PATNA, a district of British India, deriving its name from the above town, is bounded on the N. by the districts of Sarun, Tirhoot, and Monghyr; E. by that of Monghyr; S. by those of Monghyr and Behar; and W. by that of Shahabad; and extends from N. Lat. 25. 3. to 25. 38., E. Long. 84. 45. to 86. 10. Length, from E. to W., 85 miles; breadth, 45; area, 1828 square miles. The Ganges flows along its northern frontier; and the Son, a tributary of that river, forms the western boundary for a considerable distance. The chief of the other rivers are the Poonpoon and the Lesser Poonpoon; but during the rainy seasons the whole country is intersected with streams. The soil is very fertile and well cultivated: rice, wheat, and barley are grown in abundance; and many groves and orchards diversify the aspect of the country. The climate is very hot in summer, but the winters are mild. The district is traversed by the East India Railway, and by several roads. Pop. 1,200,000.