108 PYKENEES to the south. The mass of the Maladetta, on the frontiers of Aragon and Catalonia, pre- sents the two peaks of Nethou or Anethou and Maladetta, the former the culminating point of the chain (11,160 ft.). Mont Perdu (10,994 ft.), called in Spanish las Tres Sorores, and the Cylindre de Marbore lie further to the west. To the north of these are the Pic Posets and Pic de Vignemale, the latter the highest summit of the Pyrenees in France (10,791 ft.). Among the other principal summits are the Tour de Marbore, Pic Long, Montcalm, Pic de Neouvielle, Pic du Midi de Bigorre, and Pic du Midi de Pau, most of them upward of 10,000 ft. high. Mont Canigou (9,134 ft.), near the E. extremity of the range, on the meridian of Paris, forms a bold projection in France. The summit line, very uniform for long distances, has a mean elevation of about 8,000 ft., the passes being as elevated as those in the Alps. A remarkable feature of the Pyrenees is the almost complete absence of longitudinal valleys, the great depressions running transverse to the chain. These fre- quently meet near the crest, and form passes called cols or ports. Many of the valleys ter- minate abruptly in huge basins (cirque* or oules) enclosed by perpendicular walls of rock, and often one basin is continued by others on a higher level in the manner of an amphi- theatre, the streams descending from one into the other in magnificent cascades. There are about 12 such falls in the basin of Gavarnie, the descent of one being 1,400 ft. In places the peaks rise almost perpendicularly for thou- sands of feet, and the grandeur of the sce- nery is unsurpassed even in the Alps. The snow line is about 8,500 ft. on the N. side, and on the S. side about 1,000 ft. higher. The snow does not appear in continuous fields, but is rather confined to the summits. Glaciers, the existence of which was until recently un- known, extend on the N. slopes of the highest peaks, above an elevation of 7,000 ft. There are a number of small lakes on the side of France. The passes of the Pyrenees are very numerous, but only a few are practicable for carriages. The principal, beginning at the east, are : the col de Pertus, the great highway be- tween Perpignan and Gerona; the col de la Perche ; col de Puymorens ; port de Salo ; the pass of Viella; the port de Venasque; the port d'Oo; the Breche de Roland (9,193 ft.), almost inaccessible to the experienced smugglers of these mountains ; the port de Gavarnie ; the port de Canfranc, between Oleron and Jaca; the pass of Roncesvalles, between St. Jean- Pied-de-Port and Pamplona, memorable for the defeat of Charlemagne (see RONCESVALLES) ; and the pass of the Bidassoa, leading through Irun. The railroad from Bayonue to Vitoria passes the western extremity. The greater part of the range forms an unbroken watershed be- tween the Mediterranean and the bay of Bis- cay, but the eastern portion belongs exclusive- ly to the basin of the Mediterranean. The PYRENEES-ORIENTALES principal rivers flowing toward the north are the Adour, Garonne, Ariege, and Aude. The southern slope is tributary to the Ebro, which receives the Segre and other considerable streams, and to the Llobregat. The Bidassoa, which traverses the charming valley of Bastan, forms the westernmost portion of the boundary line. The opposite sides of the Pyrenees pre- sent a great contrast. Toward Spain the range rises in a succession of abrupt terraces, whose rugged faces support a scanty and stunted ve- getation. On the side of France the descent is much more gradual. Here the spurs en- close fruitful valleys enriched with fine pas- tures and orchards, and extensive forests stretch far up the slopes, affording good timber for ship building. The primary geological forma- tions are granite, forming the nucleus of the chain, micaceous schist, and primitive lime- stone, which are flanked by bands of clay slate, graywacke, and blue limestone. Oolitic and chalk formations occur, and trap, basalt, and porphyry appear in scattered masses. The mineral wealth of the Pyrenees is great, em- bracing iron, copper, zinc, and lead, but only the first of these metals is extensively worked. The Ariege rolls particles of gold. The min- eral springs, mostly sulphurous, have long been noted, the best known being those of Eaux Bonnes, Eaux Chaudes, Bagneres-de-Bigorre, Bagneres-de-Luchon, Bareges, and St. Sauveur, all in France. The climate is comparatively mild. The forest trees include the oak, beech, fir, yew, and pine, and in the more elevated regions are found the rhododendron, daphne, and willow. Among the wild animals are the bear, wolf, lynx, and the izard, a species of wild goat. The inhabitants of the mountains are a vigorous race. Toward the east the lit- tle republic of Andorra has long maintained an independent existence. The Basques in- habit the westernmost portion of the chain. The Pyrenees have repeatedly been traversed by hostile armies, from the time of Hanni- bal, who is supposed to have passed by the col de Pertus, to the present century. In 1813 they were the scene of encounters between Wellington and Soult. The treaty between Louis XIV. and Philip IV., known as the peace of the Pyrenees, was concluded on an islet of. the Bidassoa, Nov. 7, 1659. PYBEXEES, Basses. See BASSES-PYRENEES. PYRENEES, Haute. See HAUTES-PYRENEES. PYREXEES-ORIECTALES, a S. department of France, consisting chiefly of the old province of Roussillon, bounded N. W. by Ariege, N. by Aude, E. by the Mediterranean, and S. by Spain; area, 1,591 sq. m; pop. in 1872, 191,- 856. It is traversed by lofty ridges of the Pyrenees, especially in the south, and there are vast plains in the east, and many rapid streams. It abounds in minerals, is celebrated for its fine wines and excellent merino sheep and mules, and has productive fisheries. Fruit, grain, hemp, and flax are raised ; and coarse cloth, cutlery, and leather are manufactured.
