LOIRE, Upper, a department on the south-east of France, formed out of the ancient district of Belay, a part of Languedoc, of a portion of the Upper Auvergne, and of some communes taken from Gévaudan, Vivarais, and Forez. It extends in north latitude from 44. 48. to 45. 25. and in east longitude from 3. 4. to 4. 18. It is bounded on the north by the departments of Puy de Dome and Loire, on the east and south-east by the Ardèche, on the south by the Lozère, and on the west by Cantal. It contains 1920 square miles or 502,854 hectares, is divided into three arrondissements, twenty-eight cantons, and 272 communes, and contains 272,600 inhabitants, of whom about 5000 are Protestants, and the others adhere to the Catholic church. It is generally a mountainous district, consisting of some branches of the range of the Auvergne, and some of the Cévennes range, the highest points of both of which are within this department. The soil is generally of volcanic origin, consisting in a great measure of lava or pozzolana. It is dry and hard, but in the valleys is not wholly unproductive. The principal rivers are the Loire and the Allier, which receive the waters of the several smaller streams; but neither of them become navigable till they have passed out of this department. There are several small mountain lakes, the most extensive of which is that of Bouchet. Although, from the mountainous nature of the district, it is better calculated for pasture than for the plough, yet, as the sides of the hills are cultivated like gardens, and easily irrigated, sufficient corn is grown for the consumption of the population. The chief source of profit in husbandry is the breeding of black cattle and of horses, and making butter and cheese. Fruit is extensively produced, particularly chestnuts and apricots. The bees yield abundance of honey and wax, both of which form branches of the export trade. There are no mines but those of coal, which yield about 18,000 tons yearly. Manufactures are considerable, consisting chiefly of linen goods, and some lace, both of silk and thread. The other articles are those for domestic use, such as leather, heavy ironmongery, and common earthenware. The department furnishes two deputies to the legislative chamber. The capital is Puy en Belay.