PERUGIA, a province of the Papal States, bounded on the N. by the province of Pesaro-e-Urbino, E. by those of Macerata and Spoleto, S. by those of Spoleto and Viterbo, and W. by Tuscany. Its length from N. to S. is about 60 miles; extreme breadth, 45; area, 1547 square miles. It lies entirely in the basin of the Tiber, and contains the lake of Perugia, anciently called Trasimene, near the frontiers of Tuscany. This sheet of water, which is about 30 miles in circumference, 8 broad at the widest part, and about 30 feet deep, contains several islands, and is inclosed on three sides by mountains, which on the fourth, towards the west, open out into the plain of Cortona. It is fed by springs rising from its bottom, and having no natural outlet, it frequently overflowed the surrounding country, until in the fifteenth century a tunnel and canal were constructed, which carry off the water from the south-east corner to the Tiber. The Apennines extend along the eastern boundary
of the province, and cover it with their ramifications; but to the south of the capital there are some extensive plains. The soil is rich and fertile, and the climate mild and healthy. Corn, wine, oil, silk, and grass are raised; and large herds of excellent horned cattle are fed on the pastures of the province, as well as sheep, pigs, and poultry. Manufactures of cotton, woollen, and silk goods are carried on, and these articles are the objects of a considerable trade. Pop. (1853) 234,533.