Herault

Herault, a department of France, having Gard to the north and east, the Gulf of Lyons on the south and south-east, Aude to the south-west, Tarn to the west, and Aveyron to the north Test, and containing 2,393 square miles. The Cevennes occupy the north-west, and from them the surface slopes rapidly to the south-east, terminating in low-lying coast with extensive lagoons. The department contains four arrondissements, divided into 335 communes. It is drained by the rivers Herault, Orb, and Lez, which are navigable for a part of their course, and is traversed by the Canal du Midi, which terminates in the lagoons. About one-sixth of the department is arable, and produces a considerable quantity of grain, and there are extensive vineyards and abundant fruit, especially mulberry and olive. Dye-plants are also largely cultivated, and fine oak timber abounds. Among the minerals are coal, copper, gypsum, marble, millstone, and slate.