Dordogne

Dordogne, a department in the south-west of France, formed of the ancient Guienne district of Périgord, with small portions of Agenais, Limousin, and Angoumois. Area, 3530 sq. m. Pop. (1861) 501,687; (1891) 478,471. The department derives its name from the river Dordogne, which, after a course of 305 miles, 185 of them navigable, unites with the Garonne to form the large estuary of the Gironde. The climate is mild and healthy, except in the west. The soil is generally poor, the surface for the most part lilly, and covered with forests or, more frequently, heath and underwood; but here and there is a valley of extraordinary beauty and fertility, inclosed with hills, the sides of which are usually clothed with vineyards. The corn produced is not yet sufficient for the wants of the inhabitants, and chestnuts and potatoes are the chief items of food. Among the most noted productions are the truffles of Périgord. The iron industry is the most important in the department. Other manufactures are paper, woollens, and glassware, and there is an active trade in wine, brandy, oil, fruits, hams, and fattened cattle. Dordogne has five arrondissements—Bergerac, Nontron, Périgueux, Ribérac, and Sarlat. The capital is Périgueux.