292 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



situated on a lofty rock, on the banks of the Sambre, 

 which here contributes its volume of waters to swell the 

 broad bosom of the Meuse, are all interesting objects, 

 and deserve something more than a mere passing notice. 

 The citadel was taken by Louis XIV., in person, after a 

 siege and conflict of only six days an achievement 

 considered so remarkable, that the celebrated Boileau has 

 immortalised it in the following lines: 



" Namur, devant tes murailles, 

 Jadis la Gr&ce eut vingt ans, 

 Sans fruit, vu les funerailles, 

 De ses plus fiers combattans." 



Bmant 



If the angler, in descending the Meuse from its head- 

 waters, crosses the French frontier into Belgium at Givet, 

 he will find himself amongst the most romantic scenery on 

 the banks of this fine river. He will perceive one bold rock 

 and promontory after another jutting out from either side 

 of the stream ; and the most beautifully sparkling and de- 

 lightful gushes of rippling water the eye can rest upon. 



The town of Dinant is situated in a kind of narrow 

 basin, formed by the openings of enormous rocks which 

 seem to have been separated by some convulsion from 

 the summit of one of which a strong chateau frowns over 

 the surrounding landscape. This can only be approached 

 by a tedious march up a stair-case of nearly five hundred 

 steps; but the view from the eminence amply repays the 

 labour, the scenery being of the most enchanting descrip- 

 tion varied, bold, and picturesque. The true angler 

 the genuine enthusiast is in his element on the banks of 

 this glorious stream ; and the rushing sound of its delicious 

 waters, as they babble amongst the rocks and stones, 

 produces the most soothing and tranquillising effect upon 

 his mind and feelings. 



