Eure-et-Loir

Eure-et-Loir, a department of France, to the south of the preceding, with an area of 2260 sq. m. Pop. (1872) 282,622; (1891) 284,683. It is watered mainly by the Eure in the north, and the Loir in the south. It is in general level, the east and south being occupied by high and extensive flats; while in the west the scenery is finely varied by wooded hills and valleys. The soil is fertile, and good crops of wheat and oats are raised, besides considerable quantities of vegetables and fruit; cider is prepared, and some wine. Stock-raising also is of importance, and iron and a few other minerals are worked. The rivers, though not navigable, furnish valuable water-power for the numerous mills on their banks; besides foundries, there are manufactories of beet-root sugar, cotton, wool, silk, paper, boots, and hats. The department is divided into the four arrondissements of Chartres, Château-dun, Dreux, and Nogent-le-Rotrou, with the town of Chartres for capital.