Litchfield Enquirer

A description of the City of Brussels, says the place contains 80,000 inhabitants, and is, after Ghent, the most important place in Flanders. It shares with the Hague the distinction of being capital of the Kingdom.— Brussels has at different times been the scene of much bloodshed. In a bombardment in 1695, by the French, 14 churches and 4,000 houses were destroyed. It fell into the hands of the French in 1748, and was restored a few years afterwards by treaty. During the revolutionary war it fell into the hands of the French again, and was not restored until 1814.

Brussels has always been eminent as a manufacturing town—the making of lace alone employs upwards of 10,000 persons. It is also celebrated for the manufacture of carpets, camblets, and carriages. Its commerce is greatly assisted by canals. The place being near Waterloo, has latterly been a great resort for travellers. The new streets are spacious, and many of the buildings, especially public buildings, are splendid. Among the markets, is one for frogs, which are brought in pails and cans, and the women sit in the market with scissors cutting off the hind limbs, which is the only part used. The place has a fine park and many beautiful promenades, or malls, ornamented with trees, shrubs and public fountains. It has a Philosophical College, and the great Hall attached to it is capable of accommodating 1200 persons. The courses of lectures are gratuitous, with allowances to such pupils as cannot pay the expense of board.