The condition of that land calls for some explanation.

For wellnigh three centuries the Switzers had been grouped in thirteen cantons, which differed widely in character and constitution.

The Central or Forest Cantons still retained the old Teutonic custom of regulating their affairs in their several folk-moots, at which every householder appeared fully armed.

Elsewhere the confederation had developed less admirable customs, and the richer lowlands especially were under the hereditary control of rich burgher families.

There was no constitution binding these States in any effective union.