an arrondissement of the department of the Lower Charente, in France. It extends over 376 square miles, and comprehends six cantons, divided into thirty-six communes, peopled by 46,500 persons. The capital is the city of the same name, situated on the sea-side, opposite to the Isle of Oléron. It has a considerable trade in oysters, which are sent to Paris, and in salt naturally formed on the marshes by evaporation. In the neighbourhood some good wine is produced. It contains 1200 houses, and 6700 inhabitants. Long. 1° 12'. W. Lat. 45° 49'. N.