CONCEPCION, the capital of the above province, situate on
the Biobio, about eight miles from the sea. It was once a flour-
ishing city and possessed a handsome cathedral, but it has not
yet recovered from the disastrous earthquake of 1835, which
laid the greater part of its buildings in ruins. Its export
trade consists chiefly of hides and tallow, and is carried on
through the port of Talcahuano at the head of Concepcion
Bay, which affords a secure anchorage ground six miles
long and four miles wide. Pop. 20,393.