Switzerland - Revision history

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1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

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	III. The City of Geneva is situate on the Lake Lemanus, the River Rhone passing thro the lower part of it. The buildings are fair and of Freestone; the Compass of the whole City being about two Miles, in which there are suppos'd to be about 16 or 17000 souls. Munster calls it Mirae voluptatis Urbem. Its allied with the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland; and in two or three hours it advertises all the Canton of Bern to come to its succour with 50, or 60000 Men; who may come on the Lake a day after the Signal; which consists in lighted Torches, set from Tower to Tower. Its Govern'd by twenty five Senators, who follow the written Law. Beside this Councel of twenty five, they have one of sixty, and another of two hundred.</blockquote>		III. The City of Geneva is situate on the Lake Lemanus, the River Rhone passing thro the lower part of it. The buildings are fair and of Freestone; the Compass of the whole City being about two Miles, in which there are suppos'd to be about 16 or 17000 souls. Munster calls it Mirae voluptatis Urbem. Its allied with the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland; and in two or three hours it advertises all the Canton of Bern to come to its succour with 50, or 60000 Men; who may come on the Lake a day after the Signal; which consists in lighted Torches, set from Tower to Tower. Its Govern'd by twenty five Senators, who follow the written Law. Beside this Councel of twenty five, they have one of sixty, and another of two hundred.</blockquote>

