GHENT, or Gand in French, Gandavunz in Latin, is a town in the Netherlands, and formerly capital of Austrian Flanders. It is advantageously situated at the conflux of the rivers Scheldt, Lis, Moere, and Lieve, which intersect it in various directions, and divide the town into 26 small islands. The town is encircled with walls about 15 miles in circumference, comprehending numerous corn fields and gardens. Many of the houses are excellently built ; some of the streets are broad and well paved, and the mar ket places are spacious. In one of these is a statue erect ed to the Emperor Charles V. who was born in this city. The cathedral church is the principal edifice in Ghent. The pulpit, which was made by the celebrated Delvaux of Nivelles, has been particularly admired. The musical hells of the cathedral have been much noticed by strangers. The principal altars, the magnificent tombs of the bishops, and the subterraneous church, are well deserving of ex amination. Besides the cathedral, there are six churches and a collegiate church. The church of St Michael is is mired on account of the boldness of the nave. There s a
beautiful promenade along the canal, which Is called De la Coupure ; one of the sides is for foot passengers, and the other for carriages. The other public establishments arc the library, the academy of painting, and the botanic garden, which is reckoned extremely beautiful.
Ghent communicates with Bruges, and afterwards with Ostend, by means of the canal which was begun in 1613, and with the western Scheldt by the Saas-de-Gand, by means of another canal. The principal articles of com merce in Ghent are French wines, grain, flax, hemp, and colza for the manufacture of oil. The manufacture of linen cloths is carried on to a great extent in this town and its neighbourhood. Twilts for beds, table linen, and lace, are also made here to a great extent. There are likewise manufactures of glue, woollen stuffs, cottons, soap, paper, vinegar, tobacco, hats, and stockings, besides refineries of sugar and salt. Population 58,000.