a town and fortress of Kamtschatka, formerly the capital of that peninsula, and the seat of the government. It is situated on the river Bolschaika Reka, 20 miles from its mouth, in an extensive plain stretching along the sea-shore. It was built in 1701, and was designed as a depot of Russian commerce; but, from the difficulty of navigating the river, and the insecurity of the harbour, the seat of government was transferred to Nischery Kamtschatka, at a considerable distance; and the town has since fallen to decay. Long. 157. E. Lat. 53. N.