			=== 1694. The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary by Louis Moreri. ===
			<blockquote>Switzerland, Helvetia, is a large Country of Europe, which in antient time was esteemed a part of Gallia, in the middle times of Germany, and for three of the last Centuries has been a Free State. In the time of the Romans it was divided into four Parts, the Tigurini, Tugeni, Ambrones, and Ʋrbigeni. Switzerland is bounded on the North by the Rhine, which separates it from Germany; on the East by the Lake di Idrio or of Brescia, and the Rhine, which divides it from Germany and the Grisons; on the South by the Lake Lemane, Wallisterland, and the Dukedom of Milan; and on the West by the Franche Comtè. It is commonly divided into thirteen Cantons, and other Territories subject to them or allied with them; the thirteen Cantons are Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Ʋri, Schwitz, Ʋnderwalden, Zug, Glaris, Basel, Friburg, Soleure, Schafhausen, and Appenzel; of which seven are Roman Catholicks, and four Protestants, and two where both Religions are admitted, viz. Glaris and Appenzel: The Roman Catholick Cantons are Ʋri, Schwitz, Ʋnderwalden, Lucerne, Zug, Friburg, and Soleure or Solothurne; and the Protestant, Zurich, Berne, Basel, and Schafhausen. The former commonly have their Assemblies at Lucerne, and the latter at Arau; but the general Assemblies are kept at Baden. The Countries subject to the Cantons are the County of Baden, the Bailywicks of Bremgarten and Mellingan, the Governments or Counties of Tzergans, Rapperswil, Zurzach; the four Governments of Italy Lugano, Locarno, Mendrisio, and Madio; the Bailywicks of Gasteren, Ʋzenach, Granson, Orbe, Schwartzemburg, and the Barony of Altsax: Their Allies are the Grisons, Walisserland, the Bishop of Sion and of Basel, the Abbot of St. Gal, and the Cities of Mulhausen, Rotweil, Bienne, Neufchaster, Geneva, &c. though it is to be observed, that all these are not allied with all the Cantons in general, though most are. The Country is for the most part overspread with Lakes and Mountains, yet it is not barren, the tops of these Hills being full of Grass, and the bottoms surrounded with rich Meadows and fruitful Pastures, and it yields Corn and Wine, though not sufficient for its Inhabitants. It is in Length 240 Miles, and in Breadth 180. The Inhabitants are honest, frugal, industrious; great Lovers of Liberty, good Soldiers, and Lovers of Impartiality and Justice. About the time of Julius Caesar's Conquering Gaul, the Swisses to the number of three millions six hundred and eight thousand, made an Irruption into Gaul, burning all their own Towns before they lest them; but Julius Caesar gave them such warm Entertainment, that they were forced to return to their own Country, after having lost two Millions of their number; from which time forwards they were subject to the Romans, till in the Reigns of Honorius and Valentinian II. they were Conquered by the Burgundians and Germans. A part of this Country, about the Year 635, was given to Sigebert Earl of Habspurg, the Founder of the House of Austria, though that Dukedom came not into the hands of this Family till about 1376, in the time of Rodolph the Fortunate, he being the twentieth of this Line, and elected Emperor 1273. The rest of this Country was given by Rodolph the last King of Burgundy to Conrade II. Emperor of Germany in the Year 1032, and from thence forward was esteemed a part of Germany. But being oppressed by Albert Duke of Austria, in 1308 they revolted, and leagued against him, viz. the Cantons of Schwitz, Ʋnderwalt, and Ʋri; which League they made perpetual in the Year 1315. In 1332 Lucerne, 1351 Zurich, 1352 Glaris, and the same Year Zug and Berne, in 1481 Friburg, Basel, and Solothurne, in 1501 Schafhausen, and in 1513 Appenzel, were added to the former, and their Liberty in the Year 1649 was entire fixed by the Treaty of Munster. They were converted to the Faith about the Year of Christ 177. At the Reformation Zwinglius began here to Preach before Luther, and the Cantons of Zurich, Berne, Basel, and Schafhausen followed his Doctrin, and held a Synod at Basel for the Establishment of it in 1530. This is supposed to be the highest Land in Christendom, yet none abounds more with Lakes and Rivers, which afford Plenty of Fish, and good Conveniency for Traffick. The People were formerly of such Reputation for Valour, that no Prince thought himself secure without them in his Army; but having at last discovered their mercenary Temper and Treachery in betraying Duke Lodovick Sforse who put himself under their Protection, their Credit declined; however, they have still yearly Pensions from the greatest Princes of Europe to keep them Neuter. At the beginning of the Reformation, the Heats about it broke out into open War betwixt the Papists and Protestants, the latter being at first discomfited, and Zuinglius their great Reformer slain in Battel: His Body being found, was burnt, but his Heart remained untouch'd by the Fire. The Protestants taking Arms again defeated their Armies, and at length came to an Accommodation, and still continue their Confederacy for mutual Defence. The thirteen Cantons reserve to themselves particular Privileges that do not extend to their Confederates. * The four Calvinist Cantons are more than thrice as big as all the seven Popish; so that Switz does not give Name to the rest by way of Eminence, but because it was the first that asserted its Liberty. Their Government, as well as Religion, is various, some being wholly Democratical, as Glaris and Appenzel; the rest, some more some less, Aristocratical, but none perfectly so. At Basil the Gentry are excluded the Government, because they endeavour to subvert it; but at Zurich, Solaturne, and Berne alone, the Gentry are chief in Government, because always faithful: But each of the Cantons are absolute within their respective Jurisdictions. The Country in general, though mountainous, is happy in rich Valleys, but their great distance from the Sea renders them uncapable of any flourishing Trade; so that their greatest Advantages are from hiring out their Men to Foreign Princes and States, the thorough-fair of Merchants and Travellers, the two great annual Marts at Zurzeaken, their Linnen Manufactory at St. Gall, the University of Basil, and several other Colleges. Their Force consists altogether in Foot, their Mountains rendring Horse unserviceable. They and their Confederates are able to raise about 60000 Men; Boterus says 120000, but this must be understood of all that are able to bear Arms. Simler descrip. Helvet. Cluver. descript. German. Henric. Suizer Chron. Helvet. Francisc. Guilliman de reb. Helvet. Josias Simler. respub. Helvet. Larius de migrat. Gent. Ranutio Scotto Helvet. profana sacra. Jean Baptiste. Plantin Histoire de Suisse.</blockquote>

	=== 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. ===		=== 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. ===

