a circle in the Russian government of Witebsk or Witepsk, formerly a part of Lithuania. It is bounded on the north by Livonia, on the east by Resitka, on the south-east by Wilna, and on the west by Courland. It is watered by the Duna, which is joined by other streams, and fertilizes the land, which is highly productive of rye and flax, and maintains a large stock of cattle. It contains three cities, one town, and 1078 villages, with a population in 1797 of 47,785; in 1827 of 61,500 inhabitants. The extent is 328 square miles, or 190,000 acres. The chief city, of the same name, is situated on the Duna. It was formerly fortified. It contains a Greek and a Catholic church, and 4000 inhabitants.