Loiret

Loiret, a department of Central France, part of old Orleannais and Berri. It is on the Loire, has 4 arrondissements, and contains 2,600 square miles, being for the most part a fertile upland plain, producing corn and yvine. The southern part is sandy, and belongs to the district called Sologne, which is now being drained and planted with pine. There are large forests, and the chief pursuits are the keeping of cattle, sheep, and bees. Other industries are the manufacture of pottery, porcelain, sugar, vinegar, and soap. Orleans is the capital.