SEINE-ET-MARNE

SEINE-ET-MARNE, a department of France, lying between N. Lat. 48. 8. and 49. 8., E. Long. 2. 24. and 3. 32.; bounded on the N. by the departments of Oise and Aisne, E. by those of Marne and Aube, S.E. by that of Yonne, S. by that of Loiret, and W. by that of Seine-et-Oise. Length from N.N.E. to S.S.W., about 74 miles, greatest breadth 45; area, 2273 square miles. The surface is broken by no mountains or even hills, but consists of a wide-spread undulating country, with many extensive plains. It is watered by two important rivers, the Seine and its affluent the Marne; the former traversing the south, and the latter the north of the department, both in the same direction, from east to west. There are three other navigable rivers, the Ourcq, the Grand Morin, and the Yonne; the first two falling into the Marne, and the latter into the Seine, all having parts of their courses in the department. Of less size and importance are the Loing, Petit Morin, and Yères, the last having its source in this department. In the centre and east of the country are many artificial ponds for the breeding of salmon. The geological structure of the south-eastern parts of Seine-et-Marne is cretaceous, in the other portions the tertiary strata prevail. Many valuable minerals are obtained in different places. Such are the sandstone of Fontainebleau, the fine millstones of Ferté-sous-Jouarre, the building-stone of Chateau London, the potters' clay of Montereau, &c. The country, however, is chiefly agricultural; and in this respect it is inferior to none of the other departments of France. It possesses a rich soil, and is diligently cultivated. About two-thirds of the whole area, or 917,500 acres, are under the plough; 82,000 acres are occupied by meadows, 47,500 by vineyards, and 200,000 by forests. Of corn, the principal kinds raised here are wheat and barley; rye and oats not to so great an extent. Potatoes, pulse, vegetables, hemp and flax, are also raised. The wine produced is abundant in quantity, but not very excellent in quality. A large extent of ground is occupied by gardens and orchards. Cider is extensively made. The forests abound in game, and supply excellent timber, especially oak. On the meadows and unclosed pastures, large numbers of live stock are fed. The number of horses in Seine-et-Marne is estimated at 36,000; of horned cattle, 85,000; of sheep, 75,000; of pigs, 23,000; of goats, 2000; of asses and mules, 3600. The sheep, which are mostly of the Merino breed, furnish an important part of the wealth of the country. There are also a large number of cows; and this department contributes to supply Paris with milk and cheese. The manufactures are various, but of no great importance. Among them are the pottery of Montereau, the paper of Marais, calico, leather, hardware, and other articles. Many of the people are employed in the quarries. An active trade is carried on in this department in the agricultural produce of the country, which is sent to Paris; also in cheese, timber, wool, manufactured goods, &c. Besides its

Seine-et-Oise. five navigable rivers, the department is traversed by three railways, leading from Paris to Strasburg, Mulhouse, and Lyons, respectively, as well as by numerous roads. Seine-et-Marne forms the diocese of Meaux, and is under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Court at Paris. It contains 5 primary courts and 3 tribunals of commerce; 4 colleges, and 577 elementary schools. It is included in the first military division. The capital is Melun, and the five arrondissements are as follows:—