a province of Spain, in Old Castile, bounded on the N. and N.E. by those of Burgos and Soria, S.E. by those of Guadalajara and Madrid, S.W. by that of Avila, and N.W. by that of Valladolid. Area, 2670 square miles. The surface of the country is much varied; it belongs to the central table-land of Spain, and has a considerable extent of level plains, especially in the central and northern portions. Along the south-eastern boundary extend the lofty snow-clad mountains, here known as the Sierra Gudarrama and the Somosierra, separating Old from New Castile. The province is watered by numerous affluents of the Douro, which take their rise in these mountains, and flow in a north-westerly direction. The largest of them are the Riaza, Duratón, Cega, and Eresma. The average height of the plain in this province is not less than 3000 feet above the sea. Its appearance is dull and monotonous in the extreme, being entirely destitute of meadows and trees. It is, however, a good agricultural country, in which wheat, rye, barley, peas, hemp, flax, vines, &c., are raised. On the lower slopes of the mountains there are considerable pine-forests; and on the mountain-pastures, sheep, cattle, mules, pigs, &c., are reared. Mines have been wrought in some parts of Segovia, but not with much success, or to any large extent. There are also quarries of granite, limestone, and chalk. The majority of the inhabitants are employed in agricultural or pastoral pursuits. Weaving is carried on to some extent, as also is paper-making, tanning, and the manufacture of earthenware. Pop. (1857) 162,062.

capital of the above province, stands on a long rocky knoll, at the confluence of the Eresma with the turbulent rivulet Chamores, 45 miles N.W. of Madrid, 3300 feet above the level of the sea. It is surrounded by dilapidated old walls, with round towers; and has long, narrow, irregular streets, lined with quaint old-fashioned houses. Above the meeting of the waters rises the ancient Alcazar, or castle, on the summit of the cliff. It contains some fine halls, and is now used as a school of artillery. The cathedral is one of the finest in Spain, and the last of those in the pure Gothic style. It was begun in 1525, the former one having been almost destroyed in a popular rising in favour of the Reformation. The tower, which is 330 feet high, commands a magnificent view. The most interesting erection about Segovia, however, is the ancient aqueduct, supposed to have been built in the time of Trajan. It conveys water to the town from the Sierra Fonfría, as that of the river is difficult of access and not very wholesome. That part which is raised on arches is 847 yards in length, consisting of two tiers of arches, built of granite blocks, without any cement. The height at the centre where it is highest is 102 feet. This great work is in very good preservation; and for simplicity, grandeur, and utility, is well worthy of admiration. Besides the edifices already mentioned, Segovia possesses numerous churches, a mint, where only copper is now coined, various schools, a picture gallery, theatre, several hospitals, &c. It was formerly a very prosperous town, on account of its manufacture of woollen cloth; but it has never recovered from the blow inflicted by the French, who took the place in 1808; and though no resistance was offered, sacked it. They continued to occupy the town till 1814. Some insignificant manufactures are still carried on; leather, paper, and earthenware, being the chief articles. Pop. 13,100.