ALSACE AND GERMAN LOREAINE. 177 



been constructed. They connect the formidable fortresses which have converted 

 the country into a vast entrenched camp. 



Most of the trade in the villages of Alsace is in the hands of Jews, who are 

 very numerous. 



Topography. 



Upper Alsace. — Huningen (2,210 inhabitants) is the first town met with on 

 leaving Switzerland. It was famous formerly on account of its fortifications, 

 which were razed in 1815. The Rhine is spanned here by a bridge of boats. The 

 fish-breeding establishment set up by the French Government is now rendering 

 good service to its successors. 



M'ûlhausen (Mulhouse, 65,361 inhabitants) is the industrial centre of Upper 

 Alsace. The " Town of Mills " occupies a favourable position at the foot of the 

 hills of the Sundgau, and at the head of navigation of the 111, For nearly three 

 centuries (1506 — 1795) a member of the Swiss Confederation, the town was able 

 freely to develop its industries, and became one of the manufacturing capitals of 

 Europe. Its leading manufacturers are members of a few old families, united by 

 ties of relationship like a clan, and thus able to bring their joint influence to 

 bear upon the markets of the world. In 1853 one of these families constructed the 

 first " workman's city," which has since served as a pattern to many others. This 

 cité consists now of over a thousand neat cottages, surrounded by gardens.* Miil- 

 hausen most energetically resisted annexation to Germany, and thousands of its 

 inhabitants emigrated into France. The town, however, has recovered since, and, 

 like all manufacturing places, it attracts numerous settlers. 



AUkirch (3,007 inhabitants), on the road to Belfort, is known for its potteries. 

 All other towns in this part of the country are dependencies of Miilhausen. 

 Masmunster (Massevaux, 2,784 inhabitants) lies in the valley of the Doller, to the 

 westward. The river Thur, towards the north-M'est, rises at the foot of the 

 Rheinkopf, and flows past' Wcsserling, St. Amarin (2,025 inhabitants), Thann 

 (7,544 inhabitants), and Scnnhcim (Cernay, 3,965 inhabitants). The Lauch, fed 

 from an artificial lake at the foot of the Bolchen, propels the w^heels of the cotton- 

 mills of Gehweiler (11,622 inhabitants), Sulz (4,987 inhabitants), and Bolhcciler. 

 Of all these towns Gebweiler is the most populous, but Thann, with its fine Gothic 

 church and the ruins of the Engelburg, is the most curious. The best red wine of 

 the country grows on the hills near it. 



Cohnar (22,728 inhabitants), thanks to its central position on the 111, has been 

 chosen administrative capital of Upper Alsace. It is a mediaeval town, with a fine 

 Gothic church and several curious private houses. Monuments have been raised in 

 honour of Generals Rapp and Bruat, who were natives of the place. The industrial 

 establishments of Colmar are for the most part situate on the canal of Logelbach, 

 to the west of the town. The canal is fed by the Fecht, and, ascending that river, 

 we pass the old walled town of T'ârkheim (2,547 inhabitants), and reach Munster 



* Each of these cottages costs, on an average, £120. After sixteen or twenty-two years' payment of 

 rent the cottage becomes the property of the tenmt. 



84 