Admin: /* 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. */

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1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:03, 6 April 2025
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	Among the Allies of the Cantons, the Grisons are the most powerful. They are so called from one of their Ligues, whose Inhabitants were used to wear Grey Scarfes. Their City of Coire is the Place whither are brought the Merchandizes of Italy and Germany, by reason of the conveniency of the Rhine, which begins to bear Boats thereabouts. One of their Countries is the Valtoline, the most Beautiful and Important Valley of Europe. Wallais lies along the Rhosne. There are moreover, in the number of the Allies, four Bishops, that of Sion at Saint Maurice, Basle at Porentru, Constance at Mersbourg, and Coire at Marsoila. There is likewise the Abbot of Saint Gall, who dwells at Weil; seven Cities, Saint Gall, Neuchatel, Wallangery, Biel, Geneva, Mulhausen, Rotweil. The six first Protestants, and Rotweil Catholick. Geneva is the best Fortified of all, the Burghers, or Citizens, keep a very exact Guard for the preservation of their Liberty, and that of Religion, which is Reformed. In the Year 1663. the French King obtain'd freedom for the Catholicks to say Mass in that Town, where it had not been Celebrated in this Age. The Lake of Geneva is crossed by the Rhosne, which mixeth not with its Waters; there sometimes arise Tempests even in clear fair Weather, because it abutts at the foot of the Mountains. In the Country its said, that Julius Caesar caused his Treasures to be cast into this Lake, when he was pursued by the Switzers; hitherto they have been sought for to no purpose.</blockquote>		Among the Allies of the Cantons, the Grisons are the most powerful. They are so called from one of their Ligues, whose Inhabitants were used to wear Grey Scarfes. Their City of Coire is the Place whither are brought the Merchandizes of Italy and Germany, by reason of the conveniency of the Rhine, which begins to bear Boats thereabouts. One of their Countries is the Valtoline, the most Beautiful and Important Valley of Europe. Wallais lies along the Rhosne. There are moreover, in the number of the Allies, four Bishops, that of Sion at Saint Maurice, Basle at Porentru, Constance at Mersbourg, and Coire at Marsoila. There is likewise the Abbot of Saint Gall, who dwells at Weil; seven Cities, Saint Gall, Neuchatel, Wallangery, Biel, Geneva, Mulhausen, Rotweil. The six first Protestants, and Rotweil Catholick. Geneva is the best Fortified of all, the Burghers, or Citizens, keep a very exact Guard for the preservation of their Liberty, and that of Religion, which is Reformed. In the Year 1663. the French King obtain'd freedom for the Catholicks to say Mass in that Town, where it had not been Celebrated in this Age. The Lake of Geneva is crossed by the Rhosne, which mixeth not with its Waters; there sometimes arise Tempests even in clear fair Weather, because it abutts at the foot of the Mountains. In the Country its said, that Julius Caesar caused his Treasures to be cast into this Lake, when he was pursued by the Switzers; hitherto they have been sought for to no purpose.</blockquote>

			=== 1694. The present state of the universe by John Beaumont. ===
			<blockquote>SWITZERLAND. (Book Switzerland)

			I. THE Switzers conceiving themselves opprest by the House of Austria, had long thoughts of shaking off the Yoke, and in the year 1307. Verner Stauffacher of Switz, Walter Furst of Uren, and Arnold Melch∣tal of Underwal, form'd a design for effecting it. An. 1308. these three Cantons entred into a League Offensive and Defensive on this account, and by surprize made themselves Masters of all the Forts which kept them in awe; by taking an occasion to carry New years Gifts to the Governours, on New-years-day, according to Custom. Switz gave its name to the whole Nation, because it was the first of the three, which propos'd the Confederacy. Lucern joyn'd with them, An. 1332. Zurich, 1351. Glaris and Zug, 1352. Bern 1353. Friburg and Soloturn 1481. Basil and Schaffaussen, 1501. Apenzel, 1513.

			To range these Cantons according to their Rank and Place, and not considering the time of their Confederacy, they stand thus. Zurick, Bern, Lucern, Uren, Switz, Underwal, Zug, Glaris, Basil, Friburg, Soloturn, Schaffhaussen, Apenzel. These Cantons have all their peculiar Coats of Arms, which may be seen elsewhere: and of them Zurich, Bern, Basil and Schaffhaussen, profess Calvinism. Glaris and Apenzal profess both the Roman Religion and Calvi∣nism. The others profess the Roman Religion.

