Ardennes

Ardennes, a frontier department of France, bordering on Belgium. It is named from the forest of Ardennes, and formed a part of the old province of Champagne. Length from north to south, 63 miles; area, 2020 sq. m. The NE. belongs to the basin of the Meuse; the SW. is watered by the Aisne; these rivers being united by a canal. About two-fifths of the whole surface is hilly, and covered with forests and wide tracts of pasturage. In the north, marble is obtained; but the prevailing rock is limestone. South of this, and stretching across the department from east to west, are great layers of slate. Only the valleys are fertile, and produce corn. The vine is cultivated in the SW. Cattle and sheep are reared. Slate, marble, iron, clay, copper, and coal are found. Iron-working is largely carried on; but the chief industry is cloth-making, especially in Sedan. There are also manufactures of clay-pipes, glass, paper, sugar, and beer. The capital is Mézières, but the most important place is the great fortified city of Sedan. Pop. of department (1886) 332,759; (1891) 324,923.