SIMBIRSK

SIMBIRSK, a government of European Russia, lying between N. Lat. 52. 40., and 55. 40., E. Long. 45. 30. and 50.; bounded on the N. by the government of Kazan, E. by that of Samara, S. by that of Saratov, and W. by those of Nijni Novgorod and Penza. Area, 17,760 square miles. Along the bank of the Volga, which forms the eastern frontier of the government, runs a range of hills about 400 feet high. The rest of the country consists of a gently undulating plain, watered by affluents of the Volga, the chief of which is the Sura, itself the recipient of several smaller streams. The lakes are very numerous, but almost all of small size. The climate is extreme both in heat and cold, the Volga being often frozen over for five months in the year. It is, however, generally salubrious. The soil is fertile, and well cultivated; producing rye, wheat, oats, barley, and other grain, in quantities more than sufficient for the domestic consumption. Hemp, flax, and tobacco, are also raised. The largest proportion of the area consists of arable land, which, in 1849, occupied 6,566,193 acres; the meadow land covered 2,494,488 acres; and the forests 5,478,286 acres. These last chiefly occur in the north of the government, and consist of birch, alder, and oak trees. The number of horses in the country in 1849 was 531,582; of horned cattle, 363,330; of sheep, 1,084,684; of swine, 152,386; and of goats 7886. All, however, are of inferior breeds; and the rearing of cattle is not much attended to, except among the Kalmucks. Although the country is not destitute of mineral resources, no important mining operations are carried on. Several branches of industry, however, are in vigorous exercise. In the year 1849 the government contained 113 manufactories, employing 5684 hands. Among the former there were 28 tanneries, 18 manufactories of cloth, 16 of tallow and candles, and 13 of potash. A considerable trade is carried on by the Volga; corn, hemp, cattle, hides (raw and prepared), fish, and soap, being the chief articles exported. The inhabitants for the most part belong to the Greek Church; but there are also 133 Roman Catholics, 128 Protestants, 76,441 Mohammedans, and 1291 Pagans. Simbirsk is divided into 8 circles, as follows:—

But in 1856 the total population amounted to 1,118,605.

The capital of the government is Simbirsk, which stands on the Volga, about 100 miles S. of Kazan. Its houses

are chiefly of wood, and its streets narrow and irregular. There are numerous churches and two convents; and these, as well as an elegant market-house, are built of stone. Simbirsk has also a monument to the historian Karamsin, who was a native of the government. There are here some tanneries, and manufactories of soap and candles. Many of the inhabitants are also employed in gardening and fishing. The trade of the place is considerable, and there is an active navigation on the Volga. A large market is held here annually. Pop. 35,474.