Chapter I: Preface

In Switzerland, above all other lands of Europe, is the greatness of Nature manifest. But not even the Alps can overshadow the story of her gallant people. The Swiss are more interesting even than Switzerland. In this volume therefore--a volume intended to give the reader who cannot hope to see Switzerland some idea of its character, as well as to guide those who hope or intend to undertake a Swiss tour--an attempt has been made to give a brief sketch of the origins and achievements of the Swiss people, as well as to describe the natural beauties of the country. To a very remarkable extent the history of Switzerland has affected the general current of European history, partly through the courage of the mercenary soldiers that the Alpine communities sent abroad in olden times, partly because always Switzerland has provided a house of refuge for political exiles from other countries. The deeds of her people cannot but be interesting in every land where European civilisation rules. They have the interest not only of their essential heroism but of their near relation to the development of other countries.

No exhaustive record has been attempted. This volume cannot, for the serious student, serve either as a history of Switzerland, as a description of the Swiss Alps, or as a record of those interesting literary and scientific coteries which grew up beside the Swiss lakes. Its purpose rather is to give to the reader who cannot devote a special interest to the country some fairly adequate idea of its history, its character, and institutions. The illustrations have been selected to give as comprehensive an impression as possible of the various beauties of Swiss scenery.

FRANK FOX.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I THE SPIRIT OF THE MOUNTAINS
CHAPTER II THE EARLIEST SWISS: THE LAKE-DWELLERS: CHARLEMAGNE
CHAPTER III THE SWISS IN THE MIDDLE AGES
CHAPTER IV MODERN SWITZERLAND
CHAPTER V SOME LITERARY ASSOCIATIONS
CHAPTER VI THE SWISS AND HUMAN THOUGHT
CHAPTER VII THE SWISS PEOPLE TO-DAY
CHAPTER VIII ALPINE CLIMBING
CHAPTER IX NATURAL BEAUTIES OF SWITZERLAND
CHAPTER X AVALANCHES AND GLACIERS
CHAPTER XI THE ALPINE CLUBS
CHAPTER XII THE FLOWERS OF THE ALPS
CHAPTER XIII SWISS SPORTS
CHAPTER XIV SWISS SCHOOLS