			When Berthol the Fifth, Duke of Zeringham, caus'd the Town of Bern to be built An. 1140. He slew a Bear which came to devour him; whence the Duke call'd this place Bern, which in the German Language signifies a Bear. And since the first Foun∣dation of it, the Inhabitants have always kept Bears there, in a great Pit, by the Gate of the Town, for a Remembrance. The Canton of Bern is almost of as great extent as all the other Twelve, and of greater strength. The Town is considerable, and neatly built with Freestone.

			The City of Lucern is one of the largest, and most pleasant of Switzerland. The Pope keeps his Nuncio there for all the Catho∣lick Cantons, and the King of Spain his Ambassador for the six Cantons of his Alliance; which are Lucern, Uren, Switz, Under∣wal, Zug, and Friburg.

			The Town of Basil has the greatest Trade, and is the most peopled and the pleasantest of all Switzerland.

			The Town of Soloturn is very beautiful: the French King keeps there his Ambassador, and many other Foreign Princes ordinarily Reside there.

			The Switzers hold every year at Basil, the General Assemblies of all the Country. When they assemble separately, the Catho∣licks take for the place of their Congress Lucern, and the Prote∣stants Arau, on the River Aur.

			All the Cantons are as many Republicks, which are Govern'd by their Burgomasters, or Avoiers, their Government being Demo∣cratical. The Cantons which have no Towns, call their Magi∣strates Landanes, instead of Burgomasters.

			The Switzers have several Towns and States confederate with them, viz. The Abbot and Town of S. Gal. Four Bishops, viz. of Sion, Basil, Constance, and Croired. The Towns of Neuchatel, Valengen, Nuenberg, Biel, Geneva, Mulhausen in Alsatia, Rotwel in Suabia, beyond the Danube. They have also many Prefectures, that is, such little Parcels and Additaments, as have accrued to their State, and are subject to their Authority, either by Gift, Purchase, or Chance of War.

			The Principal Prefecture is the Town of Baden, taking its name from the Baths there; and is the place of meeting for the Coun∣cel of State of all the Confederates. The Grizons also are Con∣federate with the Switzers; and of those there are three Divisi∣ons. I. The Grey League, so call'd because the Inhabitants wear a Grey Scarf. 2. The League of the House of God, so call'd because it was the proper Patrimony of the Bishop and Church of Chur. 3. The League of the Ten Commonalties. All these Confederates are able, on occasion, readily to set forth an Army of sixty thousand Men.

			==== The Republick of Geneva. ====
			I. THIS Republick professes Calvinism. An. 1679. Mass was said in the City of Geneva, with leave; at the House of Sieur Chauvigny, the French Kings Resident there; which had not been done, since the year 1535. That Calvinism was there Establisht by a Decree of the Senate.

			II. Geneva gives for Arms, Party Or, and Gules, the fi•st has a demy Eagle display'd Sable, the second a Key Argent, with this devise. Post Tenebras Lux. The Romanists say the words are misplac'd, and that it ought to be, Post Lucem tenebra.

			III. The City of Geneva is situate on the Lake Lemanus, the River Rhone passing thro the lower part of it. The buildings are fair and of Freestone; the Compass of the whole City being about two Miles, in which there are suppos'd to be about 16 or 17000 souls. Munster calls it Mirae voluptatis Urbem. Its allied with the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland; and in two or three hours it advertises all the Canton of Bern to come to its succour with 50, or 60000 Men; who may come on the Lake a day after the Signal; which consists in lighted Torches, set from Tower to Tower. Its Govern'd by twenty five Senators, who follow the written Law. Beside this Councel of twenty five, they have one of sixty, and another of two hundred.</blockquote>

	=== 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. ===		=== 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. ===

Admin: /* 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. */

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1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

