capital of the above province, is situated on the western bank of the Lena, on a plain surrounded by mountains, which enclose it at the distance of ten or twelve miles. It is a place of some trade, notwithstanding the inhospitable climate in which it is situated, being the emporium of the fur trade; all the furs which are collected in the extensive regions of the north being brought to this place, as are also all the Russian and Asiatic commodities which are imported in exchange. It also forms a species of entrepot for the Russian trade with Kamtschatka and the western coast of America. The dreary winter is the greatest disadvantage of this place. The cold is excessive; and the inhabitants are almost entirely confined to their houses, the daylight continuing during the deadness of the season for only a few hours. They consume their time, accordingly, between drinking and sleeping; and they use ice as the most effectual mode of stopping up every chink and crevice, being applied, like double glass, to the outside of the windows. Yakoutsk contains 500 or 600 houses, and about 3000 inhabitants, who for the most part are Cossacks or Yakoutes.

Long. 140.8. E. Lat. 60.2. N.