A maritime county of S. England, fronting the English Channel between Dorset on the W. and Sussex on the E.; in the NE. are the "rolling Downs," affording excellent sheep pasturage, while the SW. is largely occupied by the New Forest; the Test, Itchen, and Avon are principal rivers flowing to the S.; besides the usual cereals, hops are raised, while Hampshire bacon and honey are celebrated; Southamp ton, Portsmouth, and Gosport are the chief trading and manufacturing towns.