a frontier department in the north-east of France, deriving its name from that of the celebrated forest. It is bounded on the north by Belgium; and on the west, south, and east, by the departments of Aisne, Marne, and Meuse, respectively. It is mostly mountainous, the northern part abounding with forests; and the climate is generally cold and humid. The only navigable rivers are the Meuse and Aisne, which are united by the canal of Ardennes. Of the tributaries of the Meuse in this department, the principal are the Chiers, Semoy, Bar, Vence, and Sermonne; those of the Aisne, the Aire, Vaux, and Retourne. Ardennes is celebrated for its sheep. Its woods abound in game, and its rivers in fish. Agriculture has recently made considerable progress in this department, nearly three-fourths of it being now under cultivation: the inhabitants are chiefly occupied in raising corn, and make but little wine. The country is rich in minerals, particularly in iron, lead, slate, and marble. The principal manufactures are cloths; iron, copper, and zinc goods; earthenware, glass, leather, and beer. It has an area of 517,385 hectares, or 1,278,530 acres; and is divided into five arrondissements, viz., Mezieres, Rethel, Rocroy, Sedan, and Vouziers; comprehending 31 cantons and 478 communes. Pop. in 1851, 331,296. Its capital is Mezieres.