FOURMIES

fourmies, a town of northern france, in the department of nord, on an affluent of the sambre, 39 m. s.e. of valenciennes by rail. pop. (1906) 13,308. it is one of the chief centres in france for wool combing and spinning, and produces a great variety of cloths. the glass-works of fourmies date from 1599, and were the first established in the north of france. iron is worked in the vicinity, and there are important forges and foundries. enamel-ware is also manufactured. in 1891 labour troubles brought about military intervention and consequent bloodshed. a board of trade arbitration and a school of commerce and industry are among the public institutions.