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Marne (Department in the N E)

a department in the N. E. of France, formed out of the old province of Champagne, traversed by the river Marne, and to a less extent by the Seine and the Aisne; area, 3,167 square miles; pop. about 450,000. It is in the dry and chalky soil of the N. that the best varieties of champagne are grown, of which two-fifths are exported. The rearing of sheep is an important industry, and extensive woolen manufactures are carried on; cereals, beet root, and potatoes are grown; honey and wax are produced; building stone is quarried; and metal works, tanneries, etc., are in operation. See MARNE, BATTLES OF THE.