a small town in a district of the same name in Switzerland, adjacent to Neufchatel and Valengin, and united with another named La Ghoux de Fond. Both these districts occupy some valleys formed by the mountains of Jura; the greatest part of which which not many years ago was one continued forest, though now converted into fine pasture-ground fitted with flourishing villages. The increase of population in these districts is particularly evident from the following circumstance, viz., that formerly the produce of the country was more than sufficient to serve the inhabitants; but now, though considerably better cultivated, it scarcely furnishes an eighth part of the necessary consumption. This great increase of numbers is owing to the early marriages of the inhabitants; to the liberty allowed to every stranger, who brings a certificate of his good behaviour, to settle in the district; to follow any trade without restriction, and without an apprenticeship; and to the want of taxes, and an unbounded freedom of commerce. The industry and genius of the people in these districts is very surprising. They carry on an extensive commerce in lace, stockings, cutlery, and other merchandise of their own manufacture; and particularly excel in every branch of watch and clock making. They make all the utensils necessary in these arts, and have invented several new ones. There are also in these districts painters, gilders, enamellers, engravers, and other artists necessary for completing the business of watch making; by which means that business is carried on to so great an extent, that 40,000 watches are computed to be annually made. Besides these arts already mentioned, the people are extremely ingenious in other branches of mechanics, and have invented several astronomical and mathematical instruments. One of the most eminent in this way is Jaquet Droz, now at Paris; and whose son exhibited several surprising automatical figures in England. One of these played upon a harpsichord; another drew landscapes; and a third copied any word presented to it, or wrote down whatever was dictated by any of the company.

The inhabitants of these districts are very courteous to strangers who visit them: they are in general well informed in several branches of knowledge; and as they commonly employ their leisure hours in reading, they have circulating libraries in many of their villages. Their houses are plastered, white washed, well built, and commodious, though small; being besides furnished with a degree of neatness and even elegance peculiarly striking in these sequestered mountains.

"Such perfect ease and plenty (says Mr Coxe) reigns throughout these mountains, that I scarcely saw one object of poverty: the natural effects of industry under a mild and equitable government."