(Germ. Schlesien), a province of the Prussian monarchy, lying between N. Lat. 49. 40. and 52. 8.; E. Long. 14. 25. and 19. 15.; bounded on the N. by the provinces of Brandenburg and Posen, E. by Polish Russia, S. by Austrian Silesia, S.W. and W. by Bohemia and Saxony. Length from N.W. to S.E. 210 miles, breadth from 70 to 80; area, 15,720 square miles. Along the south-west frontier runs a range of mountains, called the Sudetes, which here divide the Prussian from the Austrian dominions. From these the country descends in a gradual slope towards the north-east; and the Oder divides it lengthwise into two nearly equal parts; that on its left bank, called the German side, being more mountainous; and that to the right, or the Polish side, more flat. The Sudetes present for the most part a very uniform appearance, consisting of long ridges, covered with forests, and having here and there isolated peaks, of a rounded or dome-like appearance. There are many pleasant valleys among these mountains; and several passes across them. The two principal groups of the Sudetes are the Riesen Geberge, near the north-west; and the Glatz Mountains, towards the south-east extremity of the chain. Of the former, the highest point is the Riesen Koppe, 5060 feet high; the latter is divided into several distinct ridges, and reaches the elevation of 4354 feet in the Schneeberg, its highest summit. Besides these there is an isolated mountain called the Zobten, 2246 feet high, at the foot of the latter group. There are no hills of any size on the other side of the Oder; but the land, though flatter, is not by any means so fertile as that which lies among the mountains on the south-west, and the land which slopes down from them to the river. The Oder, the only great stream in Silesia, enters the province from Moravia, in the south-east, and is navigable for small boats as far as Ratibor. Its banks are in general low and uniform; but in the upper part of its course it is bordered by mountains and oak-forests; while at various points lower there are hills covered with vines. The principal affluents of the Oder in Silesia are, on the right, the Klodnitz, Malapame, Stober, Weida, and Bartsch; and on the left, the Silesian Neisse, Ohlau, Weistritz, Katzbach, and Bober. A small portion in the extreme south-east of the province sends its waters to the Vistula; but with this exception, the whole waters of the province flow by the Oder into the Baltic. There are few lakes, and these not of any great size. Silesia is not, on the whole, so well cultivated as some other parts of Prussia, and does not produce a sufficiency of corn for the domestic consumption. The extent of arable land in the province, in 1852, was 4,418,522 acres; of gardens and vineyards, 133,028 acres; of meadows and pasture land, 785,531 acres; of forests, 2,313,402 acres; and of waste land, 2,976,383 acres. Wheat is extensively grown here, especially on the land to the east of the Oder. This crop is more cultivated in this than in any other province of Prussia. Oats, barley, rye, pulse, and potatoes, are also raised. Flax, hemp, rape, and madder, are produced here more largely than in any other province. Vines are cultivated only in a few places. Considerable attention is paid to pastoral pursuits; and large numbers of live stock are reared. In the year 1855, there were in Silesia 190,647 horses, 7586 mules and asses, 965,643 horned cattle, 2,431,687 sheep, 48,867 goats, and 127,058 pigs. The mineral productions of Silesia are of considerable importance. Gold and silver are found here to a small extent; but the principal wealth of the land consists of the more useful, though less valuable, metals. Iron is found in considerable abundance; zinc comes next in point of amount, while smaller quantities of copper, lead, &c., are also obtained. The province contains mines of coal, quarries of marble, granite, and sandstone. The minerals of the country are found chiefly in the upper portion; while it is in its middle and lower parts that manufacturing industry is most actively carried on. In 1852 there were in the province 10 establishments for spinning flax and hemp, 51 Silesia, Austrian. See Austria.

Silhet, a district of British India, in the presidency of Bengal, lying between N. Lat. 24.3° and 25.12°; E. Long. 91° and 92.38°; bounded on the N. by the land of the Garrows and the district of Jynteeah; E. by the district of Cachar; S. by Independent Tipperah; and W. by the districts of Mymensingh and Tipperah. Length from E. to W. 102 miles; breadth, 80; area, 3532 square miles. It forms a vast basin, enclosed on three sides, the north, east, and south, by mountains, and only open towards the Brahmapootra, which receives the rivers of the district. The largest of these is the Soormah, which is navigable, except during the dry season, as far as Silhet, the capital of the district. The low country between the mountain-ranges is undulating, and contains many alluvial tracts; but it is for the most part very marshy. Even in the loftier portions there are some marshes, though of less extent. A great part of the country is occupied by forest and jungle. The climate is moist, and not very healthy, and the soil is not suited for many kinds of crops, though there are extensive pastures, on which large numbers of live stock are reared.

Butter, cheese, and hides, along with grain, form the chief articles of export. The only manufactures are a few coarse cotton cloths, mats, and baskets. The population is 380,000, of which about three-fifths are Brahminists, and the rest Mohammedans, there being very few Christians. The only place of importance in the district is Silhet, the capital, which is rather a large straggling village, 120 miles N.E. of Calcutta.

Silistria, a town of European Turkey, Bulgaria, capital of an eyalet of the same name, one of the strongest fortified places on the Danube, stands in the angle formed between that river and its confluence the Dristra, 66 miles N. by E. of Shumla. It is semicircular in form, and for the most part meanly built, consisting of narrow, crooked, and dirty streets, lined with low and gloomy houses. The public buildings are—numerous mosques, a large Greek church and convent, public baths, barracks, a custom-house, and bonded warehouses. The inhabitants are principally employed in weaving, tanning, and gardening. Some trade is carried on in cattle, wool, and timber. The fortifications are strong and solid; and the place is defended by several admirably constructed detached forts. Silistria was taken by the Russians in 1829, after a siege of nine months, and it remained in their hands for some time, but was afterwards restored to Turkey. Again, in 1854, the town was attacked by the Russians; but the Turkish garrison, aided and directed by two British officers, made such a brave defence, that the assailants were obliged to raise the siege. Pop. 23,000. (See Russia, § History.)