one of the provinces into which the continental dominions of the king of Sardinia are divided. It is bounded on the north-east by Alessandria, on the south-east and south by Genoa, on the south-west by Mondovi, on the west by Alba, and on the north-west by Asti. The extent is 444 square miles, or 284,160 acres. In the north the mountains decline to a fine undulating plain, watered by the rivers Bormida, Orba, Erro, and Belha, which in the adjoining province fall into the Tanaro, and then join the Po. The land is productive, and yields wheat, garden vegetables, wine, fruit, chestnuts, and much silk. Some cattle are bred and fattened; but the chief call for labour is in winding and throwing the silk. There are a few mines of iron and of some other minerals, but all inconsiderable. This province, which formerly was Upper Montferrat, contains two cities, 81 towns and villages, and nine hamlets, with a population amounting, in 1848, to 101,202 persons.

a town of Italy, in the province of that name, with a bishop's see and commodious baths. It was taken by the Spaniards in 1745, and retaken by the Piedmontese in 1746; but after this it was taken again and dismantled by the French, who afterwards forsook it. It is seated on the river Bormida, 25 miles north-west of Genoa, and 30 south of Casal. Long. 8° 32'. E. Lat. 44° 41'. N.