TOMSK

TOMSK, a government of Asiatic Russia, Siberia, lying between N. Lat. 49. and 61., E. Long. 75. and 90.; bounded on the E. by that of Yeniseisk, S. by Chinese Turkestan and the territory of Semipalatinsk, W. and N.W. by the government of Tobolsk. Length from N. to S. about 750 miles, greatest breadth about 600; area 333,922 square miles. The Altai range forms its southern boundary; and along its eastern frontier stretches a branch of these mountains, forming the watershed between the Obi and the Yenisei. The former of these rivers rises in the Altai mountains in this government, and flows north-west through a country gradually sloping downwards to the ocean. It receives from both sides numerous affluents, such as the Tom, Tchulima, Ket, Tchumish, and Bia, in Tomsk. There are several large lakes in the government, especially towards the west, where there is a chain of them, including the Tchany, Soumy, and others. The north part of the country is cold, wild, and desert, and is occupied only by wandering tribes. Towards the south the climate is milder, and the soil more productive. There are extensive pastures, on which are fed the cattle that constitute the chief wealth of the country. Some valuable minerals are worked to a considerable extent among the mountains; gold, silver, lead, copper, and iron being the chief. Some manufactures are carried on, especially those of tallow, leather, brandy, and pottery; and there is a considerable trade. The government is divided into six districts as follows:—