The New International Encyclopædia/Coahuila

COAHUILA, kō′ȧ-wē′lȧ (named from the Mexican tribe Cuahuiltecs). A northern State of Mexico, separated from Texas on the north and east by the Rio Grande, and covering an area of 63,570 square miles (Map: Mexico, H 4). With the exception of the eastern part, which is somewhat mountainous, the surface forms an elevated plateau, with a general incline toward the Rio Grande. The western part is taken up by the Bolson de Mapimi, a semi-desert region, only partially explored, with many lagoons and vast mineral resources. The climate is moderate and healthful. The chief occupation is cattle-raising, although the soil is well adapted for the growing of cereals and European vegetables, to which more and more attention is being paid. In the southwest some vines and cotton are cultivated. The State is traversed from north to south by the Mexican International Railway. Population, in 1900, 280,899; capital, Saltillo (q.v.).