Xliv AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



baboon from the coast of Africa. This appa- 

 rently half-reasoning brute, would lay hold of 

 a broom-staff, and manage to bring within his 

 reach a crust of bread, which had purposely 

 been placed beyond the range of his chain. 



As the time of our departure for Bruges 

 was close at hand, I thanked Monsieur Kats 

 for his civilities to me ; and then I bade him 

 farewell. 



What is it that makes the Catholic town 

 of Bruges so attractive to English families, 

 many of whom have so unfavourable an opinion 

 of the faith of their ancestors ? 



" Will the stork intending rest, 



On the billows build its nest ? 

 Does the bee derive its store, 



From the bleak and barren shore ? " 



No. Bruges then, must have that within it 

 which can afford the comfort and convenience 

 denied to these good families in their own 

 country ; otherwise they would never think of 

 leaving old England, to take up a permanent 

 abode in this place. 



To me Bruges has charms inexhaustible ; 

 and did my habits allow me to prefer streets to 

 woods and green fields, I could retire to Bruges 



