a delegation of the papal dominions in Italy, in the march of Ancona, and on the Adriatic Sea, extending over 1072 square miles, and containing eight cities, sixteen market-towns, thirty-seven villages, and 197,890 inhabitants. The capital is the city of the same name. It stands on a delightful plain overlooking the Adriatic, and is well built, with broad paved streets. It is the seat of a bishop, and contains eight monasteries, five nunneries, and, besides the cathedral, thirteen churches, with 15,500 inhabitants. There is a university, founded in 1290 and re-established in 1540, a Jesuits' college, and a gymnasium for nobles. Long. 13.21. E. Lat. 45.18. 36. N.

MACERATION is an infusion or soaking of ingredients in water, or any other fluid, in order either to soften them or extract their virtues.