a maritime department in the S.W. of France, formed of part of the old province of Guienne; and bounded on the north by the department of Charente-Inferieure, east by those of Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne, south by that of Landes, and west by the Bay of Biscay. It lies between Lat. 44° 12' and 45° 35' N., and between Long. 0° 18' E. and 1° 16' W., being 106 miles in length from N.W. to S.E., and 80 in breadth from N.E. to S.W. This is the largest of the French departments, having an area of 3761 English square miles. Population (1851) 614,387, as follows:

| Cantons | Communes | Pop. in 1851 | |---------|----------|-------------| | Bordeaux | 18 | 153 | | Blaye | 4 | 56 | | Lesparre| 4 | 30 | | Libourne| 9 | 132 | | Bazas | 7 | 68 | | La Réole| 6 | 105 |

Total: 48 communes, 544 communes, 614,387 inhabitants.

Bordeaux, the capital, in 1851 contained 123,935 inhabitants.

With the exception of the eastern portion of the department, where there are some hills, the surface is generally level. The western portion is a vast sandy plain, termed les Landes. On the coast are two extensive shore lakes, Carcanso and Canau, communicating with each other, and with the bay of Arcachon, near the southern extremity of the department. A range of sandy downs separates these two lakes from the sea. The bay of Arcachon contains Girondists numerous islands, and on the land side forms a vast shallow lagoon; a considerable portion of which, however, has lately been drained and converted into arable land. On the south side of the bay stands the port of Teste-de-Buch, which is now connected with Bordeaux by railway. The river or estuary of the Gironde, from which this department takes its name, is formed by the union of the Garonne and Dordogne. It has a N.N.W. direction, is about 45 miles in length, and varies in breadth from 2 to 6 miles. The principal affluent of the Dordogne in this department is the Isle. The feeders of the Garonne are, with the exception of the Dropt, all small. West of the Garonne the only river of importance is the Leyre, which flows into the bay of Arcachon. The climate is humid and temperate, and except in the Landes, is generally healthy. About one-third of this department consists of heaths and wastes, one-fourth of arable land, one-seventh of vineyards, and one-eighth of woods and forests. Wheat, rye, maize, millet, and hemp, are grown to a considerable extent. The corn produced, however, does not more than half meet the wants of the inhabitants. The culture of the vine is by far the most important branch of industry carried on. The annual produce of wine, principally claret, in this department is about 55,000,000 gallons. The finest clarets are the growths of Lafitte, Latour, Château-Margaux, and Haut Brion. The most valued white wines are Sauterne, Barsac, Preignac, and Vin de Grave. This department also produces excellent fruit. The extensive woods which skirt the sea-coast or pervade the Landes consist chiefly of pine, and supply timber for deals and masts, as well as resin, pitch, and turpentine. There are stone quarries and smelting works, but few mines. The manufactures are various, and, with the general trade, are chiefly carried on at Bordeaux.

a market-town and burgh of barony in the county of Ayr, Scotland, on the left bank of the Girvan, near its mouth, 17 miles south by west of Ayr. The river here forms a small harbour, with 9 to 11 feet water. The houses are chiefly buildings of one story, and the inhabitants are mostly weavers for the Paisley and Glasgow manufacturers. A few are employed in fishing. They are generally very poor, and about two-thirds of them are Irish, or of Irish extraction. Market-day, Monday. Pop. (1851) 7319.