“ The high clock tower, built by Berchtold of Zähringen in 1191, is near the middle of the city. Every hour its works set in motion puppets which represent a cock, a procession of bears, and a bearded old man with an hour glass, who strikes a bell. ”

“ The corporation of the city is so rich that it furnishes the citizens with fuel gratis, and has a surplus. The scenery is of the most picturesque character, and the city is much frequented by strangers. The wall ditches are renowned for bears, the bear being the heraldic animal of Bern, which derives its name from it. The armory, the richest in Switzerland, is full of ancient weapons and curiosities. ”

“ The highest points of the Bernese Alps are the Finsteraarhorn, the Jungfrau, the Mönch, the Schreckhorn, the Eiger, and the Wetterhorn, from 12,000 to 14,000 ft. high. Many strangers are attracted to the canton by its wild and romantic scenery. The climate is healthful, but in temperature varies with the elevation. ”