a circle of the Russian government of Moscow, extending in north latitude from $53^\circ 27'$ to $54^\circ 19'$, and in east longitude from $37^\circ 30'$ to $37^\circ 47'$. It is bounded on the north by Mohaisk, on the north-east by Swenigorod, on the east by Podol, on the south by Kaluga, and on the west by Smolensko. It comprehends 654 square miles, with one city, 234 large villages, and 66,450 inhabitants. The surface is undulating, the soil rather sandy, with some marshes, and is well watered with several small streams. A great part of the circle is covered with fir woods. The capital is the city of the same name on the river Prota, which divides it into two parts, and is navigable for small craft. It is fortified, but not strongly; has two wooden and two stone churches, 820 houses, and 7300 inhabitants, who carry on trade largely in the productions of the circle. It is 480 miles from St Petersburg. Long. 35. 55. E. Lat. 55. 29. N.