LOCLE, a small town in a district of the same name
name in Switzerland, adjacent to Neuchâtel and Val-
lengin, and united with another named La Ghaux
de Fond. Both these districts occupy some valleys
formed by the mountains of Jura; the greatest part of
which not many years ago was one continued forest,
though now converted into fine pasture ground filled
with flourishing villages. The inhabitants of these
districts are remarkable for their industry, and excel
in many mechanical arts, particularly in watch and clock
making; 40,000 watches, it is said, are made in a year.