CORDOVA, one of the four divisions of the province of Andalusia, in Spain. It is now in all public documents usually called the kingdom of Cordova. It is bounded on the north side by Castile, on the west by Estremadura, on the south by Seville, and on the east by Murcia. The
superficial extent is 724 square miles, and in 1804 the number of inhabitants was 252,028. Cordova.
The principal river which runs through it is the Guadalquivir, by which it is divided into two parts: to the north of that stream it is called the Sierra, and to the south the Campina. The Sierra is an elongation of the Sierra Morena, which proceeds from the most southern part of La Mancha, and abounds with pastures, fine woods, hives of bees, sheep, goats, and animals of the chase. The Campina is distinguished by the excellence of its soil, and the abundance of grapes and olives which it yields, by which a part of Castile is supplied with some wine and much oil. In both divisions of Cordova there are several mines of various metals.
Agricultural industry is, however, in general much neglected; so that, with a soil highly favourable for its growth, the province does not yield wheat sufficient for its own consumption. This neglect of cultivation arises in a great degree from the larger portions of land being held in mayoro, a species of entail of a very strict nature. The occupiers of land are in general very deficient in capital, and not likely, under the system of letting it for short terms, and collecting the rent in produce, to accumulate much more. A general scarcity of water is experienced during many months, and there is no sum expended in the business of irrigation at all adequate to the want of it that is experienced. The manufacturing industry of this province has gradually declined ever since the expulsion of the Moors. It is now reduced to some looms of silk for various descriptions of taffetas, ribbons, and other goods. Hats are made here, and there are manufactories of soap, leather, and silversmiths' goods.