PREFACE.
The chief objects of the Handbook for Belgium and
Holland are to supply the traveller with a few remarks on
the progress of civilisation and art in these interesting coun¬
tries ; to render him as far as possible independent of the em¬
barrassing and expensive services of commissionnaires,
guides, and other members of the same fraternity; to place
him in a position to employ his time, his money, and
his energy to the best advantage; 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 he has used every en¬
deavour to furnish information acceptable to travellers of
every class. The present edition, which corresponds to the
17th German edition and the 12th French, has been care¬
fully revised and remodelled from the most recent time¬
tables, catalogues, government statistics, and other sources.
The Editor has also frequently availed himself of the valuable
information kindly afforded by travellers, which he grate¬
fully acknowledges.
The introductory article on art has been contributed by
Professor Anton Springer of Leipsic, and has been adapted
for the use of English travellers with the kind assistance
of Mr. J. A. Crowe, author of 'The Early Flemish Painters'.
Other valuable remarks on many of the principal works of
art mentioned in the Handbook are also from Professor
Springer's pen.
The arrangement of the pictures in some of the Belgian
galleries is frequently changed; but, as a general rule, the
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