TVER, a government of European Russia, lying be-
tween N. Lat. 56. and 58. 47., E. Long. 32. and 38. 20.; bounded on the N. by the government of Novgorod, E. by that of Yaroslav. S. by those of Vladimir, Moscow, and Smolensk, and W. by that of Pskov. Area 25,988 square miles. It consists of an elevated table-land; but contains no mountains, although the north-west part is traversed by the Wolkonsky Forest, a chain of hills in which the Volga and other rivers take their rise. These hills are entirely covered with dense forests, in which there are some large morasses. The rest of the country is generally flat. The Volga is the principal river, flowing first in a south-east and then in a north-east direction, and becoming navigable before it leaves the government. It receives here the Tvertza, Medveditz, and Mologa, which all have their sources in the government. The Southern Dwina, which falls into the Baltic, and the Masta, which joins the Volkov, and falls into Lake Ladoga, also take their rise in the Wolkonski hills. The Volga is joined by the Vyschni Volotschok Canal with the Neva, and by another canal with the Dwina. Tver also contains several lakes, the largest of which, Lake Seliger, has an area of 76 square miles. The soil is in general poor, producing hardly more than enough for home consumption. The country, however, enjoys a temperate and healthy climate, although from December to March the rivers are generally frozen. Most of the inhabitants are employed in agriculture or pastoral pursuits. Rye, barley, and oats, with a small quantity of wheat, are the crops chiefly raised. Flax and hemp are also grown to some extent. In 1849, the government contained 4,504,885 acres of arable land, 3,444,240 of meadow, 4,551,961 of wood, and 3,446,187 of waste land. In the same year the live stock amounted to 504,851 horses, 659,636 horned cattle, 474,080 sheep, 63,009 swine, and 5557 goats. Abundance of excellent timber is obtained from the forests. Bears, wolves, and foxes are the chief wild animals of the country; and fish are abundant in the lakes and rivers. Except in the towns, there are few manufactures; but even in the country many hands are employed in saw-mills, brick-kilns, and boat-building. The whole number of manufactories in 1849 was 273, employing 4458 hands. An important transit trade is here carried on between the southern parts of Russia and the ports on the Baltic. The population consists almost exclusively of Russians. The government is divided into 12 circles. Pop. (1856) 1,466,194.