a province of Chile. See CHILE, passim.

the capital of the above province, situate on the Biobio, about eight miles from the sea. It was once a flourishing 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.