CUENCA, a department of New Castile, Spain. It occupies the eastern part of that ancient kingdom, and forms the northern half of the great southern Castilian plain which is watered by the Guadiana and Incar. The rocky district of Cuenca includes the valley of the Incar and its tributary streams; but in the north it is principally watered by tributaries of the Tagus. The forests of the department are proverbial, and rival those of Soria; but, from the difficulty of land carriage, timber is scarce and dear in the unwooded districts. Excessive droughts prevail throughout the whole department, and the heat of summer is relieved only by frequent storms of wind. The soil, where well watered, is fertile, but little attention is paid to agriculture. The rearing of cattle, asses, mules, and sheep is the principal employment of the natives. Olive-oil and wine are but sparingly produced. Manufactures are limited to the coarsest stuffs.