BRUSSELS. 287 



junction, and form a respectable stream. There are 

 trout in these waters; but it is only now and then, very 

 rarely, that they can be taken with the fly. The worm 

 and minnow, especially in the strong and rapid streams, 

 are the only really successful baits. The various villages 

 through which the stream runs in its course to its 

 junction with the Dyle, are picturesque and beautiful; 

 and the angler will find sufficient and cheap accommoda- 

 tion wherever he may feel inclined to pitch his tent. 



The waters abound with perch, bleak, bream, roach, 

 and other still- water fish. 



The angler may fill up his leisure hours with an 

 agreeable and instructive relaxation, by visiting the 

 public places in Brussels. The city library the univer- 

 sity the museum and gallery of paintings the public 

 edifices and the beautiful park, with its palace are 

 all objects of interest, and deserve especial notice. 



Brussels does not lay claim to any very remote anti- 

 quity. At the commencement of the seventh century it 

 became a town of some little note; and in the tenth, it 

 had reached a sufficient degree of importance to make 

 it the residence of the emperor Otho II. Charles of 

 Lorraine also built a palace here for himself. 



The city has experienced numerous vicissitudes of 

 fortune. Under the paternal government of the dukes 

 of Burgogne it increased in riches and splendour; and 

 during the reign of Charles V., was at the zenith of its 

 glory. It has suffered much at various periods from the 

 horrors of war, and the desolations of famine, pestilence, 

 fires, and earthquakes. Few cities have been under so 

 many masters. The Spaniards, the English, the Austrians, 

 the French, and the Dutch, have alternately swayed the 

 sceptre of authority over it, and have all left visible 



