or WOLOGLA, a government of European Russia, bounded on the N. by those of Archangel and Olo-netz; W. by that of Novgorod; S. by those of Jaroslav, Kostroma, Viatka, and Perm; and E. by Siberia. It is next to Archangel, the largest in the European part of the empire, being in length from N.E. to S.W. 760 miles; in breadth 380; and having an area of 148,048 square miles. It consists of an immense undulating plain, interrupted only by a few hills here and there, and extending eastwards as far as the Ural Mountains, which separate this government from Siberia. A branch of this range stretches in a N.W. direction across the N.E.of Vologda, and divides the basin of the Petschora on the E. from that of the Dwina on the W. These rivers both flow northwards into the Arctic Ocean, and carry in that direction the whole drainage of the country, except a few streams in the extreme S., which flow into the Volga. The Dwina is formed by the confluence of the Jug and the Suchoma; the former of which flows from the S., and the latter from Lake Kubenskoe in the W., receiving in its course the Vologda and the Gria-sorka. The largest affluents of the Dwina are the Viechegda from the right, and the Vaga from the left; the former augmented by the Jula and Sussola, and the latter by the Vel and Ustie. The Petschora, which has its source in Perm, receives the Ilicha from the right and the Izma from the left. Besides these rivers there is the Mezen, which does not properly belong to Vologda, but has a small portion of its course within its limits. It falls into the Arctic Ocean. The government has also several lakes and some very extensive marshes. The most important minerals found here are iron, copper, marble, granite, limestone, quartz, and salt; of which last there are important springs sufficient to supply nearly the whole home consumption. The climate of so extensive a country naturally varies considerably in different parts. On the whole it is severe but healthy; colder in the N.E. than in the S.W. The winters are long, and the rivers are usually frozen from November till May. The soil is in some places fertile; but in general it requires much care and the use of manure to fit it for cultivation. Rye and barley are the principal crops; but they are not raised in sufficient abundance to supply the home consumption. Pease, beans, flax, hemp, and hops are also grown. The extent of arable land in 1849 was 1,931,208 acres; of meadow land 1,021,233 acres; and of wood 88,881,454 acres. This immense extent of forests, of which by far the most part belongs to the government, constitutes the chief wealth of the country. Bears, wolves, foxes, elks, reindeer, ermines, martens, squirrels, and hares are among the wild animals of Vologda; and there are many kinds of birds and waterfowl. The extensive pastures of the government are favourable to the rearing of live stock, and both the horses and cattle are of good breeds. Vologda contained in 1849, 187,372 horses, 422,766 horned cattle, 366,658 sheep, and 50,635 swine. Manufactures are carried on to some extent here; especially those of woollen and linen cloth, paper, leather, soap, candles, and glass; and there are also iron and salt works, distilleries, &c. The government has an extensive commerce, being the centre of the transit trade between Siberia and Archangel, which is carried on in summer by the rivers and in winter by means of sledges. The North Catherine canal, completed in 1817, connects the Viechegda with the Kama, an affluent of the Volga, and so greatly increases the facilities for trade, by opening a water communication from the Arctic Ocean to the Caspian Sea. The chief articles exported from Vologda are timber, pitch, tallow, and furs. The inhabitants are for the most part Russians, but there is also an intermixture of Finns, and Samoyede tribes. Pop. (1856) 929,589.

Vologda, the capital of the above government, on the river of the same name, 110 miles N. of Jaroslav. It is divided into two parts by the river, and is a very ancient town, built for the most part of wood, except some of the more modern houses, which are of stone. It has two cathedrals and many other churches, a monastery, a nunnery, several hospitals, a gymnasium, and other schools. Vologda is the seat of the civil governor, and of various public offices, and has manufactories of candles, soap, potash, bells, leather, cloth, ropes, and cordage. An active overland trade with Siberia is carried on; and large fairs are held here annually. Pop. (1856) 14,159.

VOLSCI. See Roman History.

VOLTA, ALESSANDRO. See Sixth Dissertation, § 740.