FINISTERE, fe'ne'-stir, or FINISTERRE, the most western department of France, formed from part of the old Duchy of Brittany and bounded on the north by the English Channel, west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and east by the departments of C,Otes-du-Nord and Mor bthan. Its area is 2,713 square miles. Two chains of hills cross the department from east to west and divide it into three zones. The Douron, Penze, Fleche, Elorn, Odet, Aven, Isole, Elle and Aulne are the principal rivers. The coast is rugged, steep and rocky and dangerous at several points. The chief indentations are the Brest roadstead and the bays of Douarnenez and Audierne. There are a number of islands and rocks lying off the coast, the chief of which are Ushant and Bats. The climate is temper ate, but very humid. Much of the surface of the department is covered by forest, heath and waste land, but the remainder (about two thirds) produces buckwheat, barley, oats, rye and wheat in considerable quantities. Hemp,
flax, fruits, asparagus, artichokes, onions and melons are extensively grown in the neighbor hood of the Brest roadstead. Farm and dairy produce is plentiful and cattle and horses are raised in large numbers. The coast fisheries, particularly the pilchard fishery, are of prime importance and furnish employment to a large number of persons.. Finistere has coal deposits and quarries of granite,. slate, potter's clay, etc. The lead and silver mines of Poullaouen and Huelgoat were formerly large producers of these metals, but are no longer worked. The department's manufactures comprise earthen ware, candles, fertilizers and chemicals from seaweed, ropes, sail-cloth, linens and wool ens, paper, leather and agricultural implements. Brest has large iron foundries and shipyards. The chief ports are Brest and Morlaix. Quimper is the capital. Pop. 809,771.