BERN, the largest and most populous can ton of Switzerland, produces corn, though not sufficient for the consumption of the population, and fruit in abundance, especially apples, pears, plums, nuts, and cherries. From the cherries the spirit called kirsch wasser is made, which, as well as the extract from absinth, or wormwood, are articles of common use, as in the rest of Switzerland. Beer and cider are made in the country. The vine thrives in a few districts, chiefly in that of Nidau near the lake of Bienne, where wine is made. Hemp and flax are also among the products of the soil; but cattle and the pro ducts of the dairy constitute the chief wealth of the country ; cheese is made in abundance for exportation, especially in the valleys of Emmenthal, Simmenthal, and Gessenai or Saanen.
The canton of Bern is, to a moderate ex tent, a manufacturing country. Linen is made in many places, sufficient for the internal consumption : there are tanneries at Bern, as well as a few manufactories of silks, coarse woollens, and paper. Mathematical instru
ments, watches, and jewellery, muskets, and other arms, are made at Bern, Porentrui, The Bernese gunpowder is excellent, and far superior iu quality to the French : the manu facturing of it is free, and not subject to monopoly as in France. At Correndelin, Un tervilier, and other places in the valleys of the Jura, there are iron-works and foundries, the iron ore being found in abundance in the mountains. Timber for building and fuel are supplied by the mountain forests, and from other woods in several parts of the lowlands.
The chief town, Bern, is rather a centre for the general commerce of the country, than a manufacturing place.