Loiret

Loiret, a department of central France, formed out of the old provinces of Orléanais and Berri, and comprising the arrondissements of Orleans, Montargis, Gien, and Pithiviers, lies on the northern loop of the Loire. Area, 2614 sq. m.; pop. (1872) 355,021; (1891) 377,718. The country is for the most part an elevated, fertile plain, producing corn and wine in abundance, except in the sandy district of Sologne, lying south of Orleans, the chief town. Loiret contains several large forests. Cattle, sheep, and bees are extensively reared. Pottery and porcelain, sugar, vinegar, and soap are the principal industrial products.