formerly a small province in France, but now included in the department of the Lower Charente, and belonging to the arrondissements of Rochefort, La Rochelle, and Varennes. It is watered by the rivers Seure and Sarente, the former of which has its source at Seure in Poictou. The coast of this small district has the advantage of several ports, the most remarkable of which are Rochefort, Rochelle, Brouge, St Martin de Re, Tremblade, Tonnai, and Charente. The soil of this country is dry, yet produces good corn and plenty of wine. The marshes feed a great number of cattle, and the salt marshes yield the best salt in Europe.