a government of Prussia, occupying the greater part of Upper Silesia, is bounded on the N. by the government of Posen, N.W. and W. by that of Breslau, S. by Austrian Silesia, and E. by Poland. It has an area of 5148 square miles, the greater part of which is covered with mountains and hills. The Oder traverses it from S. to N.; and the only other large river is the Vistula, which forms the boundary of the government to the S.E. There are, however, numerous small lakes and ponds which give rise to streams; and the country is also watered by the Neisse, an affluent of the Oder from the E. The mineral riches of the district are considerable, consisting of coal, iron, zinc, tin, argentiferous lead, &c. The climate is cold and moist, and the ground is covered with snow for a great part of the winter. A considerable part of the surface is occupied with forests; and though the soil is not so fertile as that of Lower Silesia, some of the valleys are very productive; but the quantity of corn grown is not sufficient for the consumption. Cattle and sheep are kept in large numbers. Manufactures are not carried on to any great extent, except those of hardware, steam-engines, leather, and woollen stuffs. Weaving is also carried on in the mountainous districts. Some trade is carried on in timber. Pop. 1,014,383.