the smallest canton of Switzerland, bounded on the north and west by Swabia, on the east by the canton of Zurich and the bishopric of Constance, and on the south by the same and Thurgau. It is about 15 miles long and 9 broad, and its population amounts to about 30,000. Its revenues are not extensive, as one proof of which the burgomaster or chief has not more than 150l. a-year. The reformation was introduced before the middle of the 16th century. The clergy are paid by the state, the highest incomes not exceeding 100l. and the lowest 40l. annually. Sumptuary laws are in force, as well as in most other parts of Switzerland; and no dancing is allowed except on very particular occasions. Wine is their chief article of commerce, which they exchange with Swabia for corn, as this canton produces very little of that necessary article.

a town of Switzerland, the metropolis of a canton of the same name. It is seated on the Rhine, and owes its origin to the interruption of the navigation of that river by the cataract at Lauffen. It was at one period an imperial town, and admitted a member of the Helvetic confederacy in 1501; and its territory forms the 12th canton in point of rank. The inhabitants of this town are computed at 6000, but the number of citizens or burgesses is about 1600. From these were elected 83 members, who formed the great and little council; the senate, or little council of 25, being entrusted with the executive power; and the great council finally deciding all appeals, and regulating the more important concerns of government. Though a frontier town, it has no garrison, and the fortifications are weak; but it once had a famous wooden bridge over the Rhine, the work of one Ulric Grubeman, a carpenter. The sides and top of it were covered; and it was a kind of hanging bridge; the road was nearly level, and not carried as usual, over the top of the arch, but let into the middle of it, and there suspended. This curious bridge was burnt by the French, when they evacuated Schaffhausen, after being defeated by the Austrians, April 13, 1799. Schaffhausen is 22 miles north by east of Zurich, and 39 east of Basel.

Long. 3° 41' E. Lat. 47° 39' N.