NEUCHÂTEL, the capital of the above canton, stands at the mouth of the Seyon, partly on the level ground on the shore of the lake, and partly on the slope of the
Neuchâtel. Jura Mountains. It is well built, and contains several handsome streets, some of which stand on the alluvial ground gained from the lake. The castle, which is situated on an eminence, is an ancient building of some size, and was formerly the residence of the princes of Neuchâtel, but is now occupied by the government offices. Near the castle stands the church, a Gothic edifice of the twelfth century, with some parts of still more ancient date. The town-hall, a handsome building in the Grecian style, stands in the lower part of the town. The town contains also a public school, with a museum of natural history, a ladies' school, and two hospitals. A considerable trade is carried on through Neuchâtel in the manufactures and agricultural produce of the canton. Pop. (1850) 7727.