RUBLE  , a

province of central Chile, bounded N. by Linares, E. by the Argentine Republic, S. by Concepcion and W. by Concepcion and Maule . Area, 3407 sq. m.; pop . (1895) 152,935 . The province lies partly in the great central valley of Chile, noted for its fine climate and fertility, and partly on the western slopes of the Andes . The Itata river, which forms the southern boundary, and its principal tributary, the Nubee, form the drainage system of the province . Agriculture and grazing are the principal industries . Wheat is largely produced, and there are vineyards in some localities . Stock-raising is pursued chiefly in the east, where the pastures are rich and the water supply unfailing . The state railway from Santiago to the southern provinces passes through Nuble, from N.N.E. to S.S.W., and sends off a branch from Bulnes W. to Jan Tome on the Bay of Concepcion . The capital is Chillan, and the only other important town is Bulnes, a railway junction and active commercial centre . The hot baths of Chillan, in the eastern part of the province on the slope of the volcano of that name, about 7000 ft. above sea level, are very popular in Chile .