TRAS-OSMONTES, a province of Portugal, situated between 91° 4' and 41• 51" N. lat., 6' 13' and 8° 7' W. long., is hounded E. and N.E. by the Spanish province of Leon, N. by that of Galicia, W. by the Portuguese province of Entre Douro e Minho, and S. by that of Beira. The greatest length from east to west is about 90 miles ; the greatest width from north to south is about 60 miles. The area is 4020 square lam. The population in 1852 was 311,406. The province is divided into two districts as fellows : The districts are subdivided into 11 comareas, orjudiciary divisions, 44 concelhoe, or communal divisions, and 560 parishes, as follows • Surfaee.—The great offset from the Cantabrian mountain-chain *bleb foram the main boundary between Galicia and Portugal, throws off several ridges into Tree os-Montes. These ridges have it general direction from north to month, the Serras of Clercs, Santa Catarina, and Manic), separating this province from that of Entre Douro e Minim, whence the name • tree os mantes," beyond the mountains.' The northern and western parts of the province consist entirely of moun tains with narrow valleys between them. Towards the south the mountain. diminish in height and extent, and the valleys have a greater width.
Rirrr,.—The Douro, changing its direction above Miranda from west to south-south-west, forms the greater part of the boundary on the east between this province and Spain. It afterwards flows west ward, forming the line of separation on the south between Trais-os Mentes and Beira. All the other rivers have a southern course, and enter the Douro by the northern bank. The Sabor rises in the north. eastern part of the province, and having been joined by the Macas and the Asibo, enters the Douro below the town of Torre de Moncorvo. Tho Tua originates from several streams, all of which rise among the mountains which separate this province from Galicia. The Gorge rises in the mountains of tho western side of the province. Tho Trimega enters this province from Galicia. and flowing in a south-west direction, afterwards enters the province of Entre Douro e Minh°.
Soil and Productions.—The valleys of the Saber, the Tua, the Corgo, nod the Tamega, are very fertile, and produce abundantly wheat, rye, maize, beans, and fruits. In those parts which are sheltered from the northern winds olive-trees and mulberry-trees are cultivated. On the well-sheltered banks of the principal rivers, and especially on the right bank of the Douro abundance of grapes are grown, which supply the finest of the red wines shipped from Oporto. Cattle, sheep,
horses, and mules are pastured on the slopes of the mountains, and large numbers of hogs are fattened on the produce of the chestnut trees. Game is very abundant, and the streams contain plenty of fish. There are manufactures of woollens, linens, and silk.
Tozens.—Bragaura, the capital of tho province and the see of a bishop, is situated in 41° 52' N. lat., 6° 90' W. long., on the Fervenca, an affluent of the Saber. It was formerly surrounded by walls, which are now in ruins, and it has an old castle of some strength. It contains two churches and a college, and has manufactures of velvet and other silk fabrics. The population is about 5000. It wee erected into a duchy in 1442. In 1610 Jae 11., eighth duke of Braganca, became King of Portugal, and from him the sovereigns of that country have since descended. Chaves, 48 miles W. from Braganca, stands on a rocky eminence, and is irregularly fortified, but the works are now in a ruinous state. It has a small citadel in somewhat better repair. The river is crossed by a Roman bridge of 18 arches. There are hot sulphureous springs and baths in the vicinity, which are well fre quented. The population of tho towu is about 6000. Miranda de Douro, 28 miles S.E. from Braganca, stands on the west bank of the Douro, which is here very narrow and rapid, with deep banks almost perpendicular : the population is about 5000. There is no bridge here ; but about two miles higher up the river is passed by means of n barge, forming a communication with the roads of Zamora and Salamanca. Mirandella, 37 miles S.W. from Braganca, stands on the cast bark of the Tun, over which there is n stone bridge of 19 arches and 200 yards in length. It is surrounded by old walls, and contains a population of 1700. Terre de Noncom, 50 miles S. by W. from Braganca, is situated near the easteru bank of the Saber, about 7 miles above its confluence with the Douro. It is defended by ram parts, and bee a square citadel. It contains n handsome church, and has a population of about 2000. Villa Real, 65 miles S.W. from BragaiTa, is situated on a steep bill, near the west bank of the Gorge, which is here crossed by n stone bridge. The town is partly sur rounded by an old wall, and contains two churches. The population is about 4500.