TCHERKASK, two towns of the Russian empire, in the country of the Don Cossacks. STAROI, or OLD TCHERKASK, stands on the Don, near its mouth, 45 miles E.N.E. of Azoph; and is intersected by canals, on both sides of
which are rows of wooden houses supported on posts above the water. It has a Tartar church, with rich treasures of gold, silver, precious stones, &c.; an academy, town-hall, prison, and other buildings. Fish, iron, wine, &c., are exported in large quantities. Pop. 5939. NOVO, or NEW TCHERKASK, stands on the right bank of the Don, 14 miles N.N.E. of the former. It is the capital of the province, and contains a cathedral and many other churches, an arsenal, gymnasium, hospital, and numerous manufactories, especially of beer, brandy, cloth, &c. A considerable trade is carried on. Pop. 17,910.