arrondissement of the department of the Lower Pyrenees, in France, being 972 square miles in extent. It comprehends eight cantons, which are divided into eighty-one communes, and it contains 71,400 inhabitants. The capital is the city of the same name, situated between the two rivers Gaves d'Aspe and Gaves d'Ossau. It contains 900 houses, and 6400 inhabitants, who are employed in making thin woollen hosiery and leather. Long. 0.17. W. Lat. 43. 10. N.

island situated on the coast of France, in the department of the Lower Charente. It is about ninety square miles in extent, and is opposite the mouths of the rivers Charente and Seudre. It is separated from the mainland by the strait called the Pertuis de Maubisson. Oleron is a fertile spot, especially on the east and south parts, and yields good corn, wine, and brandy. There are also extensive marshes, from which salt is collected. It contains about 15,000 inhabitants, who are expert seamen and fishermen.