ORENBURG, the capital of the province above described until 1702, when the government was transferred to Oufa. It is a considerable town, of an oval form, situated in one of the extended plains of Russia, and regularly fortified. It was originally built higher up the Ural range, but in 1739 was transferred 120 miles lower, and in 1742 fifty miles more. It contains nine churches and 2000 houses. It carries on an extensive trade with Tartary, Bukharia, and all the countries in the interior of Asia. One great drawback on this trade is the insecurity of travelling across the vast intervening steppes, which are inhabited by nomadic tribes, who subsist by plunder. Were this obstacle removed (and the influence of the Russian government has gone far to remove it), the trade must greatly increase. The exports consist of cloths of different qualities, particularly of a red or scarlet colour, velvets, Russia leather, linens blue and white, copper and iron utensils, sugar and other colonial produce, toys, and glass, and various species of ornaments. From Tartary these caravans bring cotton wool, India muslins and cottons, Persian silks, a little gold dust, lapis lazuli, and a few precious stones. Sheep to the number of 40,000 or 60,000, and horses to the amount of 10,000, are brought annually to the market of Orenburg. The horses are sent to Russia, and also the sheep, the tallow of which is exported from St Petersburg. A considerable trade is carried on in the sale of golden eagles, which are highly valued by the Kirghisses. Long. 52. 31. 10. E. Lat. 51. 46. N.