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BEIRA

Volume 2 · 134 words · 1778 Edition

a province of Portugal, bounded on the west by the ocean, on the south by the Portuguese Extremadura, on the south-east by the Spanish province of the same name, on the east by the province of Trás-os-Montes, and on the north by the river Douro. It extends in length about 34 leagues, and in breadth about 30 leagues, and is divided into six commarcas. Within this province lies Lamego, where the first assembly of the estates was held; the chief episcopal city of Coimbra, or Coimbra, which is likewise an university; and Viseu, also a bishopric, and formerly the capital of a dukedom. The country is equally agreeable and fruitful, producing corn, wines, &c., in abundance, and the hills affording excellent pasture to cattle and sheep. The settled militia consists of about 10,000 men.