CHILLAN, a city and the capital of the province of Nuble, in the southern part of central Chile, 246 m. by rail south-south west of Santiago and about 56 m. direct (io8 by rail) north-east of Concepcion. Pop. 56.974. Chilean is one of the most active commercial cities of central Chile, and is surrounded by a rich agricultural and grazing country. Chillan was founded by Ruiz de Gamboa in 1594• Its present site was chosen in 1836. The original site, known as Chillan Viejo, forms a suburb of the new city. The hot sulphur springs of Chillan, which were discov ered in 1795, are about 45 m. east-south-east. They issue from the flanks of the "Volcan Viejo," about 7,000 ft. above sea-level. The highest temperature of the water issuing from these springs is a little over 135°. The principal volcanoes of the Chillan group are the Nevado (9,528 ft.) and the Viejo. After a repose of about two centuries the Nevado de Chillan broke out in eruption early in 1861 and caused great destruction. The eruption ceased in 1863, but broke out again in 1864.