a town of Russia, capital of the government of Courland, situated in a flat marshy country on the Aa, near its confluence with the Dixie, 27 miles S.W. of Riga. The town, which is built principally of wood, covers a large space, and is well provided with gardens and pleasure-grounds. Its streets are narrow, irregular, and are for the most part unpaved. The principal building of the place is the castle, built by Marshal Biron in 1739 on an island inclosed by the Aa canals, and formerly the residence of the dukes of Courland. There are also a museum, an observatory, two public libraries, a gymnasium, and two creditable picture galleries. The manufactures, consisting of linen, leather, and soap, are of little importance; and its trade is carried on chiefly during the great fair which is held here in midsummer. In 1788, after a devastating fire, a great part of the town was rebuilt; and subsequently it was honoured by the residence of Louis XVIII., then travelling under the title of Count de Lille. Pop. (1852) 13,819, about half of whom were Germans and nearly a sixth Jews.