a duchy of Italy, bounded on the south by Tuscany and the republic of Lucca, on the north by the duchy of Mantua, on the east by the Bolognese and the territories of the church, and on the west by the duchy of Parma; extending in length from south to north about 56 English miles, and in breadth between 24 and 36, and yielding plenty of corn, wine, and fruits, with mineral waters. In some places also petroleum is skimmed off the surface of the water of deep wells made on purpose; and in others is found a kind of earth or tophus, which, when pulverized, is said to be an excellent remedy against poison, fevers, dysenteries, and hypochondriac disorders. The country of La Salfa affords several kinds of petrifications. The principal rivers are the Crostolo, Secchia, and Panaro. The family of Este, dukes of Modena, is very ancient. They had their name from Este, a small city in the district of Padua.

In 1753, the present duke was appointed imperial vicar-general, field-marshal, and governor, of the Milanese during the minority of the archduke Peter Leopold, who was declared governor-general of the Austrian Lombardy. The duke, though a vassal of the empire, hath an unlimited power within his own dominions.

ancient city, in Latin Mutina, which gives name to a duchy of Italy, and is its capital. It stands 28 miles east of Parma, 44 almost south of Mantua, and 20 west of Bologna; and is a pretty large and populous, but not a handsome city. It is much celebrated by Roman authors for its grandeur and opulence; but was a great sufferer by the siege it underwent during the troubles of the triumvirate. It hath long been the usual residence of the dukes; and is also the see of a bishop, who is suffragan to the archbishop of Bologna. Mr Keyser says, that when Decius Brutus was besieged here by Mark Antony, Hirtius the consul made use of carrier-pigeons; and that, even at this day, pigeons are trained up at Modena, to carry letters, and bring back answers. This city hath given birth to several celebrated persons, particularly Tasso the poet, Correggio the great painter, Sigonius the civilian and historian, da Vignola the architect, and Montecuccoli the imperial general. The tutelary saint of it is named Geminius. The ducal palace is a very noble edifice, in which, among the other fine pictures, the birth of Christ by Correggio, called la Notte Felice, is much celebrated. The only manufacture for which this city is noted, is that of muffs, of which great numbers are exported. The churches of the Jesuits, of the Theatines, and of St Dominic, are well worth viewing. In the college of St Carlo Borromeo between 70 and 80 young noblemen are continually maintained, and instructed both in the sciences and genteel exercises. St Beatriz, who was of the family of Este, is said to knock always at the gate of the palace three days before any of the family dies. Before most of the houses are covered walks, or porticos, as at Bologna. The city is fortified, and on its south side stands the citadel.