Marseilles

mar-salz', the second city of France. It is the first seaport of France and the fourth of Europe. It is situated on the Gulf of Lyons, on a bay having an area of seventy acres. This natural harbor has been increased by the addition of about 200 acres of artificial docks or basins. Marseilles is the center of French business on the Mediterranean coast. The railroads of southern France center here. It is the port of departure for the French department of Algeria. Lines of steamships run to the East Indies and to various Mediterranean ports, as well as to the ports of the German Ocean, Great Britain, and to New York. The streets of the city are arranged with reference to two avenues. One runs directly inland from the old harbor. Another great thoroughfare crosses it at right angles. These streets are planted with trees and are lined with handsome buildings and residences. The shops of Marseilles rival those of Paris in brilliancy.

Although Marseilles was founded by a colony of Greeks, 600 B. C., there are few antiquities of note, the city being essentially modern. The church of Notre Dame, on a hill commanding a fine view of the harbor, may be seen far out at sea. It is held in reverence by the sailors of the Mediterranean. There are several learned societies at Marseilles. The city possesses a public library of 100,000 volumes, a picture gallery, and a natural history museum. It is one of the greatest soap manufacturing cities in the world. Other industries are the preparing of olive oil and the refining of sugar. Machinery, matches, candles, glass, and pottery are manufactured extensively. Shipbuilding is an important industry. The exports consist chiefly of soap, olive oil, wine, brandy, dried fruits, and oranges. The productions of Algeria and the French possessions in the East Indies are received here for reshipment.

The situation of Marseilles, facing the south, long rendered it subject to summer drouth of a distressing character. An abundant supply of water has been brought into the city by means of a magnificent aqueduct. Dooryards have been transformed from burning rocks and arid sand into gardens of fruit and flowers. Surrounding districts, formerly barren, have been transformed into fertile fields, vegetable gardens, and orchards. The population in 1901 was 491,161.