a circle in the Russian province of Bessarabia, extending along the banks of the Black Sea, where the Dneish forms an estuary. It is nearly destitute of population, except the capital, of the same name, which is built on a tongue of land projecting into the estuary. It is the ancient Roman colony of Alba Julia. It is surrounded with strong walls and ditches, contains a Greek and a beautiful Armenian church, several mosques, and a synagogue for Jews. The population, of various nations, religions, and languages, amounts to about 15,000. It is a place, from its position, of considerable trade. It is in long. 30. 10. 15. E. and lat. 46. 11. 45. N.