a city of the circle of Zips, in the province of the Hither Theiss in Hungary, situated on the river Hernath. It contains one Lutheran and two Catholic churches, 900 houses, and 5250 inhabitants, who are occupied in both sides of the entrance of the Scheldt, this has proved a discouragement to the trade of Antwerp, though a temporary agreement has been made; and some impediments have been thrown in the way of the intercourse between Belgium and Germany by the financial confederation formed by Prussia. From these circumstances, some of the most considerable houses who were ship-owners have removed their establishments, including their vessels, from Antwerp, to Rotterdam and others of the ports of Holland. The Belgians have, however, been actively awake to the events of the period, and are making efforts to open new and favourable communications between Antwerp and the Rhine. A projected line of railroad has been completed as far as Brussels, a distance of thirty miles, and will be continued till it reaches the Rhine. These roads, in addition to the numerous canals and rivers which facilitate internal intercourse, are considered as likely to be productive of great commercial advantages.

The religious establishment of Belgium is strictly that of the Roman Catholic church; but its endowments are much curtailed by the long subjection to France. The whole of the inhabitants adhere to that communion, with the exception of 12,500 Protestants, mostly foreigners, and 1050 Jews. These are allowed to celebrate publicly their several modes of worship. There are two universities, one at Liège with about 500 students, and another at Ghent with about 400; and several seminaries for clerical education. The system of popular education is in a state of revision; but the schools will probably be placed under the exclusive superintendence of the clergy, as the classical schools have already been.

The circumstances in which the kingdom is still placed as regards the disputes respecting Luxembourg seem to render a large army necessary. At present the forces on foot consist of 59,000 troops of the line, and a reserve of 58,000; but reductions are in contemplation.

The sole executive government is vested in the king, and the ministers are responsible. The legislative power is lodged in two houses; the senate consisting at present of forty-two members, and the chamber of representatives consisting of eighty-five, no legislators being as yet sent from Limburg or Luxembourg, on account of the uncertainty which exists as to their ultimate fate.

Until the adjustment respecting the debt between Belgium and Holland is completed, it is not easy to state the exact condition of the financial affairs. The revenue is on the increase, but not quite adequate to the expenses of each year. The national debt, when compared with the aggregate wealth of the country, is much lighter than in any other state in Europe; and, with the economy that has been adopted in every branch, a solid peace must in a short period produce general prosperity. making linen goods, and in producing iron and copper wares. Long. 20. 29. 25. E. Lat. 48. 56. 30. N.