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ST. BAVON HAARLEM.

23RD. SEPTR. 1872.

HERTOGENBOSCH (Bois-le-Duc).

ST. JANSKIRK.—The organ case at the west end of this church is perhaps the finest in Europe. The oak wood-work is very dark, and profusely carved, without any gilding, and is in a good state of polish. The top of the case from the ground is about one hundred feet. The pipes, which, when I saw them, were in very bright condition, have their mouths gilded. The centre pipes of each tower have a pattern beaten upon their surface, and are gilt, with the exception of the lower one on the centre tower, which is only partially gilt. The centre tower, which is surmounted by a clock, under which is the Dance of Death, or some such subject, has two tiers of pipes, seven below and eleven above. On each side of this is a flat, divided into two tiers, which contain, in the lower compartment, what may be called five double pipes, or perhaps, more accurately speaking, it has ten pipes, with their feet joined together, the heads of the lower ones standing on the plinth, and the upper ones in their usual position. I could not see how these pipes were supplied with wind, and I have a strong idea that they are dummies. In the upper part were six double pipes arranged in the same manner, and above are niches, figures, columns, and pediments. Next come two angular towers, with a lower tier of seven, and an upper tier of eleven pipes. And to finish the organ, instead of the great towers, as at Haarlem, are two large flats corbelled out from the sides of the instrument, containing five large pipes, and sloping towards the wall behind. These are crowned with fantastic pyramids. The Choir Organ in front has over its centre tower, which contains five pipes, a figure of St. John with his Eagle, on each side of which is a flat with seven small pipes, in its lower compartment, and in its upper compartment six double pipes, similar to those in the Great Organ. Beyond this, is an angular tower of seven pipes, with a vase on its summit, and a small return compartment of pipes, joining the case to the gallery, which is of elaborately carved oak, and supported by two grey stone pillars. I did not hear the instrument, but was told it was nearly as good as Haarlem. 1872.

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ST. JAN HERTOGENBOSCH

28TH. SEPTR. 1872.