a territory lying between Moldavia, the Danube, and the Black sea, formerly belonging to Turkey, but ceded by that power to Russia in 1812. It is inhabited chiefly by Tartars, who maintain themselves by their cattle and husbandry. Their religion, manners, and customs, are the same with those of the Crim Tartars. The whole country contains about 8800 square miles, is level and fertile, but the inhabitants apply more to grazing than tillage. Although a number of small rivers traverse the country, both water and wood are scarce.