IN consequence of the extraordinary dryness and coldness of the weather during the winter months of 1853, the rivers of Switzerland did not receive their usual supplies, and the water in the lakes fell much below its ordinary level, so that, in some places, a broad strand was left uncovered along the margin, while in others shallow banks were converted into islands. The Water level of this season was, indeed, the lowest upon record. The lowest level marked on the so-called stone of Stafa was that of 1674; but in 1854 the water sank a foot.

M. Aeppli of Meilen, on the Lake of Zurich, appears to have been the first to observe in the bed of the lake certain specimens of human workmanship, which he justly supposed might throw some light on the history and condition of the early inhabitants of the Swiss valleys. In a small bay between Ober Meilen and Dollikon, the inhabitants had taken advantage of the lowness of the water to increase their gardens, by building a wall along the new water-line, and slightly raising the level of the piece thus reclaimed, by mud dredged from the lake. In the course of this dredging they found great numbers of piles, of deer-horns, and also some implements.