Allier

Allier, a department in the centre of France (named from the river Allier, which rises in Lozère, and flows 233 miles through Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, and Allier, to the Loire below Nevers), has an area of 2822 sq. m., and a pop. of (1891) 424,382. It is a hilly district, especially in the south, sloping down towards the river Loire in the north, and is partly woody, but generally well cultivated, producing the usual kinds of grain with wine and oil. It is also rich in minerals, especially iron, coal, antimony, manganese, and marble. The majority of the population is engaged in agriculture. Mineral springs are found at Vichy and elsewhere. The chief town is Moulins.