NEUCHATTEL, a tolerably handsome town of Switzerland, capital of a county of the same name. There are several ancient ruins near it, which show its former extent; and there are two large churches, besides a castle where the governor resides. The town contains about 3000 inhabitants. It is situated partly on a small plain between Mount Jura and the lake of Neuchattel, which is 17 miles long and five broad; the side of the harbour is the usual walk of the inhabitants. Part of it too is built upon the side of the mountain; whence some of its streets are very steep. In this small place several public works have lately been executed, which Mr. Coxe thinks are far beyond the revenues, or even the wants, of such a little state. Among these he instances a superb causeway and a town-house "built (says he) of such solid materials as if it was intended to survive to the most distant posterity, and to rival the duration of the much-famed Roman capitol." At the beginning of the present century, commerce was very little followed in this town, owing to an absurd opinion which prevailed among the inhabitants of its being disgraceful; but this prejudice is now extinguished, and the town in a much more flourishing situation than before. The chief article of exportation is wine, which is much esteemed; and manufactures of printed linens and cotton have been established with considerable success. The flourishing state of Neu-
chattel is principally owing to the benefactions of Mr. Neuchattel. David Pury, late banker of the court at Lisbon. He was born at Neuchattel in 1709; but having received his education there, he quitted it in great poverty and repaired to Geneva, where he served his apprenticeship, but in what line is not mentioned. From Geneva he went to London, where he acted as clerk to a dealer in precious stones, and acquired great reputation by estimating the value of diamonds at sight. After a long residence in England he went to Lisbon, where he carried on a very extensive commerce; and having been appointed court-banker, his fortune rapidly increased. His generosity, however, kept pace with his wealth; and he not only remitted large sums to Neuchattel while living, but left his country his heir when he died. His contributions in all are estimated by Mr. Coxe at L. 200,000; a considerable part of which has been employed in constructing the public works already mentioned. Mr. Coxe hints, that notwithstanding the superb edifices already mentioned, there are many conveniences still wanting to render Neuchattel agreeable; the public walks, for instance, might be greatly improved, the streets, which are very dirty, might be kept clean, and a torrent which runs through the town, and frequently threatens it with inundations, might be turned. Encouragement ought also to be given to literature; for our author observes, that the inhabitants of Neuchattel are much more ignorant than those of other parts in Switzerland, which no doubt is in a great measure owing to their having not a single seminary of learning which deserves the name in the place. It has a grand and little council: the first is composed of 40 persons, with two masters of the keys; the little council consists of 24 members, comprehending the mayor, who is president. These two councils assemble regularly every month. The ecclesiastics likewise assemble every month, to consult on affairs belonging to the church, and to fill up the places of ministers that die. They choose a dean every year, who is president of the general assemblies, which are called classes; and sometimes he is confirmed in this dignity. E. Long. 7. 10. N. Lat. 47. 5.