LOIRE (Haute)

LOIRE (Haute), a department of France, which takes its name from its position on the upper part of the basin of the River Loire. It is formed of part of Languedoc (the old district of Velay, Vivarais, and Gévaudan), with portions of Auvergne and Forez, and is bounded on the N. by the departments of Loire and Puy-de-Dôme, E. by those of Loire and Ardèche, S. by those of Ardèche and Lozère, and W. by that of Cantal. It is situated between N. Lat. 44. 40. and 45. 25., and between E. Long. 3. 4. and 4. 26., and has an area of upwards of 1920 square miles. Lying along the N. slope of the Cévennes, the surface is exceedingly mountainous and irregular. It is traversed by the mountain chains of Velay and Forez, which are for the most part volcanic. The W. of this department is drained by the River Allier; the E. and the centre by the Loire, and its tributaries—the Gazeille, the Lignon, and the Somme on the right; and the Borne, the Arzon, and the Ance on the left. The mineral wealth of the district is not great; yet there are two coal mines in the canton of Auzon of some value, and lead and antimony are also worked. The industrial manufactures are considerable, consisting mainly of lace, ribbons, linen, and woollens. Two-thirds of the population are engaged in this way. There are also tanneries, brick and tile works, and potteries. A considerable number are engaged in felling timber in the forests, which is sawn into planks, and floated down the Allier. Agriculture is in a backward state; the soil is generally barren, the climate severe, and, in the uplands especially, cultivation is almost impossible. Nevertheless, the growth of corn and potatoes is equal to the consumption. Wine, however, is scarce, and of an inferior quality. A great number of horses and mules are reared, and Mezeinc is noted for dairy produce and honey. The principal town is Puy, with a population of 15,723 inhabitants. The department is divided into three arrondissements, which are subdivided as follows:—