GUIPUZCOA, the smallest and most densely peopled of the three Bisque provinces of Spain, is bounded on the N. by the B ιy of Biscay, on the W. by the province of Biscay, on the S. and S.E. by Alava and Navarre, and on the N.E. by the Bidasoa, which separates it from France. Its area is nearly 728 square miles, and in 1870 its estimated population was 180,743. Situated on the northern slope of the great Cantabrian chain, the province has a great variety of surface in mountain, hill, and valley; and the scenery accordingly iβ highly picturesque and romantic. The coast is much indented, and has numerous harbours, but none of very great importance; the chief are those of San Sebastian, Los Pasajes, Guetaria, Deva, and Fuenterrabia. The rivers (Deva, Urola, Oria, Urumea, Bidasoa) are all short, rapid, and unnavigable. The mountains are for the most part covered with forests of oak, chestnut, or pine; holly and arbutus are also common, with furze and heath in the poorer parts. The soil in the lower valleys is generally of hard clay and unfertile; it is cultivated with great care, but the grain raised falls considerably short of what is required for home consumption. The climate though moist, is mild, pleasant, and healthy; fruit is produced in considerable quantities, especially apples for manufacture into “zaragua” or cider. The chief wealth of the province arises from its mineral stores (iron, argentiferous lead, copper) and from its excellent fisheries, which supply the neighbouring provinces (cod, tunny, sardines, oysters). The iron, which is of excellent quality, is smelted with wood. There are also considerable manufactures of woollen and catton fabrics, paper, and lucifer matches. The people are remarkable for their fine physique, and bold manly spirit, united ...