a celebrated tribe of ancient Germany, whose country was bounded on the E. by the Albis or Elbe, and on the W. by the Visurgis or Weser. Their history up to the time of Cæsar is comparatively obscure, but they seem to have been on the whole inclined to cultivate the friendship of the Roman people. In the time of Augustus, however, the cruelty and misgovernment of Varus, the Roman commander in these regions, drove the Cherusci into open rebellion. Under their leader Arminius they annihilated the army sent against them. This disaster preyed for years upon the mind of Augustus, who often started up at night out of his sleep, exclaiming, "Quinctilius Varus, restore me my legions." All subsequent attempts of the Romans to reduce them again to subjection completely failed. In the course of their repeated wars with their neighbours, however, the Cherusci gradually lost the power and influence they once enjoyed. In the fourth century the Cherusci once more appear in history as members of the Frankish confederation.

CHESAPEAKE Bay, the largest bay in the United States of North America. Its entrance is in the state of Virginia, between Capes Charles and Henry, about 12 miles apart, and it extends inland 270 miles, dividing Maryland into two unequal parts. It is from 7 to 20 miles broad, and generally 9 fathoms deep. This great bay furnishes many fine harbours and a safe and convenient navigation. The Susquehanna, at its northern termination, and Cheselden the Potomac and James on its west side, are the largest rivers that flow into it. The fisheries of the bay are of immense value to the inhabitants of its shores.