ALAIS, the chief city of the arrondissement of the same name. It is situated on the river Gardon, at the foot of the Cévennes. It contains 16,983 inhabitants, who are employed in manufacturing ribbons, sewing-silk, silk-hosiery, cotton-goods, glass, porcelain, and other articles. Long. 3. 29. 40. E. Lat. 44. 7. N. It has mines of coal and iron.