one of the finest towns of France, and the most considerable in the department of Herault, excepting Thoulouse, is situated in E. Long. 3. 58. N. Lat. 43. 37. This town has been long famous for its salubrious air, and on this account has been the frequent resort of invalids. But the climate, according to some travellers, is considerably changed, having at times continual rains for three months together, and often very thick fogs. Its situation, though on an eminence, never could be healthy; for between it and the Mediterranean (which is about three leagues distant) it is one continued marsh, covered with noxious vapours, which, when the sea breeze sits in, blows directly on the town and the country adjacent; of the sad effects of which, its unhealthy inhabitants, with their meagre looks, are the most convincing proofs.

This city stands upon a rising ground fronting the Mediterranean; on the other side is an agreeable plain, extending about the same distance towards the mountains of the Cevennes. It is reckoned well built, yet the streets are in general narrow and the houses dark. The inhabitants, many of whom are Protestants, are supposed to amount to 40,000, are sociable, gay, and good tempered. The trade of Montpelier is very extensive in wine, cordials, oil, verdigris, and faltpetre; and the manufactures in silk and woollen goods are considerable. The markets are well supplied with fish, poultry, butcher's meat, and game, at reasonable rates. The wine of the country is strong and harsh; Burgundy is dear, and so is sweet wine of Frontignan, though made in the neighbourhood of Cette. Liquors of various sorts are compounded and distilled at Montpelier. The environs are extremely pleasant, having on one side La Place de Peyrou, which forms a fine terrace. From thence on a clear day, may be seen to the eastward the Alps, which form the frontiers of Italy; to the south-west, the Pyrenean mountains, which form those of Spain, both at about 50 leagues distant; and to the southward a most extensive view of the Mediterranean. Not far from thence is a noble aqueduct, with a double tier of arches; by this, water is brought from a mountain at three leagues distance, into two balcons in a small elegant temple at the west end of the town. Here also is a royal garden, where on certain days public lectures were formerly held on botany. On the other side of the town is the esplanade, a beautiful walk, bordered on each side by olive trees, from whence there is a pleasing prospect of the sea and the country adjacent to the town. Previous to the revolution, Montpelier had a university, an academy of sciences, and it was the see of a bishop.