a district in the province of Finland, in 1809 transferred to Russia from Sweden. By the new division, it extends over 12,145 square miles, between Lat. 59.50, and 62.20. N., and Long. 19.10, and 23.46. E. It is bounded on the north by the circle of Wasa; on the east by Tavastehus; on the south by the Gulf of Finland; on the south-east by the Baltic Sea; and on the west by the Gulf of Bothnia, in which the Aland group of islands comprehended in this circle are situated. It contains 6 cities, and 4980 hamlets. The number of inhabitants may be estimated at 208,000; of whom about 20,000 live in cities, and the remainder in the country places. On the sea-coast, and on the eastern side of the circle, it is rather hilly; but the centre is chiefly a level country. The land is of medium fertility, producing rye, potatoes, hemp, flax, hops, and tobacco. The forests produce plants, pitch, and tar, and some potash. The coasts yield abundance of fish. It is divided into nine horads or baronies.

Åbo, a city in the Russian province of Finland, and chief town of the circle of the same name. It is situated near the extremity of the promontory, formed by the gulfs of Bothnia and Finland, and is divided into two parts by the river Aurajoki. Åbo is the seat of a Lutheran archbishop, and of the supreme court of justice for South Finland; and was the chief place of export from Finland to Sweden. It has a bank and gymnasium, carries on several manufactures of sail-cloth, linen, glass, leather, tobacco, &c.; and its ship-building is considerable. Previous to 1819, Åbo was the capital of Finland; in 1743, the peace between Russia and Sweden was concluded here. By a most extensive fire in November 1827, nearly the whole city was destroyed, including the university and its valuable library. Immediately before this calamity, Åbo contained 1100 houses, and 13,000 inhabitants; and its university had 40 professors, more than 500 students, and a library of upwards of 30,000 volumes, together with a botanical garden, an observatory, a chemical laboratory, &c. The university has since been removed to Helsinki. The entrance of the Aurajoki is defended by a castle. Vessels drawing 9 or 10 feet water go up to the town; but those drawing more, anchor 3 miles south-west of the river, where there is a good harbour; and thence the goods are sent by small craft to Åbo. Population in 1846, 12,000. The great church is in Lat. 60.27.14. N. and in Long. 22.18.10. E.

ABBOARD, the inside of a ship. Hence any person who enters a ship is said to go aboard; but when an enemy enters in the time of battle, he is said to board; a phrase which always implies hostility.—To fall aboard of, is to strike or encounter another ship when one or both are in motion, or to be driven upon a ship by the force of the wind or current.—Aboard-main-tack, the order to draw the main-tack, i.e. the lower corner of the mainsail, down to the CHASE-TREE.