ELATMA. See JELATOM.
ELBA (Lat. Eva, Gr. .zEthalia), an island belonging to the kingdom of Italy, in the Mediterranean sea, between Corsica and the coast of Tuscany, from the latter of which it is separated by the channel of Piombino, a strait 5 m. in breadth. Its greatest length is about 18 m., and its breadth varies from 3 to 10 m., this irregularity being caused by indentations both on its northern and southern shores. Its area is about 90 sq. miles. The coast is bold and precipitous. The surface is traversed from w. to e. by a chain of mountains, which divides into two spurs at the eastern extremity of the island; the highest summit, Monte della Capana, attaining an elevation of 3,600 ft. above sea level. These mountains are for the most part bare; but on their lower ridges, and in the valleys, the vine, olive, mulberry, and other trees flourish. The climate, except in the low-lying districts on the shore, is temperate and healthy. There are few streams
in E., but it has numerous wells. The principal products are wine, white, red, and sweet, and of good qualtity; wheat, Indian corn, vegetables, and water-melons. Fifty thousand cwts. of salt are produced annually from the salt-pans on the shore. Sheep, goats, pigs, and asses abound, but horned cattle and horses are scarce; the coasts supply fish plentifully. Iron of excellent quality is obtained from a mountain in E., 2 in. in cir cumference, and 500 ft. in height. This bill, which stands on the e. coast, is almost entirely a mass of ore, and so rich that it yields from 50 to 75 per cent. E. also yields loadstone, alum, vitriol, and marble. Porto Ferrajo, the capital and residence of the governor, has a population of about 4,000. E. has been rendered famous in history from having been Napoleon's place of exile from May, 1814, till Feb. 1815. Pop. about 22,000.