The same disaster befell Languedoc.
In Vivarais, and in the Cevennes, whole forests of chestnuts had perished, along with all the grain and grass crops on the uplands.

On the plain the Rhone remained in a state of overflow for two months.
After the spring of 1789 the famine spread everywhere, and it increased from month to month like a rising flood.

In vain did the Government order the farmers, proprietors, and corn-dealers to keep the markets supplied.

In vain did it double the bounty on imports, resort to all sorts of expedients, involve itself in debt, and expend over forty millions of francs to furnish France with wheat.

In vain do individuals, princes, noblemen, bishops, chapters, and communities multiply their charities.