a group in the South Pacific, E. of New Zealand, lying between S. Lat. 43° 40' and 45° 20', and W. Long. 176° 10' and 177° 20'. It consists of three islands, a large one called Ware-Kauri, or Chatham Island, a smaller one, Rangi-Haute, or Pitt's Island, and a third, Rangatira, or South-East Island. Chatham Island, according to Dieffenbach, contains an area of 305,280 acres; of which, however, 57,600 acres are lakes and lagoons. In the centre is a large lake called Tewanga, about 25 miles long, and 6 or 7 broad, and surrounded on all sides by hills either wooded or boggy. Its water is slightly brackish, probably from infiltration. Occasionally it bursts its barriers and empties itself into the sea. The southern part of the island has an undulating surface, and is either covered with an open forest or with high ferns. In general the soil is extremely fertile, and where naturally drained, a rich vegetation of fern and flax (Phormium tenax) has sprung up, giving firmness to the soil and yielding a rich harvest to the planter. On the N.W. are a number of conical hills of basalt, which are surrounded by oases of fertile soil. On the western side is a large bay called Waitang Bay, well sheltered by projecting creeks, and affording excellent anchorage. Into this bay the river Mangatu falls, and is navigable for 3 miles from its mouth. The climate is very mild, in winter varying only from 45° to 60°. The changes of temperature are less sudden than in New Zealand. The natives cultivate potatoes, turnips, cabbages, taro (esculent arum), tobacco, and pumpkins. Wheat, sown by the sealers, grows wild on Pitt's Island. The trees and shrubs resemble those of New Zealand. The rat is the only quadruped; but ducks, snipes, plovers, curlews, red bills, sand larks, and parrots, abound. Fish are abundant on the coast. Both spermacti and black whales have been seen. Pitt's Island is about 12 miles long and 8 broad, has no harbour, and is inhabited only by a few aborigines.

These islands were discovered in 1791 by Lieut. Broughton, who gave them the name of Chatham, from the brig which he commanded. The aborigines who then inhabited them have been since enslaved by two tribes of New Zealanders, and their numbers reduced from 1200 to 90, by the oppressive labour exacted from them. Geologically speaking, the islands seem to belong to New Zealand; and it is said that soundings can be obtained between the two groups.

CHATILLON-SUR-Seine, the capital of the arrondissement of Chatillon, in the department of Côte d'Or, France, on both sides of the Seine, 46 miles N.N.W. of Dijon. It is a neat well-built town, and has a magnificent castle, hospital, communal college, public library, and some fine promenades. In February 1814 a conference was held here between Napoleon and the allies. Pop. 4866.