BERN, a town of Switzerland, and the capital of the canton of the same name, is situated on the banks of the river Aar, which almost encircles the town. The principal streets of this city are long, broad, and gently curved. The houses are nearly uniform, and of the same height, and are built upon arcades, which afford, even in the worst weather, a dry and sheltered pavement for foot passengers. The streets are kept remarkably clean, by means of criminals, who remove the rubbish, &c. under the inspection of a guard ; and the branch of the Aar which traverses the town, supplies several fountains, which contribute to the ornament of the town, as well as to the com fort of the inhabitants. The cathedral of Bern is a beautiful Gothic building, the cloister of which is particularly admired. It was erected in 1421 by the same architect who built the Munster at Strasbourg, and stands upon a fine terrace raised above the bed of the Aar, and commanding a charming view of the adjacent country. The arsenal formerly contained 60,000 stands, and several trophies of Swiss valour. The statue of William was one of the curiosities which it displayed, The public library comprehends about 20,000 volumes, besides a curious collection of anti quities and medals. It contains also a chart in relief of a part of Switzerland, a view in relief of the salt mines and glaciers of Bcvieux and Aiglc, executed in wood by M. Exchaquet ; a collection of curiosi
ties from Otahcite ; a cabinet of Swiss medals, and a cabinet of minerals. Besides these public build ings, there are several hospitals, an almshouse, a house of correction built at the suggestion of Howard, and an elegant building for public amusements.
The principal literal y and scientific establishments of Bern are, the CEconomical Society, the Society of Physics and Natural History, and the Society of Medicine, &c.
In the neighbourhood of Bern there arc many de lightful views of the Alps, which appear in their greatest beauty when seen at the rising or the setting of the sun. These views are seen to great advantage from the terrace of the cathedral, the little rampart, the granary, Graben, and Engi. Between the lower gate of the town and the village of Ostermanningen, there is a charming promenade, diversified with the finest scenery.
There arc few manufactures carried on at Bern. The principal are draps, linens, cottons, silks, and delft ware.
Bern is elevated about 1709 feet above the level of the sea. Population in 1792, 15,000. E. Long. 7° 20', N. Lat. 46° 56' 56". Sec Coxc's Travels, vol. ii. Moore's View of Society in France, Switzer land, &c. ; and Diet. dc to Suisse. (7r)