SEINE

SEINE, the metropolitan department of France, and in consequence the most populous, though the smallest of the whole, lying between N. Lat. 48. 43., and 48. 58.; E. Long. 2. 10., and 2. 35.; bounded on all sides by that of Seine-et-Oise. It is compact, and nearly circular in form; 18 miles in length, 16 across at the widest part; and 183 square miles in extent. Of this area, 103 square miles are included within the fortifications of Paris. The surface is, in general, level or undulating; the highest elevations being those of Montmartre and Chamont, the former of which is 346 feet above the sea. The rivers Seine and Marne, the latter of which joins the former within the department, flow, with many bends and sinuities, through the country. In geological structure the department belongs to the tertiary formation, and contains limestone, gypsum, and marl. Good building-stone and porcelain-clay are also obtained. There are some mineral-springs within the limits of the department. The soil is throughout fertile; and its natural productiveness is increased by a plentiful supply of rich manure from the capital. It is carefully cultivated, and only a few acres out of nearly 120,000 are altogether waste. There are in the department 73,227 acres of arable land, 3857 of meadows, 6960 of vineyards, 3385 of forests, and 625 of heaths. Near Paris fruits and vegetables are the principal crops raised; wine is made, but not of a very good quality; and in the outskirts of the department all the ordinary kinds of corn are grown. There are also extensive meadows, on which sheep and cows are reared. The sheep are, in general, of a common but improved breed, and there are many flocks of merinos. The department is calculated to contain 38,000 horses, 18,000 head of horned cattle, 20,000 sheep, 4000 pigs, &c. Portions of the department are occupied with pleasure-grounds belonging to the capital; such as the park of Vincennes to the east, and the Bois de Boulogne to the west of the city. The manufactures and commerce of the department are most extensive and varied. They are all concentrated in the capital,

and are noticed in the article PARIS. Internal communication is facilitated by the two navigable rivers, four canals, and numerous roads and railways, which diverge from the metropolis in all directions. Many of the roads are lined with double rows of lofty trees, and thus form magnificent approaches to the city. Seine forms the diocese of the archbishop of Paris; it is included in the jurisdiction of the Imperial Court at Paris, and contains a civil court, formed of eight chambers, and a tribunal of commerce. It is in the first military division. The arrondissements are as follows:—