OREL, the capital of the above government, stands at the junction of the Oka and the Orlik, 201 miles S.S.W. of Moscow. It is defended by an ancient fort; and has a very gloomy appearance, with narrow, ill-paved streets, and wooden houses. There are here fine public gardens, well laid out, and commanding an extensive view. The town was destroyed by fire in 1848, when more than 1237 houses, four bridges, and many granaries full of corn and provisions, were burnt. On that occasion the emperor distributed 50,000 rubles (L.7812) among the poorer people who suffered by this calamity. Orel contains numerous churches, several schools, and benevolent institutions. Manufactures of linen, leather, tallow, and other articles, are carried on; but the place is chiefly important for its trade, which is much facilitated by the advantageous position of the town, in the middle of a fertile country, and on a navigable river. It is a great central mart for the commerce between the Black Sea, the Baltic, and the Caspian. Corn, wine, provisions, cattle, hemp, tallow, leather, &c., are the articles of trade; and both Moscow and St. Petersburg are supplied with corn and provisions to a large extent from Orel. Several annual fairs are held here, which are well attended. Pop. (1851) 25,630.