or Asow, a city on the left bank of one of the arms of the Don, about 20 miles from its mouth. It was formerly a place of great importance, but has declined since 1774, when it became a fixed part of the Russian empire. The harbour is nearly choked up, and the fortifications are neglected. Pop. 1200. The country around, although unhealthy, is fruitful in vines. Long. 39° 8'. E. Lat. 47° 6'. N.

Azov, Sea of (the Paltus Macotis of the ancients), an inland sea of Southern Europe, communicating with the Black Sea by means of the Strait of Yenikale, the ancient Bosporus Cimmerius. It lies between Lat. 45° 20'. and 47° 18'. N. and Long. 35° and 39° E.; its length from S.W. to N.E. being about 235 miles, and its greatest breadth 110 miles. The rivers Don, Kuban, Kalmius, and Breda, enter this sea, rendering its waters much less salt than the ocean; and in- Azores, deeded they are little more than brackish. Near its coast are the towns of Taganrog, Mariupol, Yenikale, Azoph, and Berdiansk, which last has risen since 1835, from a mere village, to be the most important commercial town on this coast. Polybius affirmed that this sea was gradually filling up, so that at no remote period it would be unfit for navigation; and since his time the common opinion has been, that it was decreasing in depth; but recent observations have proved this idea to be erroneous. (Jones' Travels, vol. ii. p. 145.)

Near the mouth of the Don the water is exceedingly shallow, being only from three to ten feet, according to the direction of the wind; but otherwise it varies from 42 feet in the centre, to an average of about 18 feet close to the shore. The Strait of Yenikale has at all times a depth of at least 14 feet; and vessels of a greater draught may find secure anchorage where they can discharge their cargoes. The shipping season extends from about the middle of April to the end of November, and the sea is generally frozen from December to March. The fisheries here are very important.