the most northerly of the Seven United GRO Groningen United Provinces, is bounded on the north by the German ocean; on the south, by the county of Drenthe; on the east, by the bishopric of Munster, and the principality of East-Friesland; and on the west by the province of Friesland, from which it is parted by the river Lawers. Its greatest length from south-east to north-west is about 47 miles; but its breadth is very unequal, the greatest being about 33 miles. Here are rich pastures, large herds of great and small cattle, plenty of sea and river fish, and of turf, with some forests and corn-land. There are several rivers in the province, of which the principal is the Hunne; and a great number of canals and dykes. The states consist of the deputies of the town of Groningen, and the Ommeland, or circumjacent country; and hold their assemblies always in the town of Groningen. The province had anciently governors, under the title of burggraves; but their power being limited, the people enjoyed great privileges. Afterwards it became subject to the bishop of Utrecht; but shook off his yoke at last, and recovered its liberty. In 1536 it submitted to Charles V. and in 1579 acceded to the union of Utrecht. The colleges before the revolution were much the same here as in the other provinces, viz. the provincial states, council of state, provincial tribunal, and chamber of accounts; and fix deputies were sent to the states-general. Of the established clergy there are 160 ministers, which form seven clades, whose annual synod is held, by turns, at Groningen and Appingedam.

the capital of the province of that name, is situated about 12 miles from the nearest shore of the German ocean, at the conflux of several rivulets, which form the Hunne and Fivel. Ships of considerable burden can come up to the city, in consequence of which it enjoys a pretty good trade. It was formerly very strong, but its fortifications are now much neglected. The university here was founded in 1615, and is well endowed out of the revenues of the ancient monasteries. The town, which was formerly one of the Hanse, and has still great privileges, is large and populous, being the seat of the high colleges, and containing three spacious market-places, and 27 streets, in which are many fine houses, besides churches and other public structures. By the river Fivel and the Ems, it has a communication with Westphalia. In 1672 it made such a gallant resistance against the bishop of Munster, that he is said to have lost 10,000 men before it. Rodolphus Agricola and Vefelius, two of the most learned men of the age in which they lived, were born here. Under the jurisdiction of this city is a considerable district, called the Gorecht. E. Long. 6. 25. Lat. 53. 10.

GRONOVI A, a genus of plants belonging to the pentandria clas; and in the natural method ranking under the 34th order, Cucurbitaceae. See Botany Index.