a province of Spain, bounded on the N. by the Bay of Biscay, E. by the province of Biscay, S. by that of Burgos, S.W. by Palencia, and W. by Oviedo. Area 3434 square miles. It is almost entirely occupied with lofty mountains, for the Cantabrian chain traverses the south of the province, and sends off numerous branches towards the sea. Between these there are deep narrow valleys and glens, watered by the rivers that take their rise in the mountains; such as the Deva, Nansa, Besaya, Miérra, and others. The loftier regions of the province contain much fine pasture-ground, and are clothed with extensive forests, affording good timber for various purposes. The most prevalent tree in these woods is the lime; but oaks, firs, walnuts, chestnuts, plum-trees, fig-trees, and some apple-trees, are also grown in the province. Maize, wheat, wine of inferior quality, vegetables, and fruit, form the principal produce of the valleys; and maize bread is the chief article of food among the peasantry. Iron, argeniferous lead, and other metals, are obtained here; and there are quarries of limestone, marble, gypsum, and beds of potters' clay. Leather, woollen and cotton cloth, agricultural implements, and other articles, are manufactured; and many of the people live by fishing and fish-curing; but trade of all kinds is much impeded by the deficiency in the means of communication. The only important seaport in the province is Santander, the capital, through which the foreign trade is carried on. The people of the province are quiet, sober, and industrious, and education is more attended to here than in most parts of Spain. Pop. (1857) 232,528.

capital of the above province, on the shore of the Bay of Biscay, at the mouth of the rivers Cubas and Fijeros, 85 miles N. of Burgos, and 207 N. of Madrid. It stands on the north side of a large open harbour, and is sheltered towards the north by a small ridge of hills, beginning at the entrance of the harbour, and stretching westwards. The town was once surrounded by walls, of which scarcely a trace now remains, as the buildings have extended far beyond its original limits. There is a cathedral here, not very remarkable for architectural merit, and disfigured by a tasteless modern cupola; several other churches, hospitals, a town-hall, theatre, custom-house, college, and several schools. A cigar manufactory occupies the precincts of a suppressed nunnery; tanneries, breweries, sugar-houses, candle factories, cooperages, &c., are also among the manufactories of the place. The harbour is large, deep, and safe, affording good anchorage, and easy of access. There are fine quays, always busy and crowded. The number of vessels that entered in 1856 was 447, tonnage, 51,788; that of those that cleared, in the same year 408; tonnage, 56,375. Santander carries on a considerable trade, almost entirely with Cuba, to which island it exports the flour of Castile, receiving in return sugar, coffee, and rum. Cacao is also brought from La Guayra, and small quantities of fish from Norway, Shetland, and Newfoundland, in exchange for timber, hides, oil, and rice from Spain. The total value of the imports in 1856 was L3,976,611, and that of the exports L3,863,353. The custom returns for 1855 amounted to L184,047. Santander is joined by railway with Alar del Rey, about 70 miles off in the interior, and steamers ply regularly between this port and Nantes, Bayonne, Liverpool, and Hamburg. Several improvements are being carried out in the harbour, by increasing its depth, and erecting a mole and a lighthouse. Santander (called by the Romans Portus Blendium) was, at an early period, an important seaport; but afterwards fell into decay, and only recovered its position after the discovery of America, when it was licensed to trade with that continent. Charles V. landed here in 1522, to take possession of the Spanish crown; and Charles I. of England re-embarked here in 1623 after his visit to Spain. Pop. about 20,000.