May 24, 1858.] 
SWITZERLAND. 
287 
harmonious correlation with the physical changes of the crust of 
our planet. 
Switzerland . — To our praiseworthy correspondent, M. Ziegler of 
"Winterthur, so well known for many beautiful maps of his native 
country, I am indebted for what we know of the progress of Geo- 
graphy in Switzerland. The geodetic and topographic surveys have 
been continued in the mountains on the north of the Canton 
of Tessin, and along that part of the chain of the Alps which 
includes the Cols of Lukmanier, the Little St. Bernard, and the 
Splugen. Detailed works have been executed in the environs of 
these passes, whilst triangulation is proceeding on the elevated 
points above Dissentis and the valley of the Vorder-Rhein. 
The principal travels which have been executed during the 
past summer, were undertaken chiefly with a view to geological 
researches. Those of Dr. Heusser in the Valais were made in the 
vicinity of Visp — to observe the centre of a disturbance caused by 
alarming earthquakes, which have not yet entirely ceased. M. Heus- 
ser, being a Professor attached to the University of Zurich, has 
recorded his own remarks on the localities of those phenomena 
in a pamphlet* published by the Society of Natural History of 
Zurich. Chanoine Rion has also given an account of earthquakes 
experienced in 1855, from June to November. f 
During the past winter meteorological observations were likewise 
made throughout all the extent of the central Alps ; repeated 
luminous appearances having astonished the observers. 
By reason of the uninterrupted advance of the works for railways 
in Switzerland, the number of exact hypsometric data is continually 
on the increase, and M. Ziegler will continue his communications 
relating to altitudes along these lines, and will also make us 
acquainted with the progress of each railway. The Polytechnic 
School publishes a journal^ which may be called the scientific 
organ of that federal institute, and which will describe in detail 
every Swiss railroad. 
Hypsometric charts have been multiplied ; and as their utility 
augments in proportion as we become enabled to compare with 
accuracy the heights of different countries, M. Ziegler has trans- 
mitted to us an extract from a work which he is preparing for speedy 
* Das Erdbeben im Visperthal im Jahr 1855. 
f Sion, 1855. 
X Schweizerische Polytechnische Zeitschrift, 4to., Winterthur, 1856, pp. 12. 
