a circle in the province of Finland, recently transferred to Russia from Sweden. By the new division, it extends over 12,145 square miles, between Lat. 59. 50. and 62. 20. N. and Long. 19. 10. and 23. 46. E. It is bounded on the north by the circle of Wasa; on the east by Helsingfors; on the south by the Gulf of Finland; on the south-east by the Baltic Sea; and on the west by the Gulf of Bothnia, in which the Aland group of islands comprehended in this circle are situated. It contains 6 cities, and 4980 hamlets. The inhabitants, at the census of 1805, were 207,960; of whom 18,591 lived in the cities, and the remainder in the country places. On the sea-coast, and on the eastern side of the circle, it is rather hilly; but the centre is chiefly a level country. The land is of medium fertility, producing rye, potatoes, hemp, flax, hops, and tobacco. The forests produce plants, pitch, and tar, and some potash. The coasts yield abundance of fish. It is divided into 9 horads or baronies.

a city, the capital of the late Swedish, but now Russian, province of Finland. The river Auraich divides it into two parts. By a most extensive fire in November 1827, nearly the whole city was destroyed, with the public buildings, including the university, and its valuable library. Before this calamity, Abo contained 1100 houses and 11,300 inhabitants, was the see of a bishop, and the chief trading port of Finland. The entrance of the Aurajoki is defended by a castle. Vessels drawing 9 or 10 feet water go up to the town; but those drawing more anchor at 3 miles south-west of the river, where there is a good harbour; and thence the goods are sent by small craft to Abo. The great church is in Lat. 60. 27. 14. N. and in Long. 22. 18. 10. E. from Greenwich.