ZU RICH, a canton on the n.e. frontier of Switzerland,' is drained by the Rhine and its tributaries. Pop. '70, 284,786; '77, 296,815. It is traversed by ridges of lofty hills, running n.w. and s.c., between which lie three valleys, forming almost its whole suiface—those of the Toss, the Glatt, and the Limmat. The lake of Lunch pene trates Mich for a distance of 26 m., and connects it with the cantons of Schwyz and St. Gall. Zurich has not a fertile soil, but it is carefully cultivated. A considerable quantity of corn is raised in the canton, though not enough to supply the wants of the population. Vineyards and orchards are numerous; but the pasture lands are of much greater importance, and cattle form the chief wealth of the agricultural population. Zurich was one of the earliest seats of the cotton manufacture in Europe, and the spinning and weaving of cotton are still prosecuted with great success. The silk manu factures are nearly as important; and more recently, the progress made in the manu facture of railway locomotives and other machinery has been a cause of some alarm to English engineers: The mechanics of Zurich divide their attention between agriculture and manufacturing industry, and are among the most prosperous and best educated workingmen in Europe. The government of the canton is a representative democracy—
all adult citizens of 20 enjoying the franchise. The great council of Zurich is elected chiefly by the citizens, but partly also by its own members. It appoints for four years an executive council of nine members. A desire to give a yet more thoroughly demo cratic character to the constitution led to the appointment in 1868 of a committee to con sider its revision; anct now the real decision as to laws, taxes, etc., lies with the people. Zurich returns 14 members to the national council. The population of the canton (663 sq.m.) is German-speaking and Protestant.