a government of European Russia, lying between N. Lat. 60. and 64. 30., E. Long. 29. 40. and 42. 20., is bounded on the N. and E. by Archangel, S.E. by Vologda, S. by Novgorod, S.W. by St Petersburg, and W. by Lake Ladoga and Finland. Its length from N.W. to S.E. is 370 miles; breadth, 250 miles; area, 53,875 square miles. The surface is for the most part flat, but in the N.W. there are some hills of no great height, called the Mountains of Olonetz; while in the S. the country is traversed by a ridge that divides the affluents of the Volga from those of the Baltic. The geological formation of the hills is for the most part granitic, covered over with conglomerate and clay-slate, and the tops are densely wooded, while the lower slopes are in many places quite open. The level part of the country consists to a large extent of marshy land, but much of the area is occupied by a rich clayey soil covered with greensward, and the extent of ground under water is very great. Upwards of seven-tenths of the whole area is covered with wood. There are said to be 1998 lakes, and 558 rivers and streams. The principal lakes are Ladoga and Onega, which are described under their proper names. The chief rivers are—the Onega, which flows into the White Sea; the numerous streams, which fall into Lake Onega; the Svir, which joins Lake Onega with Ladoga; and a few tributaries of the Volga in the S. The mineral resources of Olonetz form no small portion of the wealth of the government. Iron ore is obtained on the lakes and marshes, and several mines, richer than those formerly worked, have been recently discovered. Copper mines were formerly worked, but on account of their scanty produce, these have been abandoned. Some traces of gold have been observed, and it is believed to occur at a considerable depth below the surface. Coal is also expected to be obtained in Olonetz. Many kinds of marble, porphyry, granite, and quartz, are found; as well as amethysts, garnets, topazes, and other precious stones. In the marble works of Tewdia, many pieces of stone carving are made, which are remarkable for durability and beauty of workmanship. In this government was obtained the piece of porphyry which was sent by the Emperor Nicholas to France to form the coffin of Napoleon I. The climate is severe, the winter long and intensely cold, while during the short summer the heat is very great. But notwithstanding this inclemency, agriculture is carried on in all parts of the government, though the produce is not sufficient for the domestic wants. Hemp and flax are extensively grown in places where corn would not thrive. But the most valuable part of the vegetable produce is timber, of which there is a great abundance, especially of pines and larches, suitable for the masts of ships. Of the whole area of Olonetz, there are 91,186 acres of meadow land, 692,816 acres of arable land, 237,647 acres of hay, 26,815,715 acres of wood, and 6,505,009 acres of lakes, rivers, and marshes. Cattle are not reared in large numbers, owing to the expense of keeping them during the long and severe winters. Most of the peasants, however, have some horses, cows, and swine; but the total number, compared with the extent of the country, is small. There were in 1849, 53,356 horses, 96,392 horned cattle, 52,438 sheep, 5639 pigs, and 187 goats. Of wild animals, the government contains wolves, bears, elks, reindeer, foxes, &c. Seals are found in the large lakes, and the rivers abound in fish. Few manufactures are carried on, except at Petrozavodsk, the capital, where there is an imperial cannon foundry. Trade also is in a low condition. The raw produce of the country, together with tallow, cast-iron, and cannons, are exported to St Petersburg and Archangel. The inhabitants are almost all Russians, but there are some Finns in the western part, and a few wandering Laplanders. The people of Olonetz belong to the Greek Church, and to the see of the Archbishop of Novgorod. There are in the government 45 educational institutions of various kinds, with 102 teachers, and 2059 scholars. Pop. (1856) 285,945.