262 



GERMANY. 



The Werra, having emerged from the deep valley through which it flows 

 around the western extremity of the Thuringian Forest, is joined by the Nesse, 

 upon which are seated two of the most celebrated cities of Thuringia, viz. Gotha 

 and Eisenach. GotJia (22,687 inhabitants) is the most populous town of the 

 smaller duchies, and, like all other capitals, it has its library and museum. To 

 geographers, however, it is more especially interesting on account of its Geogra- 

 phical Establishment. Eisenach (16,163 inhabitants), the birthplace of Sebastian 

 Bach, though beautifully situated in the midst of gardiens, is less interesting 

 as a town of art and science than Gotha, but possesses a considerable centre 



Fig. 150. — The AVartrukg. 



of attraction in the Wartburg, one of the most curious castles of Germany, which 

 crowns a neighbouring height. The castle was built in 1 070. Here Attila cele- 

 brated his nuptials with Chrimhilde ; a famous minstrel's war took place in 1207 ; 

 and Luther, in 1521, translated the greater portion of the Bible. The environs of 

 the Wartburg are delightful. Ruhla (4,398 inhabitants), in the hills near it, 

 sends pipes and purses into every part of the world, and its women are reported 

 to be the best-looking in Germany. 



The Werra, on entering Hesse, flows past Eschiccge (7,742 inhabitants), a 

 town of tan-yards, and having been reinforced by the rivulet upon which is 



