a river which rises from several springs in the western parts of Dorsetshire, in England, the principal of which is near Evershot. Directing its course almost due west, it passes under Frampton Bridge, washes the town of Dorchester, and falls into a bay of the English channel called Poolhaven, near Wareham.

a town of the county of Somerset, in the hundred of its own name, 105 miles from London. It has the addition of Selwood to its name, from having been in ancient times at the termination of a forest of that name, said to have extended fourteen or fifteen miles. It is built on the acclivity of several hills, and the streets, which are narrow, rise one above the other. It is a place of extensive manufactures, chiefly of the best superfine broad cloths and kerseys from Spanish and Saxon wool. There are, besides, mills for rolling iron, and some considerable breweries. The church is handsome and spacious, with an octagonal spire 150 feet in height. There is a good market on Wednesday. The town formerly had a corporation, which has become extinct, and it is now under the superintendence of the county magistrates. The population amounted in 1801 to 8748, in 1811 to 10,138, in 1821 to 12,411, and in 1831 to 12,240.