Basil; a genus of plants belonging to the didynamia clas; and in the natural method ranking under the 42d order, Verticillatae. See Botany Index.

OZKAWOK, or OZKAKOFF, a town of Turkey in Europe, and capital of a sangaick of the same name, inhabited by Tartars. During a late war, here was a Turkish garrison of 29,000 men. However, it was taken by the Ruffians in 1737, and all those that resisted were put to the sword. The Ruffians themselves lost 18,000 men in the assault. The Turks returned the same year with 70,000 men to retake it; but were obliged to retire, after the loss of 20,000. In 1738, the Ruffians withdrew their garrison, and demolished the fortifications. It is seated on the river Bog, to the west of the Nieper, or rather where they both unite and fall into the Black sea. It is 42 miles south-west of Bialagrod, and 190 north by east of Constantinople. It has been lately a subject of great contest between the Ruffians and Turks. The affair is fresh in our readers memories; but the following more particular account of the place, will not, we trust, be unacceptable to our readers.—It is called by the Turks Dzain Cromendia, is seated at the influx of the Nieper into the Black sea, 120 miles from Bender, to the south east. The river is here above a mile broad. Hither the Turkish galleys retire which guard the mouth of the river, to prevent the Cossacks from pirating upon the Black sea. Here is no port, but good anchorage. It is defended by a castle, surrounded with walls 25 feet high; those of the town are much lower. There are about 2000 people at Oczakow. Below the castle are two towns or suburbs, situated on the declivity of a hill, which on the other side has nothing but precipices. To the south of these towns is another small castle, where is some artillery to prevent vessels from coming up the river. Here is also a tower, in which are always some Turks upon the watch to discover from afar any of the Cossacks at sea, and give notice of them to the galleys by a signal. The city is inhabited by Tartars, though garrisoned by Turks. E. Long. 30. 50. N. Lat. 46. 50.