sixteen cantons, the French in four, and the Italian in two.

The productions of the vegetable kingdom resemble those of central Europe, and vary with the increasing elevation of the ground. The vine grows in the valleys, on the banks of the lakes and rivers, and flourishes at an altitude of 1700 feet above the

sea.

The mineral productions are various but are little developed. There are mines of iron, copper, and argentiferous ores, in the canton of Grisons, and other minerals have been found in different parts of the country.

Mineral springs are numerous, particularly in the canton of Berne. The most celebrated are greatly resorted to by invalids. MONEY.-The coinage of Switzerland is similar to that of France. French money is every where current; English sovereigns and bank notes are taken at hotels at their full value.

ROUTE 97.

BALE TO SCHAFFHAUSEN AND CONSTANCE.

To Schaffhausen, first class, 9.50 francs; second, 6.30 francs; third, 4.05 francs.

To Constance, 90 miles; first class, 14.50 francs; second, francs; third, 6.20 francs.

Best views on the right.

B

9.65

see

ALE (Hotels: "HOTEL LIST"). Cabs -hour, one or two persons, 80 c.; each additional hour, 30 c. Three or four persons, 1.20 frs.; additional hour, 60 c. From station to town, one or two persons, 1.20 frs.; three or four persons, 1.80 frs. The greater part of the town is on the left bank of the Rhine, and is connected with the other portion by a wooden bridge 680 feet long. Owing to its situation at the junction of the frontiers of France, Germany, and Switzerland, it maintains its position as a place of great commercial activity. The Cathedral, or Munster, is the chief attraction of the place for tourists. It is built of red sandstone. The older portion dates from 1010, and is of the Byzantine order, but in 1356 a considerable part was destroyed by an earthquake, and it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Amongst the relics of the original structure are the northern portal, ornamented with statues of Christ and St Peter, and the Wise and Foolish Virgins; the crypt, nave, and the grotesque carvings on the frieze capitals. The choir and side gables are of mixed Byzantine and Gothic. The west front is of the thirteenth century. It

has two towers, and the portal is adorned with mounted statues of St George and St Martin, and other figures. The interior suffered greatly from the outrages of bigots in the sixteenth century. It contains some curious wood carvings. The monument of Erasmus stands on the left of the communion-table, and that of the Empress Anna, wife of Rudolph of Hapsburg, and her son, in the choir. A Gothic screen, of the fourteenth century, separates the nave from the choir, from which latter there is a staircase leading to the council chamber, in which one of the committees of the great Council of Bale met in 1459. The sacristan, who lives opposite the main entrance, expects a small fee for showing it. A fine mediaval collection occupies three floors of the building adjoining the church. The rooms themselves and the collection are most interesting. Good catalogues at the door. Admission, week-days, fr.; Sundays, 10.30 to 1, free.

The Rathhaus, in the marketplace, was erected in 1508. On the frieze are the arms of the three original Swiss cantonsUri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden; beneath them are the arms of Bale, and below these, a procession of children. The interior is adorned with frescoes by Hans Bach and his son (1609). Holbein's frescoes are obliterated, but the hall is still ornamented with quaint wood carvings.

The Museum contains some good paintings by the younger Holbein, Cranach, Teniers, and others; also a collection of antiquities, many of them brought from Augst, a few miles distant. Here is also a Public Library of 90,000 volumes, containing some curious MSS.

The University of Bale, founded in 1460, was once famous, chiefly

from its connection with the great name of Erasmus. Euler and Bernouilli, the mathematicians, were professors here, and natives of Bale.

The Zoological Garden contains an interesting collection of Swiss and other animals. Concerts in the afternoon.

About 6 miles distant, on the left bank of the Rhine, near its confluence with the Ergolz, is Augst, occupying the site of the great Roman city of Augusta Rauracorum, founded in the reign of Augustus. Great quantities of Roman remains have been found here, most of which have been removed to the Museums of Bale and Schaffhausen.

Proceeding along the right bank of the river, we reach RHEINFELDEN (10 miles) (Hotel : Krone), a walled town, opposite the station, on the left bank. The Rhine is here crossed by a wooden bridge. Part of the town is built of materials brought from Augst. In the neighbourhood are extensive salt-works. At SACHINGEN (20 miles) we see an old Abbey Church, with two towers. At LAUFFENBURG Station (26 miles) there is a wooden bridge across the Rhine, connecting the small with the great town (Hotel: Adler). It derives its name from the rapids (Lauffen), into which the river is here broken. WALDSHUT (35 miles) (Hotel: Rebstock) is situated on the border of the Black Forest. The Swiss Junction Railway to Turgi here crosses the Rhine. The town consists of one principal street, lined with quaint, old-fashioned houses. Near this place, the Aar falls into the Rhine. Some distance beyond Waldshut, is NEUHAUSEN (57) miles) (Hotel: SCHWEIZER HOF*). This hotel, one of the largest and best in Switzerland, is situated on a beautiful hill exactly oppo