Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/127

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THE BATAVIAN REPUBLIC
115

mistress's name; nor must the mischievous boy exercise his agility at climbing in this consecrated wood. Woe be to the miserable wretch who is detected here picking a few sticks to light her fire; the spin-house or bridewell would be the punishment of her offence. At short distances, cautions are fixed up, like those in England, offering rewards to informers, and denouncing the severest penalties against offenders; and that the most illiterate may not be ignorant of these regulations, pictures of indifferent execution, describing the story of a boy transgressing and chastised, are exhibited in conspicuous situations. But it is probable that the veneration which the Dutch have for trees in general, and in particular for these, on account of their peculiar beauty, are the best safeguards of this delightful wood.

The merit of planning this avenue, according to our valet de place, whose authority I believe may be relied upon in this case, since I find it is supported by the printed account of the Hague, belongs to Constantine Huygens, the brother of the celebrated