The best view of Metz and the surrounding country is to be obtained from the top of the Cathedral tower. Here one realizes the immense importance of the forts, of which the Moselle is a kind of natural moat. On the left bank the steeply rising hills form natural defences, while the lower hills on the right bank are reinforced by the line of forts. From their gleam in the distance one gets a better idea of the number of waterways which surround and run through Metz—the River Seille, the streams of St. Pierre, Noisseville, and Châtel-St.-Germain, the River Moselle (which divides), and the canal running parallel to it. Before Metz lies the large island of St. Symphorion; then, near the Wadrineau dyke, the smaller island of Saulcy. At the foot of old Metz there is yet another arm of the Moselle, which divides, forming an island, on which stand the Prefecture and Theatre. Beyond lies the large island of Chambière, recognisable by its parade-ground and cemeteries. [Illustration: METZ. PLACE D’ARMES AND HÔTEL-DE-VILLE] The Hôtel-de-Ville On leaving the Cathedral the tourist should next visit the Town Hall, also in the Place d’Armes (1766–1771). The architecture is simple: façade embellished with two pediments and handsome railings. A portico leads to a fine staircase. Opposite the balustrade is a bas-relief in white marble on which are engraved the famous lines of Ausonius: “_Salve magna parens frugumque virumque Mosella_....” (“Hail, O Moselle! illustrious mother of fruits and of men.”) In the interior are large reception-rooms, in which the public meetings of the Academy are held. The =Academy of Metz= was founded in 1760 by Marshal de Belle-Isle under the title of “The Royal Society of Literature, Science and Art,” and endowed with the sum of sixty thousand “livres.” Suppressed at the Revolution, then restored on March 14, 1819, with the motto “Useful,” it obtained the title of “Royal Academy” from Charles X. on September 5, 1828. It consists of thirty-six titular members, eighteen resident members, and four honorary corresponding and associate members. The Academy largely contributed to maintain French culture in Lorraine during the German annexation. In the grand staircase there are three windows, erected in 1852, _in the middle_, the Duke of Guise after the siege of Metz; _on the right_, Bishop Bertram of Metz; _on the left_, Sheriff Pierre Baudoche (1464–1489). The flag which now flies over the building is the one which was there in 1870, and which was carefully preserved in the Carnavalet Museum in Paris. It was restored to the Mayor of Metz by the Vice-President of the Town Council of Paris on December 25, 1918. [Illustration: PLAN OF ESPLANADE] _Leaving the Town Hall take Rue Fabert on the left of the Place d’Armes, then its continuation (Rue des Clercs). At the end of the latter, on the left, is the Place de la République, and on the right the Esplanade._ [Illustration: GROUP OF LORRAINE GIRLS AT FOOT OF MARSHAL NEY’S STATUE]