_T__HE portions of this book intended to be read at leisure_ =at home=, _before proceeding to explore each town or monument, are enclosed in brackets [thus]. The portion relating to each_ =principal object= _should be quietly read and digested_ =before= _a visit, and referred to again afterwards. The portion to be read_ =on the spot= _is made as brief as possible, and is printed in large legible type, so as to be easily read in the dim light of churches, chapels, and galleries. The_ =key-note words= _are printed in_ =bold type=, _to catch the eye. Where objects are numbered, the numbers used are always those of the latest official catalogues._ _Baedeker’s Guides are so printed that each principal portion can be detached entire from the volume. The traveller who uses Baedeker is advised to carry in his pocket one such portion, referring to the place he is then visiting, together with the plan of the town, while carrying this book in his hand. These Guides do_ =not= _profess to supply practical information_. _Individual works of merit are distinguished by an asterisk (*); those of very exceptional interest and merit have two asterisks._ =Nothing= _is noticed in this book which does not seem to the writer worthy of attention_. _See little at a time, and see it thoroughly._ =Never= _attempt to “do” any place or any monument. By following strictly the order in which objects are noticed in this book, you will gain a conception of the_ =historical evolution= _of the town which you cannot obtain if you go about looking at churches and palaces hap-hazard. The order is arranged, not quite chronologically, but on a definite_ =plan=, _which greatly facilitates comprehension of the subject_. ORIGINS OF THE BELGIAN TOWNS