a canton of Switzerland, the smallest of the whole confederacy, is bounded on the north by Zurich, on the east and south-east by Schwyz, on the south-west by Lucerne, and on the west by Aargau. It is 16 miles in length from N.W. to S.E., 10 in breadth, and has an area of 85 square miles.

The country has a general slope towards the north, and several offsets of the Schwytz mountains enter it from the east and south, but the highest mountain, the Rossberg, does not exceed 4825 feet. The other mountains, as the Zugerberg, the Morgarten, and the Dreilandernstein are considerably lower. The river Reuss is the principal stream, and receives the smaller brooks. It forms the boundary with the canton of Aargau. Its principal tributary is the Lorze, which issues from the Lake of Eger, and traverses that of Zug. The Lake of Zug is one of peculiar beauty, about 9 miles in length and 2½ in breadth. The road by its side presents points of view and striking objects which charm the eye, and leave a lasting impression on the mind of the traveller. This lake is dangerous to navigate with a strong southerly wind, on account of the sudden violent gusts. It has, however, some trade on it, and is abundantly stocked with fish of various kinds. The Lake of Eger, and that of Fenster, have their peculiar beauties, and, like that of Zug, abound in fish. The climate is that of the Alps, but rather milder than in some other parts of Switzerland. The soil is good, and yields corn and wine, much fruit, especially plums, and great quantities of walnuts and chestnuts. There are no manufactures except a few paper-mills and tanneries. The trade consists in the export of butter, cheese, cattle, wool, hides, dried fruits, and chestnuts. These are sufficient to pay for the few foreign necessaries and luxuries that are wanted. The chief profit is, however, derived from the numerous foreigners who visit the country in the summer months. The inhabitants are all of the German race, and speak that language. The religion is that of the Romish Church, and the canton contains ten parish churches, with three convents, all under the Bishop of Basle. The constitution is a representative democracy. All the males who have completed the age of nineteen must become soldiers, and must be enrolled in the militia. An assembly of the inhabitants is held annually in May, when the several officers are chosen for the year. The chief, called the Landammann, is elected for two years, and is assisted by a vicegerent and nine other councillors, who form the executive council. The officers of the militia are nominated for life. The great council consists of sixty-seven members, elected for the period of two years. Education is provided for by twenty-two primary schools, attended by nearly 2000 scholars. The canton is represented in the national council of the Swiss confederacy by one, and in the council of states by two members. Pop. (1830) 17,461.

The capital of this canton likewise bears the name of Zug. It stands on the lake at the foot of a mountain. It contains two churches, an hospital, council-house, and arsenal; and 3302 inhabitants, who live chiefly by fishing.