Cher.

Cher., a French river, flowing 200 miles northward and north-westward till it falls into the Loire below Tours. It is navigable from Vierzon.—CHER, to which the river gives its name, is the central department of France. The surface consists of plain and well-wooded hills (1600 feet), and produces corn, fruits, wine, hemp, flax, &c. The climate is mild and pleasant, except in the swampy district in the north, which has, however, been largely drained in late years. Agriculture, sheep and cattle rearing, and bee-keeping, give employment to many. The rivers abound in fish, and wolves are still sometimes seen. Education is backward, nearly two-thirds of the people being unable to read or write. Area, 2770 sq. m.; pop. (1872) 335,392; (1891) 359,276. Bourges is the chief town.