MONTPELIER, one of the finest towns of France, and the most considerable in the department of Herault, excepting Thoulouse, is situated in E. Long. 3. 58. N. Lat. 43. 37. This town has been long famous for its salubrious air, and on this account has been the frequent
the island of St Helen, and the river (which is here about two miles broad), form a most charming landscape. It was formerly enclosed with walls, to protect it from the Indians, but these were levelled some years ago. Though the city is not very broad from north to south, it covers a great length of ground from east to west, and is fully as large and populous as Quebec. The streets are regular, forming an oblong square; the houses well built, and in particular the public edifices, which far exceed those of the capital in beauty and commodiousness; the residence of the knights hospitalers being extremely magnificent.—There are several gardens, in which, however, the proprietors have consulted more than elegance, particularly those of the Sisters of the Congregation, the Nunnery Hospital, the Recollets, Jesuit Seminary, and Governor. The number of inhabitants in 1807 was about 10,000. The gardens produce peaches, apricots, plums, currants, &c. By the situation of the place, the inhabitants are well supplied with all kinds of river fish, some of which are unknown to Europeans. They have likewise plenty of black cattle, horses, hogs, and poultry. The neighbouring shores supply them with a great variety of game in the different seasons; and the island abounds with springs of good water and numerous rivulets. The trade in furs is considerable, and vessels of 200 tons can come up to the town. See CANADA, SUPPLEMENT.