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	THIS Country at first appertain'd to the Jurisdiction of the Gauls, and was afterward enclos'd within the Limits of Germany, taking its modern name from Schwitz, one of the three first Cantons that took up Arms to shake off the intolerable Yoke which had been impos'd on them by the House of Austria. Whereupon the Emperor Albert perceiving the Revolt of these People, sent considerable Forces into their Territories to reduce them to his Obedience, a little before he was Assassinated by his Nephew; then his Sons lead thither an Army consisting of 20000 Men, who were defeated by a Band of 50 Men of the Canton of Schwitz in the Battel of Morgarten, A. D. 1315, insomuch that the Austrians hearing only the word Schweitz, Schweitz, proclaim'd aloud, call'd by this name all those that adher'd to their Religion.		THIS Country at first appertain'd to the Jurisdiction of the Gauls, and was afterward enclos'd within the Limits of Germany, taking its modern name from Schwitz, one of the three first Cantons that took up Arms to shake off the intolerable Yoke which had been impos'd on them by the House of Austria. Whereupon the Emperor Albert perceiving the Revolt of these People, sent considerable Forces into their Territories to reduce them to his Obedience, a little before he was Assassinated by his Nephew; then his Sons lead thither an Army consisting of 20000 Men, who were defeated by a Band of 50 Men of the Canton of Schwitz in the Battel of Morgarten, A. D. 1315, insomuch that the Austrians hearing only the word Schweitz, Schweitz, proclaim'd aloud, call'd by this name all those that adher'd to their Religion.

	SWITZERLAND, in comprehending the Territories of its Allies and Subjects, is bounded on the North by Alsatia and Schwaben, on the South by Lombardy and the Lake of Geneva, on the East by the County of Tyrol, and on the West by that of Burgundy. It is extended from South to North for the space of about 45 Leagues from the Bailiage of Mendrisi, to the Frontiers of Schwaben, and 70 from West to East, viz. from the County of Bormio as far as Mount S. Claude. A great number of Rivers take their rise in Switzerland, particularly the Rhine, the Aar, the Russ, the Inn, the Tesin, &c. which shews that this Country, tho' beset with many Lakes, is the highest in Europe: Of these Rivers the Russ and the Tesin are very serviceable for conveying of Merchandizes into Italy and Germany. The principal Lakes are those of Geneva, Constantz, Zell, Neufchatel, Biel, Morat, Thun, Brients, Lucern, Zurich, Zug, Ocarn and Riva. The Air is subtil and healthful but the Soil is very uneven and full of Mountains, more especially toward the South; nevertheless so well cultivated, that it brings forth all things necessary for the support of human Life, except Wine, which is found only in certain particular places where the White-wine is generally excellent. The tops of the Mountains afford much Grass, the Valleys rich Pastures, and the Forests good store of Game, viz. Stags, Deer, Chamois, Hairs, Wild-boars and Partridges. Moreover the Inhabitants make vast quantities of Butter and Cheese which are transported into divers Countries; and many Herds of Heifers and Oxen are here fed, besides Horses of an admirable breed.		SWITZERLAND, in comprehending the Territories of its Allies and Subjects, is bounded on the North by Alsatia and Schwaben, on the South by [[Lombardy]] and the Lake of Geneva, on the East by the County of Tyrol, and on the West by that of [[Burgundie\|Burgundy]]. It is extended from South to North for the space of about 45 Leagues from the Bailiage of Mendrisi, to the Frontiers of Schwaben, and 70 from West to East, viz. from the County of Bormio as far as Mount S. Claude. A great number of Rivers take their rise in Switzerland, particularly the Rhine, the Aar, the Russ, the Inn, the Tesin, &c. which shews that this Country, tho' beset with many Lakes, is the highest in Europe: Of these Rivers the Russ and the Tesin are very serviceable for conveying of Merchandizes into [[Italy]] and [[Germany]]. The principal Lakes are those of Geneva, Constantz, Zell, Neufchatel, Biel, Morat, Thun, Brients, Lucern, Zurich, Zug, Ocarn and Riva. The Air is subtil and healthful but the Soil is very uneven and full of Mountains, more especially toward the South; nevertheless so well cultivated, that it brings forth all things necessary for the support of human Life, except Wine, which is found only in certain particular places where the White-wine is generally excellent. The tops of the Mountains afford much Grass, the Valleys rich Pastures, and the Forests good store of Game, viz. Stags, Deer, Chamois, Hairs, Wild-boars and Partridges. Moreover the Inhabitants make vast quantities of Butter and Cheese which are transported into divers Countries; and many Herds of Heifers and Oxen are here fed, besides Horses of an admirable breed.

