SAXE-ALTENBURG, small duchy on the northern frontiers of the Thuringian Forest, consists of two principal divisions; the eastern along the banks of the Plebes, and the western, which is traversed by the Saele. The two parts are separated by the princi pality of Gem, which forma part of the territory of Ileum The eastern is bounded N.E. and S.E. by the kingdom of Saxony, S.W. by Weimar, W. by Reuss, and N.W. by Prussian Saxony ; the western division is bounded N. by Premien Saxony, E. by Reuss, S.E. and W. by Weimar, and S.W.- by Coburg and &homburg. The duchy lies between 51' and 53' N. lat., 11' and 13' E. long. The duchy is divided Into two circles, of which the area and population are thus given : Altenburg, area 243 square miles, population 86,010 in 1850; Saal-Eisen berg, area 264 square miles, popnlatiou 48,72S in 1550: total area, 5.07 square mile.; total population, 132,739. The climate is mild and salu brious. The count is billy, richly wooded, and fertile. The highest point., the Dolenstem near Kahle, and the Bnchberg, are however not above 1000 feet high. The riven, which are small, and are tributaries of the Elbe, are the Seale, with the One and Rods, and the Mine, which is properly the river of the country, with Its small tributary streams the Sprott* and Oerstenberg. There are several large lakes, and also mineral spriwe, the moat celebrated of which is that at Itonneburg. The agrieulteral products are corn (particularly rye and wheat), pulse, potatoes, rape-seed, flax, and hemp. Much attention is given to the rearing of cattle ; the sheep are of a superior breed, and the horses of remarkably strong make ; swine are abundant. Will boars and deer are in considerable numbers. Fruit is plentiful. There are few mineral.. A very tine porcelain earth is toned in the neighbourhood of Altenburg, which supplies the famous porcelain manufactory at Gotha. Woollen cloths, stockings, and wooden-wares, are manufactured. There are considerable tanneries at Altenburg,
Kehl,. Eisenberg, and Lucke. The articles of export are corn, cattle, wool, butter, and timber.
The Duke of Saxe-Altenburg has one Tote in the Germanic Confedera tion. Altenburg forma part of the ancient Ost.rknd, and appears from very early period to have been under the margraves of Meissen. It was formed into separate principality in 1603. On the extinction of the hones of Altenburg in 1672, the larger a reverted to Ernest the Pious, duke of Goths. From this l the principality of Alten burg was governed by the family of till It expired in the person of Frederick IV., in February, 1825. By the territorial compact among the three junior branches of the house of Gotha, namely, Mein1ngen, Ilildburghensen, and Coburg, the duke of Mild burghausen, on the 15th November, 1826, resigned his own territories to 3Ieiningen, and received in lieu the dnchy of Altenburg, with the exception of the districts of Eisenberg and Kamburg. The principal towns in this duchy are ALTMCIUS, which had 16,184 ants in 1850. It is noticed is separate article 2, Ronnelywrg, a walled town, containing a ducal palace, two churches, and above 6000 inhabitants, who subsist by agriculture, mechanical trades, and menu factures of woollen cloths, pottery, porcelain, and leather. Near the town is mineral spring. Mack chalk for drawingIs found In the neighbourhood. 8, rianiburg is situated on considerable eminence, about 24 miles W.S.W. from Altenburg. It hi surrounded by In which are four gates; and possesses a palace, three churches, an obserratory, town-hall, and poorhouse. The number of inhabit ante Is about 5000, who manufacture woollens, ribands, leather, porcelain, household furniture, and carriages, with which they carry on a considerable trade