412 



BELGIUM. 



numerous military engagements. Nivelles (9,82ô inhabitants), originally a monas- 

 tery in the midst of a forest, has grown into an important manufacturing town. 

 In the thirteenth century it was famous for its lawn, the manufacture of which 

 has now been transferred to Yalenciennes. Soignies (7,750 inhabitants), at the head 

 of the Senne, has a remarkable church of the twelfth century, the oldest of the whole 

 countrj^ Of the three towns of Braine, viz. Brahie-le- Comte (6,950 inhabitants), 

 Bmine-r Alleiid (6,250 inhabitants), and Braine-le-Chûtcaa (2,880 inhabitants), 



Fig. 229. — The Field of Wateeloo. 

 Scale 1 : 72,000. 



1 Mile. 



the last has preserved its ancient pillory, now shaded by lofty lime-trees. Hal 

 (8,850 inhabitants), below the confluence of the Senne and Sennette, is a great 

 place of pilgrimage, and its Gothic church is rich in treasures of art. Eui/sbroe/c, 

 a small village half-way between that town and Brussels, was the birthplace of 

 William of Ruysbroek, or Rubruquis, whom Louis IX. dispatched on a mission into 

 Tartary. The basin of the Upper Senne abounds in quarries. A mountain lime- 

 stone, known as " Flanders granite," is obtained near Soignies and Ecanssines 

 cfEnghicn (5,200 inhabitants), whilst the quarries of Qitenant, to the soulh of Hal, 



