ALPES is the name of two departments in France, the Basses-Alpes (or lower Alps) and the 'Mutes-Alpes (or upper Alps). The department of the BASSES-ALPES occupies the n.e. part of Provence, and includes an area of 2680 sq.m. It is, for the most part, mountainous, consisting of spurs or offshoots from the Maritime Alps, which run in numerous chains towards the Rhone. In the n.. the climate is cold, the soil poor, and the cultivation bad; in the s:, the climate is much better—almonds, apricots, peaches, and various other choice fruits are grown, amongst which the plums of Bignolles form is well-known article of commerce. The wines of this region are reckoned excellent. On the sides of the Alps oxen and sheep find admirable pasturage. The mines produce lead, green marble, etc. At Digne and Greoulx there are hot mineral springs. Pop. '76, 136,166; the trade carried on is insignificant. The department is watered by the Durance. The chief t. is Digne; pop. 5540.
The HAUTES-ALPES, lying n. of the Basses-A., and forming a part of the old province of Dauphine, is traversed by the chief range of the Cottian Alps, which here rise, in Mt. Pelvoux, to the height 14,000 ft., and Mt. Olan to 13,120 ft. The scenery,
especially along the course of the impetuous Durance, is singularly picturesque. The Ilaute$-A. is the highest department in France ; the fierce n. wind and the perpetual snow on the lofty peaks, make the climate severe and the winter long, so that the barren soil will yield little else than potatoes, a little rye, oats, and barley. Here and there, in the most southerly valleys, nut-trees, chestnuts, vines, and other choice fruits, thrive. Only horned cattle, asses, and mules are bred profitably. The most important roads through this department are 1st, The road from Grenoble to Briancon ; 2d, The road from Briancon to Susa. in Piedmont, over the Col-de-Genevre, which, in 1859, was used to transport masses of French soldiery into Italy ; •3d, The road from Gap to Marseille. The area is 2150 sq.m.; pop. '76, 119,094. The inhabitants are employed in the manu facture of leather, linen, and woolens. A number are. likewise engaged in the mines, which produce lead, copper, iron, and anthracite. Chief t., Gap; pop. 7249.