GARONNE

GARONNE, Haute, one of the frontier departments in the south of France, bounded on the N. by the department of Tarn-et-Garonne, E. by those of Tarn, Aude, and Ariège, S. by the Pyrenees which separate it from Spain, and W. by the departments of Hautes Pyrenées and Gers. It is about 88 miles in length by 25 in average breadth; lying between 42.40. and 43.55. N. Lat., and between 0.27. and 2.3. E. Long. Area, 618,558 hectares, or 2388 English square miles. The northern portion of this department is covered by hills of moderate elevation, interspersed by broad and fertile valleys and plains. Towards the south the land gradually rises to the Pyrenees, some of the peaks of which here attain the height of upwards of 10,000 feet, while Mount Maladetta is 11,168 feet above the level of the sea. The scenery here is of the most wildly picturesque description. The mountains raising their lofty summits into the region of perpetual snow, the immense precipices, frightful chasms, and the numerous torrents and waterfalls, render this district, for savage grandeur, almost unrivalled. The lower slopes of the mountains are covered with thick forests of oak, fir, pine, &c., or are occupied as sheep walks and pasture grounds. The principal river of this department is the Garonne, from which it takes its name. The others, the principal of which are the Neste, Salat, Lers, Loue, Touque, Save, Ariège, and Tarn, are either directly or indirectly feeders of the Garonne. The navigable rivers are the Garonne, Tarn, Ariège, and Salat. The Canal du Midi traverses this department for 32 miles. The climate, except in the elevated region of the south, is temperate. The prevailing wind is the west; the south wind almost always brings rain. The mineral wealth of this department is considerable, and its mines, particularly of iron, are numerous. Copper, lead, antimony, bismuth, zinc, and coal are among its other mineral productions, and its marble quarries are extensively worked. Mineral springs are found in various places. In some of the mountain valleys, particularly in that of Luchon, cretinism is common. The arable land, which comprises more than a half of the department, is well adapted for the cultivation of wheat, maize, and other grain crops; and agriculture is in an advanced state. The produce of corn is generally nearly double what is required for home consumption. The neighbourhood of Toulouse is one of the most fertile portions of France, as well in corn as in pasture for cattle. Much fruit is produced, and vineyards are extensive, yielding wine of a medium quality, most of which is consumed at home or converted into brandy. The mountains and valleys afford excellent pasturage for cattle, which are numerous. Near Toulouse a fine breed of horses was formerly raised for the dragoon service, but it has been suffered to degenerate. The mountains abound with wood, well adapted for ship-building. The manufactures are various but not extensive, and include iron and copper utensils, earthenware, woollen, cotton, and linen goods, leather, hats, watches, mathematical instruments, &c. Haute Garonne is divided into 4 arrondissements as follows:

The capital, Toulouse, contains 85,554 inhabitants.