as the diamond-cutting center of the world. Here, at one of the
modern piers, an ocean-going ship lies at berth. Boat trips up
the Scheldt river start from the landing stage in the foreground.

 GHENT, population 165,000, lies on the confluence of the
 Scheldt and the Lys rivers. Commerce and industry are
an important part of this city, which is the seat of the Cotton
Market and a center of the textile industry. It is also the center
of the Flemish culture.
In the center of the city stands three of its most famous
buildings. At the left is the 13th century Church of St. Nicholas.
Behind stands the massive Belfry containing a 52-bell carillon.
In the background, to the right, rises the tower of the St.
Bavon Church. This cathedral contains one of the most famous
paintings in Europe — the "Adoration of the Immaculate
Lamb," by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck.

THE FLOWER SHOW of Ghent, staged in gigantic Grand
Hall, is one of Belgium's most exciting attractions and
the King takes part in the show's opening ceremonies. The
city of Ghent is literally enclosed in a girdle of flowers, and
azaleas—which are shown here in profusion—are its floricultural pride.

 BRUGE began life as a major seaport, but when the ocean
choked the mighty port with sand, much of the trade
shifted to Antwerp. Although Bruge is still an important city,
it is also a town of quiet enchantment and a true haven of
beauty for the tourist. Lovely canals, spanned by rustic bridges,
thread through the city, and in the quiet squares old ladies sit
in their doorways making lace. The red-tiled, gabled roofs of
the city are seen here from the cathedral.

THE BEGUINAGE in Bruge is the home of one of the orders
of the Beguines. These communities were established in
the time of the crusades for the widows and wives of the knights.
They have survived to this day, for abandoned wives and
widows still prefer the protection of its semi-cloistered life.

This Beguinage was founded by Jeanne of Constantinople
in the 12th century. Its portals open into a dainty bridge which
spans a dreamy canal where white swans drift to and fro in
simple beauty. The women of the Beguines nurse, teach the
poor, and care for the needy. The vows of the Beguines are not
irrevocable, but few leave the order.

• THE BEACH and Casino at Ostend are as busy and vital as
 the town of Bruge is quiet and peaceful. It seems difficult to believe that one of the canals that dreams through
Bruge links it to the bustling harbor of Ostend. This city is an
international playground and vacationers flock to this famous
resort on the North Sea.

WALLOON COUNTRY

View-Master Reel B 1883

• BELOEIL CASTLE, seen from across the lake, is the most
 famous of the hundreds of historical chateaus which dot
the province of Hainaut. Prince Charles Joseph, one of its
earlier residents, boasted that at the age of eight he had
watched three sieges from the castle windows. It was his father
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