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The Seignory of Geneva, and the Alps Described.
GENEVA is within the Limits of the Duke∣dom of Savoy, the whole Seignory not exceed∣ing Eight Leagues in compass, Scituate on the Lake Lemanus, and devided into two parts by the Ri∣ver Rosne. The City strongly walled and fortified, as being the head of a Free state; containing a flourishing University, Governed by a Common Council, or 200 of the chief Burghers, four of which are called Sindiques: As for the Church Government it is composed of Lay-men, Elders, and Ministers founded by John Calvin 1541. and although this City has been beseiged by the Duke of Savoy, and others who have undertaken to re∣duce it, yet it has manfully defended it self against all Invasions; and as for the revenue it is reckoned 60000 Crowns per annum. The building is gene∣rally of Free-stone, and the North side of the City lies close to the South side of the Lake, where is a little Haven for Gallies, built to keep free passage on the Lake, defended by a strong Fort; a River Issu∣ing from the Lake runs through the lower part of the City, and is passed by two commodious Bridges. And although it is a Receptacle for all manner of Religions, and people that fly from Persecution, yet such is the Law, that even a Malefactor is Con∣demned there for a Crime committed in his own Country, if proved against him, and Adultry punish∣able with death; Fornication the first time with 9 days fasting or living with Bread and Water in Prison; the second time with Whipping, and the third with banishment; notwithstanding which and although the Women be more reserved here than in