GALL, St (German Sankt Gallen), a canton in the N.E. of Switzerland, occupying the fourteenth place in the Swiss confederation, and bounded on the N. by the canton of Thurgau and the lake of Constance, E. by the Rhine, which separates it from Tyrol and the principality of Liechtenstein, S. by the cantons of Grisons and Glarus, and W. by those of Schwyz and Zürich. Area 753 square miles. This canton was formed in 1798, by the union of the territories of the abbot of St Gall with the free town of St Gall, and several districts previously subject to the older cantons. As these all lay around the canton of Appenzell, that canton is wholly surrounded by the canton of St Gall. The surface is greatly diversified, and for the most part mountainous, particularly in the south, where it is almost wholly covered with Alpine ranges. The summits of some of these rise to the height of 7000 or 8000 feet, and Mount Scheibe at the S.W. extremity has an elevation of about 9000 feet. These mountain ranges inclose some extensive and fertile valleys, the principal of which are those of the Rhine and Toggenburg. Besides the Rhine, the principal rivers of this canton are the Thur, Sitter, Seez, Linth, and Tamina. St Gall includes parts of the lakes of Constance and
Zürich, and the greater portion of that of Wallenstadt. The plains and valleys are in many parts well cultivated, but the produce of corn is not equal to the wants of the inhabitants. Potatoes are extensively grown, and fruits of various kinds are raised in large quantities, especially apples, from which cider, the common drink of the people, is made. Some wine is also made; and kirschwasser (cherry-water) is an important product of the mountainous parts of the canton. The country being generally better adapted for pasturage than tillage, the rearing of cattle constitutes the chief branch of rural industry. The forests in the south are extensive, and consist chiefly of pine and fir trees. Coal and turf are found in several districts, and iron mines are wrought in one or two places. Mineral springs are numerous,—the most celebrated being those of the Pfäfers. Manufactures constitute an important branch of industry in this canton. Its capital, St Gall, was long celebrated for its linen manufactures, but these have been in a great measure replaced by the manufacture of cotton goods, especially muslins. Cotton goods are also largely manufactured in the valley of Toggenburg and other places. The women are much employed in embroidery. There are numerous bleaching establishments, glass-works, and wax-bleaching factories; but the manufactures have generally decreased since the peace. The imports are chiefly corn and other provisions, and raw materials for the manufactures; and the chief exports are manufactured goods, cattle, and hides. The government is one of the most democratic in Switzerland. It consists of a great and a little council. The former is composed of 150 members chosen in the different districts, by citizens above 21 years of age, who hold office for two years. The little council or executive consists of seven members, chosen by the great council from among its own members, and holding office for four years. The people enjoy the right of a reto on any law passed by the councils, within 35 days of the time of its passing. The canton of St Gall returns eight members to the national council. The language of the people is a dialect of the German, resembling the Suabian. St Gall is the only town of importance in this canton,—none of the others having a population of above 2500 inhabitants. Pop. (1851) 169,625, of whom 105,370 were Catholics, 64,192 Calvinists, and the remainder chiefly Jews.