or TANAIS, a river of Russia, which takes its rise from the small lake of St John, near Tula, in the government of Moisow, and passing through part of the province of Voronet, a small portion of the Ukraina-Slobodskia, and the whole province of Azof, divides itself near Tcherkask into three streams, and falls in these separate branches into the sea of Azof. This river has so many windings, is in many parts so shallow, and abounds with such numerous shoals, as to be scarcely navigable, excepting in the spring, upon the melting of the snows; and its mouth is also so choked up with sand, that only flat-bottomed vessels, excepting in the same season, can pass into the sea of Azof. The banks of the Don, and the rivulets which fall into it, are clothed with large tracts of forest, whose timber is floated down the stream to St Demetri and Rostof, where the frigates for the sea of Azof are chiefly constructed. The navigation of the Don, Mr Coxe observes, may possibly hereafter be rendered highly valuable, by conveying to the Black sea, the iron of Siberia, the Chinese goods, and the Persian merchandise: which latter commodities, as well as the products of India, formerly found their way into Europe through this same channel.

DON is also the name of a river in Scotland, noticed under the article ABERDEEN; the Old Town being situated near its mouth. See ABERDEEN.

DON Martin de Mayorca, the name given by the Spaniards to a cluster of islands in the South sea, which were discovered in 1781 by Don F. A. Maurelle. According to the description given of these islands, they abound with tropical fruits and roots, are in a tolerable state of cultivation, and the inhabitants have made some progress in civilization. Their government, manners, and dress, resemble in most points those of the natives of the other South sea islands. In thieving, whether in disposition or dexterity, they seemed inferior to none. In one of these islands Don Murelle found a good harbour, which he places in 18. 36. S. Lat. and in 177. 48. W. Long.