a sovereign county of Swisserland, bounded on the west by the Franche Comte, on the north by the bishopric of Basle, and on the east and south by the cantons of Berne and Friburg; it is about 40 miles in length, and 20 in breadth. It had its own counts for a long time; the last of whom dying in 1694, without issue, it came to Mary of Orleans, duchess of Nemours, his only sister, who died without issue in 1703; there were then 13 competitors; but, at an assembly of the states in 1707, they unanimously chose the king of Prussia for their sovereign, who has placed a governor therein. It is well peopled; and contains three cities, one town, 90 villages, and about 300 houses dispersed in the mountains. The inhabitants are all Protestants, except two Roman Catholic villages; and in 1529 they entered into a strict alliance with the cantons of Berne, Friburg, Soleure, and Lucern. The air is healthy and temperate, but the soil not everywhere equally fertile; however, there are large vineyards, which produce white and red wine, which last is excellent. The pastures on the mountains feed a great number of all sorts of cattle; and there are plenty of deer in the forests; besides large trouts, and other good fish, in the lakes and rivers. The people are ingenious, polite, active, industrious, and laborious.

Neufchattel, an handsome town of Swisserland, capital of a county of the same name. There are several ancient ruins near it, which shew its former extent; and there are two large churches, besides a castle where the governor resides. It is seated on a lake of the same name, 17 miles in length and five in breadth, and the side of the harbour is the usual walk of the inhabitants. It has a grand and little council: the first is composed of 40 persons, with two masters of the keys; the little council consists of 24 members, comprehending the mayor, who is president. These two councils assemble regularly every month. The ecclesiastics likewise assemble every month, to consult on affairs belonging to the church, and to fill up the places of ministers that die. They choose a dean every year, who is president of the general assemblies, which are called classes; and sometimes he is confirmed in this dignity. E. Long. 7. 10. N. Lat. 47. 5.