a department in the west of France, forming part of the ancient Poitou. It derives its name from the river Vienne which runs through it, and falls into the Loire. There are extensive tracts of heath in this department; but the soil in other parts yields in abundance, grain, hemp, flax, fruits, and vines. Cattle, fish, game, and poultry, are plentiful. There are extensive forests and mines of coal, antimony, and iron. The manufactures, which consist of coarse woollens, linen, leather and paper, are trifling. The extent of this department is 689,883 hectares, and in 1817 it contained 253,048 inhabitants. Poitiers is the chief town.

Upper, a department of France, lying south of the Loire, on the upper branches of the river Vienne. The surface of the country is in general hilly, and the soil poor. It produces little wheat, but considerable quantities of rye and barley, and raises great numbers of cattle, horses, and mules. The hills are generally covered with wood, among which chestnuts abound. There are mines of iron, lead, copper, antimony, and coal. The manufactures consist of metals, coarse woollens and linens, handkerchiefs, pottery, &c. The extent of this department is 570,035 hectares, and the population in 1817 was 243,195. Limoges is the chief town.