SIMBIRSK, sim-bErsk', Russia, (1) capi tal of a government of that name, on the Volga, 576 miles by rail southeast of Moscow, is a well-built town. The chief buildings occupy an eminence overlooking the river; the business portion is lower down, and still farther are the quarters of the poor. There are two Greek cathedrals, gymnasia for children of both sexes, several other mixed schools, a sana torium, two public libraries, a theatre and many flourishing benevolent institutions. There is a public garden on Vyenets Hill, and numer ous private gardens. Fruits are cultivated and exported. Fishing is one of the chief occupa tions. Trade in corn, potash, wool, fruits, woodenware and manufactured goods is con siderable. As usual in Russian towns, an enor mous business is transacted at the annual fair. Karamzin was born here. Pop. 64,000. (2) The government of Simbirsk contains an area of 19,110 square miles. Its vast plain is watered by the Volga, and is fertile. The higher por
tions are at the east. The west is traversed by numerous rivers, and the Sura is the principal stream in this section. Its tributaries are not navigable. The forests of the government are quite extensive; there are broad pastures, much arable land, a few lakes. and marshes. The climate is very severe, great extremes being the rule. The chief crops are cereals, flax, hemp, tobacco and hay. Fish are abundant. Sulphur, iron ore, salt, ocre, asphalt and building stones are quarried. All kinds of woodenware are made, besides felt goods, nets, ropes, gloves, caps and handkerchiefs. The larger manufac tories include woolen mills, tanneries, glass and starch works, wagon and carriage works and flour mills. The value of industrial output in normal years is over $5,000,000. The exports are grains. Pop. 1,997,400.