PENZA

PENZA, a government of European Russia, lying between N. Lat. 53. and 54., E. Long. 42. 20. and 45. 20. It is bounded on the N. by the government of Nijni-Novgorod, E. by that of Simbirsk, S. by that of Saratov, and W. by that of Tambov. Length from E. to W., 170 miles; greatest breadth, 145; area, 14,670 square miles. The surface is generally flat, or slightly undulating; and is crossed by low ranges of hills, which in the S. form the watershed between the Volga and the Don. Numerous rivers water the country; but of these none are of any size or importance, except the Sura and the Moksha, both affluents of the Volga,—the latter rising in this government, and the former in that of Saratov. There are also several small lakes. The soil is fertile, producing corn, hemp, flax, potatoes, and fruit. The extent of arable land in the government in 1849 was 3,962,008 acres; of meadow land, 1,251,249 acres; of wood, 3,645,551 acres; and of waste land, 389,029 acres. There were produced in the same

year 39,182,368 bushels of corn, and 1,569,186 bushels of potatoes. The climate is healthy, and the summers are mild and temperate; but severe cold is frequently experienced during the winter. Great attention is paid by the inhabitants to the raising of cattle, sheep, and especially horses; and large quantities of bees are kept. Penza contained in 1849, 291,994 horses, 205,500 horned cattle, 494,314 sheep, and 190,348 swine. The principal mineral production of the government is iron, of which there are mines in the vicinity of Troitzk. Mill-stones are also quarried; and sulphur and vitriol are obtained. There are few large manufacturing establishments; but the peasants in their cottages spin flax and hemp, weave large quantities of coarse linen and woollen cloth, and prepare articles of other kinds for their own use. There are, besides, blast-furnaces and iron-works, soap-works, glass-works, tanneries, and distilleries, all of which, especially the last, are both numerous and large. The trade is chiefly carried on by land, especially with Nijni-Novgorod. Annual fairs and markets are held at various places in the government. The principal exports are corn, flour, honey, wax, brandy, soap, timber, wool, leather, blankets, carpets, and potash. In respect of education, Penza is under the university of Kasan; but the schools are neither numerous nor good. The only printing-press in the government is entirely under the control of the Crown. There are about 600 churches, 11 of which are cathedrals, several convents, and about 70 Tartar mosques. The government is divided into 10 circles, and contains 1,058,444 inhabitants:—

The most of the people belong to the Greek Church; but there are also 41,210 Mohammedans, and a few Jews and Roman Catholics.