a division of Courland, which lies in Courland properly so called, derives its name from the ancient castle or palace of Piltén, built by Valdemar II. king of Denmark about the year 1230, when he founded a bishop's see in this country for the more effectual conversion of its Pagan inhabitants. This district afterwards successively belonged to the Germans, then again to the king of Denmark, the duke of Courland, and to Poland; and by virtue of the instrument of regency drawn up for this district in the year 1717, the government is lodged in seven Polish senators or coun- The most remarkable part of this district is the promontory of Domefnesh, which projects northward into the gulf of Livonia. From this cape a sand-bank runs four German miles farther into the sea, half of which lies under water, and cannot be discerned. To the east of this promontory is an unfathomable abyss, which is never observed to be agitated. For the safety of vessels bound to Livonia, two square beacons have been erected on the coast, near Domefnesh church, opposite to the sand bank, and facing each other. One of these is twelve fathoms high, and the other eight; and a large fire is kept burning on them from the first of August to the first of January. When the mariners see these fires appear as one in a direct line, they may conclude that they are clear of the extremity of the sand bank, and consequently out of danger; but if they see both beacons, they are in danger of running upon it. The district of Piltén contains seven parishes, but no towns worthy of notice. The inhabitants are chiefly of the Lutheran persuasion.