CHER, shar, France, inland department having on the north, Loiret, east Nievre, south Allier, west Indre and Loiret-Cher, between lat. 46° 26' and 47° 38' N. and long. 1° 50' and 3° 3' E., and formed of parts of Berry and Bourbonnais. It is named from the river Cher, which traverses it southeast to northwest. Area, 7,199.34 square kilometers, or 2,779 square miles; capital, Bourges. This department is included in the basin of the Loire, which forms the greater part of its eastern boundary. The climate is mild and pleasant. The surface is in general flat, but is diversified in the north by chains of inconsiderable hills. The soil varies but is fertile in the neighborhood of the Loire and Allier. Heath and sand prevail in the northern districts. The forests occupy above a sixth of the area and furnish large quantities of fuel for the iron-works and timber for ship building. Pastures are extensive and sheep very
numerous. Grains, chestnuts, hemp, vegetables, fruit and wines are among the important prod ucts. The best wines are those of Chanignol and Sancerre. Beets, buckwheat and flax are also grown. The minerals consist of iron, litho graphic stones, good building- and grind-stones, flint, marble, ochre and potter's earth. The preparation and manufacture of iron, called Berry-iron, is the principal branch of industry. The manufactured articles are metal goods, fine and common cloth, woolen goods, faience, porcelain and earthenware, sacking, beet-sugar, nut oil, paper and glass. The department is divided into three arrondissements, 29 cantons and 290 communes. Bourges is the capital. Consult Fremont,