large province of the Russian empire, with the title of a duchy. It is bounded on the north by Esthonia, on the west by the gulf of Riga, on the south by Courland, and on the east, partly by Ples- cow, and partly by Novogorod. It is about 200 miles from north to south, and 150 from east to west. The land is so fertile in corn, that it is called the granary of the north; and would produce a great deal more, if it was not so full of lakes. The fish that abound here are salmons, carps, pikes, flat fish, and many others. In the forests there are wolves, bears, elks, rein-deer, stags, and hares. The domestic animals are very numerous; but the sheep bear very bad wool. Here are a great number number of forests, which consist of birch trees, pines, and oaks; and all the houses of the inhabitants are built with wood. The merchandises which they send abroad are flax, hemp, honey, wax, leather skins, and potatoes. The Swedes were formerly possessed of this province, but were obliged to abandon it to the Russians after the battle of Pultowa; and it was ceded to them by the peace of the north, concluded in 1722, which was confirmed by another treaty in 1742. It formerly included Estonia, with the two islands called Oesel and Dagho. Riga is the capital.