	The Switzers are generally robust and of a strong Constitution, but somewhat heavy; they sometimes think it convenient to correct the moisture of the Air with plentiful Entertainments: They are also great Lovers of Liberty, Maintainers of impartial Justice, and no less noted for their extraordinary Valour, insomuch that formerly most Princes were wont to esteem them as the greatest security of their Persons and Armies; but their Reputation in process of time began to decline by reason of their mercenary Temper, and more particularly their Treachery in betraying Luigi Sforza Duke of Milan, who had put himself under their Protection; however, Swiss-Guards are still retain'd in several Courts of Europe, and more especially in that of France. These People having been first subdu'd by the Romans, were constrain'd to submit to the Arms of the Burgundians and Germans under Honorius and Valentinian II. Afterward they became subject to the Emperors of Germany and the Dukes of Zeringhen, and their whole Country was divided into many Lordships, among which the House of Hapsburg, from whence sprang that of Austria, endeavour'd to render it self chiefly predominant; insomuch that the Lieutenants that were sent to preside here, treated the Inhabitants so rudely, that three of them, viz. one of Ʋri, another of Schwitz, and a third of Ʋnderwald, excited these three Cantons to raise a Commotion in the year 1307 1308, being chiefly animated thereto by these Reasons, viz. 1. The Insolence of the Governor of the Canton of Ʋnderwald, who had unjustly deprived a certain old Man of his Estate and Goods. 2. In regard that he had attempted to ravish the Wife of one Conrade of Bomgarten. 3. On the account that the Governour of Ʋri, nam'd Grifler, caus'd a Hat or Cap to be set on the top of a long Pole in the Market-place of Altorf, commanding, at the same time, that all Passengers should fall down on their Knees before it and remain uncover'd, as it were in his presence: Whereupon, William Tell neglecting to obey this Order, was immediately condemn'd to death, but escaped the punishment by performing the condition mention'd in the Sentence of Condemnation, which was, to shoot an Apple off from his Son's head, with an Arrow, at a considerable distance. Then the other Cantons following their Example, enter'd into mutal Leagues at several times, viz. Lucern, in 1332. Zurich, in 1351. Zug and Glaris, in 1352, Bern, in 1353. Friburg and Soloturn in 1481. Basil and Schaffhausen. in 1501. and Appenzel, in 1513. And, indeed, they are all united together for the conservation of their Liberty, and are govern'd in form of a Republick, altho' they have different Laws, and do not in any wise depend one on another; the People being, for the most part absolute, that is to say, it is a State or Common-wealth purely Democratical.		The Switzers are generally robust and of a strong Constitution, but somewhat heavy; they sometimes think it convenient to correct the moisture of the Air with plentiful Entertainments: They are also great Lovers of Liberty, Maintainers of impartial Justice, and no less noted for their extraordinary Valour, insomuch that formerly most Princes were wont to esteem them as the greatest security of their Persons and Armies; but their Reputation in process of time began to decline by reason of their mercenary Temper, and more particularly their Treachery in betraying Luigi Sforza Duke of Milan, who had put himself under their Protection; however, Swiss-Guards are still retain'd in several Courts of Europe, and more especially in that of France. These People having been first subdu'd by the Romans, were constrain'd to submit to the Arms of the Burgundians and Germans under Honorius and Valentinian II. Afterward they became subject to the Emperors of Germany and the Dukes of Zeringhen, and their whole Country was divided into many Lordships, among which the House of Hapsburg, from whence sprang that of Austria, endeavour'd to render it self chiefly predominant; insomuch that the Lieutenants that were sent to preside here, treated the Inhabitants so rudely, that three of them, viz. one of Ʋri, another of Schwitz, and a third of Ʋnderwald, excited these three Cantons to raise a Commotion in the year 1307 1308, being chiefly animated thereto by these Reasons, viz. 1. The Insolence of the Governor of the Canton of Ʋnderwald, who had unjustly deprived a certain old Man of his Estate and Goods. 2. In regard that he had attempted to ravish the Wife of one Conrade of Bomgarten. 3. On the account that the Governour of Ʋri, nam'd Grifler, caus'd a Hat or Cap to be set on the top of a long Pole in the Market-place of Altorf, commanding, at the same time, that all Passengers should fall down on their Knees before it and remain uncover'd, as it were in his presence: Whereupon, William Tell neglecting to obey this Order, was immediately condemn'd to death, but escaped the punishment by performing the condition mention'd in the Sentence of Condemnation, which was, to shoot an Apple off from his Son's head, with an Arrow, at a considerable distance. Then the other Cantons following their Example, enter'd into mutal Leagues at several times, viz. Lucern, in 1332. Zurich, in 1351. Zug and Glaris, in 1352, Bern, in 1353. Friburg and Soloturn in 1481. Basil and Schaffhausen. in 1501. and Appenzel, in 1513. And, indeed, they are all united together for the conservation of their Liberty, and are govern'd in form of a Republick, altho' they have different Laws, and do not in any wise depend one on another; the People being, for the most part absolute, that is to say, it is a State or Common-wealth purely Democratical.

