CHARENTE

CHARENTE, an inland department in the S.W. of France, comprehending the ancient division of Angoumois, with inconsiderable portions of Saintonge, Poitou, and Limousin. It is bounded N. by the departments of Deux-Sèvres and Haute-Vienne; E. by those of Vienne and Dordogne; S. and W. by those of Dordogne and Charente-Inférieure. Area 2670 square miles. The great part of it consists of the valley of the river Charente, which rises in Haute-Vienne, and after a circuitous course passes into Charente-Inférieure, where it falls into the sea opposite Isle-Madamé. Principal tributaries—the Tardoire, Touvres, Né Seugne, Antoine, and Boutonne. The Charente, though rapid, has been rendered navigable artificially; and steamers ply between Angoulême and Saintes, although the tide ascends no higher than the latter. The surface is comparatively level, and subject to frequent inundations. In the arrondissement of Confolens are upwards of 60 small lakes. The hills are generally uniform in height, and abound in marine deposits; while some of them are covered with chestnut forests. Climate temperate; prevailing winds W. and S.W. Principal productions, wine, corn, hemp, flax, and potatoes. The wine is largely distilled into brandy, for which Cognac is famous. The value of truffles annually brought to market is estimated at 300,000 francs. Pigs, sheep, and poultry are extensively reared for the Paris market. Its mineral productions consist chiefly of iron, lead, antimony, and

Charente-
Inferieure
Charge.

gypsum, of which iron and gypsum only are worked to any extent. Among its manufactures paper occupies the foremost place; but canvas, linen cloth, hats, cordage, hoops, and pottery are also made. Charente is divided into five arrondissements, deriving their names from the five principal towns. Their divisions and populations are as follows, viz.: