a province of Spain, in Old Castile, bounded on the N. by that of Logroño, E. by that of Saragossa, Soria. S. by that of Guadalajara, S.W. by that of Segovia, and N.W. by that of Burgos. Area, 5468 square miles. It is a bleak and lofty region, being bounded on three sides, the N., E., and S., by mountains. The Sierra Madera in the north, and the Sierra de Moncayes in the east, separate the valley of the Douro from that of the Ebro, while on the south it is divided from that of the Tagus by a continuation of the Sierra Guadarrama. The whole of the province belongs to the region watered by the Douro and its affluents. This river rises in the northern mountains, and after traversing the province in a circuitous course, first to the south and then to the west, it leaves it, and enters that of Burgos. The other rivers are mostly affluents of the Douro, such as the Tuerto, San Pedro, &c.; but a few of the tributaries of the Ebro have their sources within the limits of the province. The soil is not remarkable for fertility; on the contrary, a large proportion of the area is occupied with barren mountains, which are covered with snow for a great part of the year. There are, however, in some places extensive forests of pine, oak, and beech; while in others there are large tracts of pasture land, on which numbers of cattle, sheep, and swine are reared. Grain and vegetables are raised, but neither of very good quality, nor in sufficient quantities to supply the wants of the population. The climate is cold and dry; and the scenery grand, but not very pleasing in its character. Most of the people are employed in farming and rearing cattle; but the cutting and sawing of timber, and preparation of charcoal, also occupy a considerable number. There is a great want of roads in this part of the country; and the commerce is consequently very limited. Fine wool was formerly an important production of the province; but of late years it has considerably fallen off. The only important article of trade at present is timber, which is sent to Madrid and Aragon. Pop. (1857) 178,645.

capital of the above province, on a hill on the right bank of the Douro, 113 miles N.E. of Madrid. It is an ancient town, and still surrounded by walls which were built in the thirteenth century. This dull, though well-built town, contains several squares, in one of which stand the court-house and prisons, and in another the spacious palace of the Dukes of Gomara. There are also numerous churches, monasteries, and nunneries; a theatre, college, and several hospitals. The population is chiefly agricultural; but there are also flour-mills, tanneries, potteries, &c.; and some trade in timber, wool, and fruit is carried on. Near Soria is supposed to be the site of the ancient Numantia, of which no traces remain. Pop. 5400.