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Admin: Created page with " ==Etymology and other names== ==History== ==Geography== ==Demographics== ==Economy== ==Culture== ==Government== ==Military== ==Education== ==Transportation== ==Notable People== ==Sources from old books== ===1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.===
Suisserland. SƲisserland had its Name from Switz, one of its most ancient Cantons, whether this Canton was the most considerable of the three, who began the Alliance..."

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Created page with " ==Etymology and other names== ==History== ==Geography== ==Demographics== ==Economy== ==Culture== ==Government== ==Military== ==Education== ==Transportation== ==Notable People== ==Sources from old books== ===1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.=== <blockquote>Suisserland. SƲisserland had its Name from Switz, one of its most ancient Cantons, whether this Canton was the most considerable of the three, who began the Alliance..."

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==Etymology and other names==
==History==
==Geography==
==Demographics==
==Economy==
==Culture==
==Government==
==Military==
==Education==
==Transportation==
==Notable People==
==Sources from old books==
===1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.===
<blockquote>Suisserland.

SƲisserland had its Name from Switz, one of its most ancient Cantons, whether this Canton was the most considerable of the three, who began the Alliance in the Year 1308. or that in the Year 1315. they first of all fought then for the Liberty of the Country, in the Battel of Morgarten, wherein fifty of the Switzers defeated an Army of twenty thousand Austrians. When Suisserland made a part of Gaul, it was divided into four Quarters, which seem to correspond with the modern Countries of Zurichgow, Argow, Turgow, Wiflispurgergow. Since it has had two parts separated by the River of Russ, the one belonging to the Germans, the other to the Burgundians, who called it their Lesser-Burgundy, or Burgundia Trans-Jurana, as being beyond Mount-Jura. The Rhine, Rhosne, Aar, Russ, Inn, Tesin, and other Rivers, have their Sources in Suisserland, for which reason this Country is esteemed the highest of Europe. The Tesin and Russ furnish them with the conveniency of Trading into [[Germany]] and [[Italy]]. Several Lakes there are, the most considerable of which, are those of Geneva and Constance. All these Waters produce Fish in abundance, and the Mountains in this Tract afford the means of Hunting Bucks, Shamoies, or Wild-Goats and Boors. The Switzers are well shap'd and proportioned, and very strong and robust for the most part. Their best Revenue comes from the Pensions they receive from the French King, and the King of Spain: Their Cattel afford them Butter, Cheese and Milk: Their Interest is to maintain Peace, and to remain united among themselves. They speak both French and German in this Country, but have corrupted several terms of both Tongues. 'Tis held, that, upon occasion, they are able to bring into the Field sixty thousand fighting Men; the Canton of Bearn alone being capable of raising eighteen thousand. It is an Infantry which renders good service to the Prince who imploys it, as numerous as it was in the time of Julius Caesar. It seems to pawn its own Liberty by engaging it self under the pay of others; but by so doing, it preserves the freedom of its Country. The Valour and Fidelity of the Switzers have invited the French Kings, the Popes of Rome, and the Dukes of Genoa, to conside in them for the Guard of their proper Persons, and the greatest Families of Europe do not disdain their Alliance. True it is, they have not so many Nobles as formerly; but those they have are very considerable, and a mistake it is to believe that they were wholly exterminated. Several Castles were there razed, when they cast off the Yoke of the House of Austria, by reason of the ill treatments of its Lieutenants.

