a circle in the Russian government of Riasan, bounded on the north by Skopin, on the northeast by Miahsh, on the east by Ranenburg, on the south by Tambow, and on the west by Tula. It is watered by the river Don, and has but little wood, but some good arable land, producing rye and other corn, and feeding black cattle. The inhabitants amount to 75,500. The chief town, of the same name, is situated on the Don, and contains six churches, a monastery, 351 houses, and 2100 inhabitants.