a town of European Russia, in the government and 148 miles S.E. of Pskov, on the Torop. The houses are for the most part built of wood, and the streets paved with planks. There are here a cathedral and many other churches, convents, schools, tanneries and other manufacturing establishments. An active trade is carried on in corn, hemp, flax, manufactured goods, and colonial produce. Pop. 6000.

TORQUAY is a town situated in the Haytor Hundred, on the S.E. coast of Devonshire, 220 miles from London by railway, and 26 from Exeter. It occupies a sheltered cove of Torbay, at a short distance from Hope's Nose, the rocky promontory which forms the northern horn of the bay. The town is entirely modern, being described in 1810 as "a small cluster of fishing huts;" so that within fifty years has sprung up the busy, opulent, and beautiful town which now contains not fewer than 16,000 inhabitants. With the exception of the streets devoted to trade, and of some handsome terraces and crescents, the residences generally are detached villas or mansions, each surrounded by its own pleasure-ground, varying in extent from 1 acre to 6 or 8 acres. These are erected on the sides and summits of three nearly parallel hills, sloping gently to the sea, and in the richly wooded valleys that intervene; each dwelling contributing to the beauty of the entire scene, and all commanding views highly picturesque, varied, and extensive. Torquay, in proportion to its population, occupies an extent of land greatly exceeding any other place in the kingdom; and combines, in singular degree, the conveniences of town with the sanitary benefits of country. Its sheltered and beautiful situation, and the peculiar salubrity of its climate, have rendered it a favourite resort of invalids; and it is particularly suited for such as suffer from, or are susceptible of, bronchial or pulmonary disorders. From a series of meteorological observations, extending through many years, the maximum temperature at Torquay is found to be about 7° lower, and its minimum temperature about 12° higher, than the average of other places. The range being thus nearly 20° more limited than elsewhere, the evils of extreme heat and extreme cold are alike escaped. In the hottest weather the heat is less oppressive, and in mid-winter the cold is less severe. The average number of rainy days in a year is found to be fifteen less than the average throughout the kingdom, and the average humidity in the atmosphere is in like manner less than in most other places; so that Torquay, instead of being, as has been supposed, damp and relaxing, is in truth one of the driest places in Great Britain. In addition to these advantages the air is found to possess a soothing and sedative influence, which renders it singularly agreeable and beneficial to the classes of invalids resorting hither.

Torquay is amply provided with accommodations for bathing. A sheltered cove is appropriated to the use of ladies for open sea-bathing; and for private use by both sexes, a spacious handsome structure of recent date contains ranges of baths, at all times supplied abundantly with hot and cold water, and all the requisite conveniences for every variety of bathing.

There are seven Established churches, one Roman Catholic chapel, and twelve chapels belonging to various denominations of Protestant Dissenters. The charitable and religious institutions dependent on voluntary support are numerous and well sustained. Literary and scientific associations are liberally patronised; and schools for the children of the poor are adequately supplied with requisite funds, and conducted by competent teachers.

Comprising, together with the entire parish of Torrington; and the ecclesiastical districts of Upton and Torwood, parts of two other parishes, the precise number of the inhabitants is not easily deduced from the census returns. It is certain, however, that the population, which in 1841 was stated to number 5982, and in 1851 had increased to 11,474; at this time (1860) exceeds 16,000. The number of inhabited houses in 1841 was 926; in 1851 there were 1624, and at the present time there are not fewer than 3150.

Among the objects of interest in the vicinity, within moderate distances, are the following:—Torre Abbey, a modern mansion, remarkable only as including portions of an ancient monastic edifice; Ansty's Cove, a deep recess in the limestone cliff, with a combe of most romantic beauty; Kent's Cavern, ossiferous, and of great extent; Babbacombe, with its Swiss-like cottages, secluded bay, and elevated downs; Watcombe, another charming cove, surmounted by rocks of red conglomerate, whose accessories are of more than wonted grandeur even on this magnificent coast; Petit Tor, with marble quarries of great value; Bishopstowe, the Italian villa residence of the venerable Bishop of Exeter; Berry Pomeroy Castle, extensive ruins, most beautifully situated, and possessing much historical interest; the ancient towns of Totnes and Dartmouth, with steam-packet passage on the River Dart; and lastly, the wild romantic scenery of Dartmoor.