Under the Name of Suisserland are known thirteen Cantons of the Country, which are subject to them, and of their Allies. The Cantons, as well as the Allies, are as many Republicks govern'd by their Magistrates, whom they call Burgher-Masters, or Avoyers, or Landames. This Name is given to the chief of the Cantons, where are no Cities. The Cantons and the Allies have Ordinances independent on one another; nevertheless they Govern sometimes several Provinces together, and they have Laws almost a-like with a strict Union, they have often given them the Name of the Republick of the Switzers, or of the Lords of the Leagues. In this Commonwealth are two sorts of Religion the Protestant and Roman-Catholick. When mention is made of the Catholick Cantons, they reckon either five or seven of them: The five are Ʋri, Switz, Ʋndervald, Lucerne, Zug: The two others, Fribourg and Soleurre. Zurich, Bern, Basle, Schafouse are Protestants: Glaris and Appenzel have both Papists and Protestants. This diversity of Religion does often cause their affairs to be embroil'd, and sometimes occasions their Assembling separately. Commonly the five Popish Cantons hold their Assembly at Lucerne, the four Protestant Cities at Aran. The General Assemblies are held every Year at Baden, so called from its Baths. Each Canton is free to engage it self with whom it thinks convenient, so that the Switzers are found in different Parties; nevertheless the Switzers sharing in almost all the Wars that are made in Europe, have none themselves, and live in Peace in their own Country. As concerning succours, the Cantons have certain Treaties, they can call and summon one another: Some have no right but of calling three or five, but those who summon succours, may also cause others to come, who are allied to them; thus most commonly they all joyn therein, each according to its Forces. They have not all an equal Authority over their subject Countries, they have it only according to the Associations which they have made in divers times: And those who entred last into the Leagues have not any Right over the Countries, which have been subjected before the times of their Leagues. Amongst all these Cantons, Zurich has the Presidence: Bern is the most powerful; Basle has the finest City, the abode and the Rendezvous of several Learned Men: The Canton of Schafouse, has its City of great Trade: Soleurre has one too of the same Name, where Resides the French Embassador. Ʋri, Swits, Ʋnderwald, Glaris, Appenzel have only Burroughs. Hence follows the order of the thirteen Cantons, according to their Ranks. Zurich, Bern, Ʋri, Switz, Ʋnderwald, Zug, Glaris, Fribourg, Soleurre, Schafouse, Appenzel.

The Countries, subjected to the Cantons, have either been Conquered by Arms, or submitted voluntarily. There is about a score of them, which, for the most part, have the Title of Bailywicks, as Baden and those which lie in Italy.

Among the Allies of the Cantons, the Grisons are the most powerful. They are so called from one of their Ligues, whose Inhabitants were used to wear Grey Scarfes. Their City of Coire is the Place whither are brought the Merchandizes of Italy and Germany, by reason of the conveniency of the Rhine, which begins to bear Boats thereabouts. One of their Countries is the Valtoline, the most Beautiful and Important Valley of Europe. Wallais lies along the Rhosne. There are moreover, in the number of the Allies, four Bishops, that of Sion at Saint Maurice, Basle at Porentru, Constance at Mersbourg, and Coire at Marsoila. There is likewise the Abbot of Saint Gall, who dwells at Weil; seven Cities, Saint Gall, Neuchatel, Wallangery, Biel, Geneva, Mulhausen, Rotweil. The six first Protestants, and Rotweil Catholick. Geneva is the best Fortified of all, the Burghers, or Citizens, keep a very exact Guard for the preservation of their Liberty, and that of Religion, which is Reformed. In the Year 1663. the French King obtain'd freedom for the Catholicks to say Mass in that Town, where it had not been Celebrated in this Age. The Lake of Geneva is crossed by the Rhosne, which mixeth not with its Waters; there sometimes arise Tempests even in clear fair Weather, because it abutts at the foot of the Mountains. In the Country its said, that Julius Caesar caused his Treasures to be cast into this Lake, when he was pursued by the Switzers; hitherto they have been sought for to no purpose.</blockquote>