an arrondissement in the department of the Somme, in the north of France. Its extent is 719 square miles, or about 460,035 English acres. It comprehends thirteen cantons, viz., Amiens, Conti, Corbi, Hornoy, Molliens-Bibame, Oisemont, Piquigny, Poix, Soins, and Villers-Bocage, with 249 communes or parishes. In 1861 it contained 189,968 inhabitants.

a city, the capital as well of the department of the Somme as of the circle of its own name. It is a fortified place with a strong citadel, on the Somme, which re- Amiens covives here the waters of the Seille, and passes through the town in three branches. It has access to the sea, but only for small craft. It is a well-built ancient town, containing a cathedral, fourteen churches, and two hospitals. The population in 1851 amounted to 49,139. The cathedral is a venerable object, both for its beauty and extent. The townhouse is a large, handsome stone building, and contains a fine collection of pictures of the French school. Amiens is the seat of the prefect, of a bishop, and of the departmental courts of justice. There is a commercial board, a society of agriculture, a botanic garden, a lyceum, a theatre, and a library. Amiens was always a manufacturing city. Though it suffered much during the revolution of 1789, it has since revived; and at present produces considerable quantities of woollen cloths, cassimeres, and worsted stuffs. There are also some moderate establishments for making cotton goods, the yarn of which, for all but the finer kinds, is spun in the city. It has also trade in tanning and in soap making. This city is distinguished as the birthplace of Peter the Hermit, the preacher of the first crusade, and of Voiture the poet, as well as for the treaty of peace of 1802. Long. 2° 23' E. Lat. 49° 53' N.