and a confusion it certainly was, for the circle of Suabia alone, contained four ecclesiastical, and thirteen secular principalities:  nineteen independent abbies and prelacies, and thirty-one free cities.  This list was, however, greatly reduced during Buonaparte’s supremacy in Germany; he increased the dominions of Baden, Bavaria, and Wurtemberg with the spoils of the ecclesiastical possessions, and of the free cities.  He nearly doubled the territory of Wurtemberg, and its population was increased from 700,000 to 1,300,000.  The territory of Baden is of great length, but narrow; its population is now increased to 940,000.  The Germans are, in general, extremely anxious for the re-establishment of the ancient system; as, notwithstanding its defects, it afforded them an appeal from the tyranny of their numerous sovereigns to the Diet and the Emperor, besides that it united the Germans as one people.  On the dissolution of the old system, the several princes of the “Confederation of the Rhine” became absolute over their own subjects, but military vassals to Buonaparte, who, like Cade, was content they should reign, but took care to be Viceroy over them.

The game laws are much and justly complained of in Germany.  In Wurtemberg they are particularly oppressive.  The farmers, however, seem more opulent than in France.  The possessions of many of the nobility are much neglected, as they reside almost entirely at one of the great capitals.  Suabia is generally unenclosed, and is not often enlivened by country houses, the inhabitants residing together in villages.  Its trade consists in the sale of its cattle, which are in vast numbers, together with that of its corn, wood, and wines, which are occasionally of tolerably good quality.  The kingdom of Wurtemberg is extremely fruitful, and is well watered by the Necker, as well as by several smaller streams.  After supplying its own population, which is as numerous as can be found in most parts of Europe of the same extent, it exports vast quantities of grain to Switzerland.  Almost the whole kingdom consists of well-wooded mountains, and of cultivated plains; and farming seems to be well understood.

The posts are conducted in a much better manner than I had expected.  The drivers are all provided with a French horn, and wear the royal livery, yellow and black, with which colours also the direction-posts are painted.  The roads are in excellent order, and mile-stones are regularly placed; these roads are vastly superior to those in the states of Baden and Darmstadt, where there are a number of turnpikes.  The traveller cannot fail to perceive that the activity of the government of Wurtemberg, much exceeds that of many of the surrounding states.  We breakfasted at Bahlingen, a handsome and regularly built town.  Here we witnessed a dreadful accident:  the conductor of the diligence, a large and heavy man, whilst arranging