PREFACE,

The HanpBooK FOR BELGIUM AND HoLuanp, which is
now issued for the fifteenth time, is designed to assist the
traveller in planning his tour and disposing of his time to
the best advantage; to supply him with a few remarks on
the progress of civilization and art in these interesting coun-
tries; to render him as far as possible independent of the ser-
vices of hotel-keepers, commissionnaires, guides, and other
members of the same fraternity; and thus to enable him to
derive the greatest possible amount of pleasure and in-
struction from his tour.

The Handbook has been compiled almost entirely from
the Editor's personal observation, and most of the country
described has been repeatedly explored by him with a view
to procure the latest possible information; but, as many of
the data in the Handbook refer to matters that are constantly
undergoing alteration, he will highly appreciate any cor-
rections or suggestions with which travellers may favour
him. Those already received, which in many instances have
proved most useful, he gratefully acknowledges.

The introductory historical article on art was contributed
by Professor Anton Springer (d. 1891), and was adapted for
the use of English travellers with the kind assistance of Mr.
J. A. Crowe (d. 1896), author of ‘The Early Flemish Painters’.
The article on modern art in Belgium and Holland, added in
the present edition, is the work of Dr. Walther Gensel (d. 1910).

The Maps and PLans, on which the utmost care has
been bestowed, will prove of material service to the tra-
veller, and enable him at a glance to ascertain his bearings
and select the best routes. Their number has been largely
increased in the present edition. When not otherwise indi-
cated (as, ¢.g., in the case of Amsterdam), both maps and
plans are drawn with the N. side uppermost.