OSNABURG

OSNABURG, a bishopric of Germany, situated in the centre of the circle of Westphalia, between the Weser and the Ems, having Minden on the east, Munster on the west, Diepholt on the north-east, and Ravenburg on the south-west. It is about 45 miles long and 25 broad, producing some rye, several sorts of turf, coals, marble, and good pasturage. The inhabitants, who are a mixture of Protestants and Roman Catholics, breed a considerable number of cattle, especially hogs, of which they make excellent bacon and hams; but a great part of the country consists of heaths. By the treaty concluded here in 1648, the bishopric was to be an alternative between the Roman Catholics and Lutherans; and the Lutheran bishop was to be a younger prince of the house of Brunswick Lunenburg, or, on failure thereof, of Brunswick Wolfenbuttel. In consequence of this settlement, it has been twice held by a British prince since the accession of the family of Hanover. The bishop is able to raise 2500 men, his revenue being between 20,000 and 30,000. The chief manufactures of the country are a coarse kind of linen cloth and yarn, which are said to bring into it annually about 1,000,000 of six dollars. There are also some woollen manufactures in Osnaburg and Bramsche. The land-estates of the bishopric are, the chapter, the knights, and the four towns. The diets are held at Osnaburg, when called together by the bishop. The count or bar is hereditary seneschal or steward, and president of the college of knights. The bishop is a prince of the empire; and in the matricula is rated at 6 horse and 36 foot, or 216 florins monthly, in lieu of them.

Osnaburg. them. To the chamber of the empire he contributes each term 81 rix-dollars, 14 kruitzers and a half. The capital of this bishopric is