an arrondissement of the department of the Loiret, in France, extending over 1012 square miles. It comprises fourteen cantons, divided into 111 communes, and in 1836 contained 141,637 inhabitants. The capital is the city of the same name, being the seat of a bishop, and of the departmental boards of the government and courts of law. It stands on the right bank of the Loire, over which there is a fine bridge of sixteen arches. It is surrounded with walls, which, being planted with trees, form pleasing promenades. In general, it contains anciently built houses, and narrow streets, though there is one exception in the suburbs. The cathedral is a fine old building, as well as the town-house, and the châtelet, formerly the residence of the Duke of Orleans. There are five hospitals, an exchange, an academy, a lyceum with a library of 36,000 volumes, and a theatre. The city contains 4600 houses, with 40,272 inhabitants. It is a place of extensive trade, having manufactorys of serges and other woollens, several sugar-refineries, distilleries, breweries, and china-works. It is also a dépôt for the wines of Languedoc and Guienne. Orleans, and for brandies of its own preparation, as well as for those of Cognac, Chinan, Samur, and Blois. It has long given a title to a branch of the Bourbon family, and has been much celebrated for its defence under the famous Maid of Orleans. Long. 1.49.23. E. Lat. 47.54.10. N.

ORLEANS, New, a city of Louisiana, one of the United States of North America. See LOUISIANA.