two towns of the Russian empire, in the country of the Don Cossacks. **STAROK**, or **OLD TCHERKASK**, stands on the Don, near its mouth, 45 miles E.N.E. of Azoph; and is intersected by canals, on both sides of which are rows of wooden houses supported on posts above the water. It has a Tartar church, with rich treasures of gold, silver, precious stones, &c.; an academy, town-hall, prison, and other buildings. Fish, iron, wine, &c., are exported in large quantities. Pop. 5939. **NOVO**, or **NEW TCHERKASK**, stands on the right bank of the Don, 14 miles N.N.E. of the former. It is the capital of the province, and contains a cathedral and many other churches, an arsenal, gymnasium, hospital, and numerous manufactories, especially of beer, brandy, cloth, &c. A considerable trade is carried on. Pop. 17,910.