a large country of South America, situated between 16° and 37° S. Lat. It belongs to the Spaniards, by whom it was conquered in 1536. It is not naturally fruitful; but abounds in gold mines, which are so much the more valuable that they are easily worked. The works are carried on by about 8000 blacks, who deliver every day to their masters a certain quantity of gold; and what they can collect above this belongs to themselves; as well as what they find on those days that are consecrated to religion and rest, upon condition that during the festival they maintain themselves. This enables many of them to purchase their liberty; after which they intermarry with the Spaniards.