Lucerne

loo-sern', the capital of the Swiss canton of that name. It lies at the outlet of the Lake of Lucerne. It is still inclosed by medieval walls and watch towers erected in 1385. An amphitheater of hills behind the town, with the lake in front, and the Rigi, Pilatus, and the mountains of Uri in full view, give the city a position of surpassing beauty. The Reuss is a clear, emerald green stream. It leaves the lake with a velocity surpassed only by that of the Rhone at Geneva. It is crossed by four bridges. The newest is an iron structure designed to meet the commercial necessities of the city. The bridges of interest, however, are narrow wooden affairs that cross the stream on piling. They are inclosed and roofed. The interior of the Chapel Bridge is painted with 154 scenes from the lives of the patron saints of Lucerne and from Swiss history. At the middle of the river the bridge passes a picturesque old water tower in which the municipal archives are arranged. It is said that this tower was once called the Lucerna or lighthouse, whence the name of the city. The Mill Bridge is also roofed. The interior is likewise adorned with paintings known as The Dance of Death. The river and lake are enlivened with swans and half tame waterfowl. One hundred thousand tourists are said to visit the city annually. The surrounding scenery is too attractive to permit much attention to be given to the antiquities of the city. An old city hall contains good carving. A historical art and industrial museum contains relics of pre-historic and medieval periods, a collection of antiquities from the lake dwellings, and many other interesting exhibits. The present population of the city is about 25,000. For a description of the Lion of Lucerne, see THORWALDSEN.