CHARENTE, a river in France, rising in the department of the Upper Vienne; flowing west and emptying into the Bay of Biscay, about 10 miles below Rochefort, opposite the Isle of Oleron; length, 225 miles. It gives its name to two departments, Charente (q.v.) and Charente-Inferieure (q.v.).
France, maritime department on the west coast, bounded on the north by the department of the Vendee, and on the south by Gironde; area, 2,792 square miles. It comprises parts of the former provinces of Angoumois, Saintonge and Poitou. The principal rivers that traverse or bound the department are the Charente, Gironde, Sendre, Boutonne and Sevre-Niortaise — all of which are navigable, as well as the canal of Brouage and that between Niort and Rochelle. The soil is fertile and well culti vated; and a considerable portion planted with vines. The soil produces hemp, flax, saffron, oats, wheat, rye, potatoes and fruit. The pas tures are good and well stocked with cattle, horses and sheep. Along the coast are exten sive salt marshes. The industries include the manufacture of salt, brandy, machinery, por celain and faience ware and oyster and pil chard fisheries., The chief harbors are those
of Rochefort and La Rochelle; the latter town is the capital of the department. Pop. 450,871.
le-poh, France, town situated about a mile to the southeast of Paris, with which it is con nected by rail and tramway, at the confluence of the Marne with the Seine. It has numerous mercantile and manufacturing establishments, including boat building, piano making and por celain and rubber goods. The stone 10-arched bridge across the Marne used to be considered as the key to Paris on this side; hence the memorable attacks upon it both in the civil wars of France and in those with foreign enemies. At Petit-Charenton is the celebrated asylum for the insane of both sexes. This establishment also contains a hospital for the care of accident victims in Paris, and a hospi tal for workingmen. From its connection with the asylum the town has given several signifi cant popular phrases to the French language, equivalent to the use of Bedlam in English. A person of marked eccentricity is called a °Charenton boarder.° Pop. 19,499.