PORETSCHIE, a city of the Russian empire, in the province of Smolensko, the capital of a circle of the same name. It is situated on the river Kaspica, which is navigable thus far, but no farther. It is 478 miles from St. Petersburg, and favourably situated as a dépot for the trade between Smolensko and Riga. It contains three churches, 580 houses, and 5900 inhabitants, with large storehouses. Lat. 55. 10. Long. 31. 25. E.