VOLOGDA, an extensive government of European Mimi*, extends from 30' to 64' 40' N. lat., 38' 20' to 59' 40' E. long. It is bounded N. by Archangel, N.E. by Toboisk, S.E. by Perm and Viatka, S. by Kostrotna S.W. by Ysroslav, W. by Novogorod, and N.W. by Olonetz, and comprises an area of 147,422 square miles.
The surface of this government is an immense plain, which oxtenda on the east to the Ural Mountains, and is only traversed by a lateral branch of that chain, which crosses the north-eastern part : it contains vast forests, extensive rnorames, and some lakes. The mil is very various : there aro however large tracts in which the surface is covered with • rich mould, and in most parts the soil is susceptible of cultivation. The most fertile part Is the south-weat.
Besides the Ural and its north-western offset, which runs along the bank of the Petschora, there is here and there a bill, which is called a mountain. The north-eastern chain, here called Pujaes-Kamennoi, or the Stony Girdle, evidently farms the watershed between the Dwina and this Petechors. It is thickly wooded, about seven miles broad, and continues to rise as it runs to the north.
The principal rivers are—the Dwrsa, which is formed by the union of tho Jug and the Suctions'. The Vega, a feeder of the Dwina, which issues from a morass, where it is already above 1200 feet in breadth. The Petsehora, which rises in the Ural Mountains at the point where' the governments of Vologda, Tobolek, and Perm meet. This province has also m canal, called the North Catherine Canal, begun in 1786 sod completed in 1817. It is 12 ram in length. It unites two rivers, both called Keltma, ono a tributary of the Wytechegda, and the other of the Kama, a tributary of the Volga, by which the Wytachegda com municates' with the Karns, or the Dwina, and the Frozen Ocean with the Caspian Sea.
The most considerable lakes are—the Kubenekoe, which receives the Knbana and 20 other small rivers, and from which one branch of the Suchona issues. The island of Ksmennoi is on this lake. The two lakes called Piitisorskoi are very deep. Lake Sander, 10 miles long and 3 miles broad, the waters of which are said to heal wounds and ulcers. Lake Kondaa. There are numerous morasses in this government, some of which are 25 to 45 miles in circumference.
The climate is cold but very salubrious: it however varies consider ably in different parts of the province. The winter is much longer in the north-eastern than in the south-western portion. The rivers gene rally freeze in November and thaw in May.
Agriculture requires the utmost care, and the ground requires to bo well manured. Rye, barley, and oats are grown. Flax and hemp are extensively cultivated ; and likewise some hops, peas, and beans. In the south-western circles the produce is sufficient for the home con sumption; but towards the north and north-east it gradually diminishes, and a considerable quantity is imported. In the north-east cabbages, turnips, and garlic thrive; in the south-west the gardens produce not only most of the vegetables common in Russia, but also apples and cherries. The forests constituto the wealth of the province. The
chase furnishes many valuable articles both for the inland and foreign trade. The wild animals are elks, reindeer, ermines, martens, weasels, squirrels, hares, gluttons, bears, wolves, lynxes, foxes and wild-eats, various kinds of birds and waterfowl, among which are twelve species of ducks. Horses, oxen, sheep, goats, and swine are numerous. Tho rich pastures east of the Dwina and the many salt-springs are favour able to the rearing of cattle, and the breed both of horses and oxen is in great repute.
The minerals are iron, copper, granite, freestone, quartz, felspar, whetstones, limestone, and salt. The salt-springs are very important, and supply almost the whole consumption of the province.
There are manufactories of woollen cloth, linen, glass, iron-ware, and paper. There are also brandy distilleries, tanneries, and manufactories of candles. Vologda may be regarded as the centre of the trade of Siberia with Archangel, being situated on the great road between them, and a very active trade is carried on in the summer on the rivers, and in the winter on sledges. The principal trading towns are Vologda, Totma, and Usting. The several annual fairs are very well attended.
The population of this government, amounting to 822,200 iu 1846, consists chiefly of Russians. There are also some Syrianes, who are a remnant of the ancient Finnish inhabitants; and SamoTedes, who wander in the inhospitable deserts of tho north-east, on the banks of the Petschora.
I Vologda, the seat of government, and the see of the bishop, is situated in 59' 12' N. lat., 40' 10' E. long., on both sides of tho river Vologda. The population is about 11,000. Vologda is an open town, consisting of two principal parts, each of which is divided into four quarters. The town contains about 50 churches, G of which are of stone; a monastery ; a nunnery ; a theological seminary for GOO priests sons ; a gymnasium; a district school ; and many buildings and magazines belonging to the crown. The inhabitants manufacture linen, silks, leather, sealing-wax, whito-lead, colours, vitriol, and have very extensive tanneries and candle manufactories; they likewise make superior articles in gold, silver, enamel, and lacquered ware. The merchants trade extensively with St. Petersburg and Archangel, with China and the Aleutian blends. They are also connected with Hanseatic merchants. The city is surrounded with gardens, which produce good vegetables and some fruit.
Telma, on the Suchona, consists of three broad streets, has 17 churches, 3 convents, several magazines, and 3000 inhabitants, among whom are many artisans and intelligent merchants, who have a profitable retail trade, and a considerable commerce with Archangel and Siberia.