Flanders, or the Spanish Netherlands, most accurately described shewing the several provinces, their bounds, dimensions, rivers ... and a large and exact description of the cities and who they are at present subject to : with a large and useful index of the cities ... rivers &c. in such a manner as may serve for a geographical dictionary for these parts : extraordinary necessary for the right understanding of these parts, the present wars and encampment of the Confederate and French armies.

6. The MARQUISATE.

THe Marquisate of the Holy Empe∣ror, is a very small Province, ac∣counted one of the Four Quarters or Tetrarchies of Brabant, bounded on the West with Flanders, from which separated by the River Scheld, and on all other sides by Brabant. It is much smaller than it was formerly, not being above seven Miles long, and four broad; yet it is reckoned a distinct Province from the rest of the Netherlands.

The Chief Rivers are, 1. Scheld, which washes Antwerp, and divides this Province from Flanders, and then Brabant from Flanders. 2. Schynt, which also runs by Antwerp, and there falls into the Scheld.

The chief and only place of Note in this Province is Antwerp, the Me∣tropolis of all these Provinces. It stands on the River Scheld on the Bor∣ders of Flanders, 22 Miles North of Brussels, and 75 South of Amsterdam. it is now under the subjection of the Spaniards. I find no Villages in this Province.

Antwerp.

ANtwerp was formerly one of the most famous places in Europe, and still a Noble City, deservedly counted the chief of these Provinces. It is nigh eight Miles in Circuit, and is compared to a Bow, the string of which is represented by the River Scheld, on which it stands. It is en∣compassed with vast strong and beau∣tiful Walls, being 110 Foot broad on the top, upon which are four or five Rows of Linden Trees regularly plant∣ed; the Walls themselves being ex∣cellently faced with Stone, having eight strong Bulwarks contrived with great Art for mutual Defence, and 13 fine Gates for entrance. The Streets

are straight and large, and the Build∣ings more Stately and Magnificent, for Beauty equalling, if not surpassing, any in all Europe. On the South side of the City stands the Cittadel, an incomparable Work, about a Mile in Compass: It is a Pentagon composed of five Royal Bastions, the best con∣trived of all Modern Fortifications, commanding both City and Country. To describe all the Churches, publick Buildings, &c. would take a Volume. For matter of Trade it once surpassed any place in the World, but now much declined, though still of vast re∣sort, by reason of the excellent River which bears Ships of the greatest Bur∣then close up to the very shore.

Notes

• Bounds.
• Rivers▪
• Situation of the Town.
• Descrip∣tion of the Town.