Ticino

Ticino (Ger. Tessin), the most southern canton of Switzerland, bounded on the W. and S. by Italy, and on the E. by Italy and the canton of Grisons. Area, 1082 sq. mi.; pop. (1898) 128,650. Its surface forms a portion of the southern slope of the Alps. In the south the country falls away into flats, and the scenery becomes Italian in character. The principal river is the Ticino (q.v.); and the canton is traversed by the St Gothard railway. In the north cattle-breeding and the preparation of dairy-produce are the chief employments. South of the Alpine regions are elevated forest-clad districts; and farther south olive-yards and vineyards, corn-fields and plantations of figs, almonds, oranges, citrons, and pomegranates occur. The canton varies as much in climate as in productions. The northern part of Lake Maggiore and almost the whole of Lake Lugano are included within the canton. The inhabitants for the most part speak Italian, and are Catholics. The largest town is Lugano; since 1881 Bellinzona is the capital.