windows, which overlook the canals 

 which pass through the town. 



The university the public library the pictures in 

 the churches and the museum, are all extremely inte- 

 resting objects, and are well worthy of an attentive visit 

 from the passing stranger. 



The historical remains and reminiscences of Gand are 

 of a lively and stirring nature. Some writers affirm 

 that the city dates its foundation from the year 47 of the 

 Christian era; whilst others again maintain that it was 

 founded by the Goths early in the fifth century. The 



