a government of Western Russia, between 51° 12' and 55° 50' N. Lat., and 25° 10' and 30° 45' E. Long. It is bounded N. by Witepsk, E. by Mohilev and Tchernigov, S. by Kiev and Volhynia, and W. by Grodno and Wilna. Area 34,467 square miles. The surface is for the most part very flat, except towards the N., where a low chain of hills separates the rivers which flow into the Black Sea from those which flow into the Baltic. The principal rivers of the government are the Dina and the Dnieper; the former constituting the frontier between it and Wilna, and the latter flowing between this government and that of Tchernigov. The principal rivers that join the Dina are the Desna and the Ulla; and the Dnieper receives in this government the Pripetz and the Beresina. Besides these, Minsk is also watered by the Niemen and its tributary the Vilia, both of which take their rise in the government. The northern parts of Minsk are covered with extensive forests, and the soil is there dry, and in many places sandy; but the southern regions are marshy, and the country is generally inundated in the spring time, so as to present the appearance of a large lake. Although the soil is generally poor and sterile, there are nevertheless some fertile tracts. Agriculture forms the chief employment of the inhabitants, and the produce is more than sufficient for the consumption of the inhabitants. Rye is the sort of corn grown in the greatest quantity, but barley, oats, and wheat are also produced. Flax and hemp are grown in great abundance. The inhabitants are also employed in cutting timber in the forests, and conveying it down the rivers. Cattle and sheep are reared in large numbers, but they are generally of inferior breed, and the wool of the sheep is very coarse. The country abounds in deer, wolves, bears, wild boars, foxes, and other sorts of game; and the rivers are well stocked with fish, but the quantity got is not equal to the demand, so that large supplies are imported from other parts. The principal manufactures are weaving and distilling, but these are not carried on to any great extent. The trade also is far from extensive, and is chiefly in the hands of foreigners; the chief articles of exportation being timber, flax, hemp, corn, honey, cattle, &c. The inhabitants belong for the most part to the Greek Church, but there are also many Roman Catholics and some Protestants; and the towns and villages are principally occupied by Jews. Pop. (1850) 1,067,000.

capital of the above government, is situated on the Swistocz, a tributary of the Beresina, 154 miles E.N.E. of Grodno; Lat. 53° 40' N., Long. 27° 40' E. The town is irregularly built, with narrow and dirty streets; but it contains some good public buildings, among which are a cathedral, an abbey, and a theatre, besides several handsome palaces belonging to the nobility. It is the seat of the government of the province, and of a Greek archbishop and Roman Catholic bishop; and has manufactures of cloth, hats, and leather, as well as a considerable trade. Pop. (1851) 25,352.