the capital city of the electorate of Saxony, in Germany. It is seated on the river Elbe, which divides it into two parts. One part is called Old Dresden, and the other the New Town, in the German language, Neustadt. They are joined together by a stone bridge, supported by 19 piers, and 630 paces in length. As this bridge was too narrow for the crowds of people that were continually passing and repassing, king Augustus, in 1730, caused two walks for foot-passengers to be built, one on each side, in a very wonderful manner, the one for those that go into the city, and the other for those that return back. These are bordered with iron palliades, of curious workmanship. Upon this bridge a gilded crucifix is placed. Dresden is surrounded by strong and handsome fortifications; and might boast that it never had been taken, nor yet besieged: but this glory was put to an end on December 19, 1745, by the king of Prussia; who who then became master of it, and entered it in triumph the next day.

All the houses of this city are built with square free stone, and are almost all of the same height. They have stone from the neighbourhood of Pirna, about ten miles from this city, which is readily brought down the Elbe. They have lately finished a large handsome church for the Roman Catholics, which is placed between the Elbe, the bridge, and the castle. In general the houses are high and strong; the streets wide, straight, well paved, clean, and well illuminated in the night; and there are large squares, disposed in such a manner, that Dresden may pass for one of the handsomest cities in the world.

Though this city lies in a low situation, yet it hath agreeable prospects. It is supplied with a prodigious quantity of provisions, not only out of the neighbourhood, but from Bohemia, which are brought every market-day, which is once a week. The Dresden china-ware, or rather porcelain, has been noted some time for a curious manufacture. E. Long. 13° 34' N. Lat. 51° 12'.

DRESSING of Hemp and Flax. See FLAX-Dressing.