Indreet Loire

Indre-et-Loire, a department of France, bounded by Sarthe and Loire-et-Cher N., Maine-et-Loire W., Indre and Loire-et-Cher E., and Vienne S. and S.W. It has an area of 2,360 square miles, two-thirds of which are remarkably fertile. The Varenne, which includes the valleys of the Loire and Cher, and the Veron, lying between the Loire and Vienne, are the richest districts. The slopes of the Champeigne that separate the Cher from the Indre are noted for wine. The Gatine, the Brenne, and the Sainte Maure have a less favourable reputation. The valley of the Loire is called "the garden of France," and by its fertility, beauty, and climate deserves the title. Cereals, fruit (especially plums), vines, roots, hemp, nuts, and vegetables are produced abundantly. The metayer system does not, however, tend to promote agriculture. Good pastures are scarce. The mineral resources include iron, marble, building-stones, and marl, but do not add much to the general wealth. Pottery of good quality is made in various places, and the silkw'orm is cultivated with success. There are large gunpowder works at Ripant. Tours is the capital, and chief among many smaller towns are Chinon and Loches.