a valley in Switzerland, which extends from the source of the river Rhone to the lake of Geneva. It is near 100 miles in length, but of unequal breadth. It is bounded on the north by the Alps, which separate it from the cantons of Berne and Uri, on the east by the mountains of Forche, on the south by the duchy of Milan and the Val d'Aoste, and on the west by Savoy and the republic of Geneva. The inhabitants profess the Roman Catholic religion, and are subject to the swelling of the throat called bronchocèle ; and idiots are said to abound among them more than in any other place of the globe. They are naturally hardy, enterprising, and good-natured. Valais is surrounded on all sides by very high mountains, most of which are covered with perpetual snow. The soil is fertile in corn, wine, and fruits. The muscat-wine, which is produced here is excellent, and well known all over Europe. This country comprehends 55 large parishes, with one bishop. The religion is the Roman Catholic.