Ekaterinoslav

Ekaterinoslav, a government in South Russia, reaching in the south-east to the Sea of Azov, with an area of 26,050 sq. m., and a pop. (1891) of 1,653,543, mostly engaged in agriculture and the rearing of cattle. It forms, except in the north-east, a vast plain, with stretches of steppe, although most of the land is well watered; 53 per cent. is arable, and good crops are raised, while melons, apricots, peaches, and grapes do well in spite of the night-frosts. The climate is generally mild and healthy, the mean temperature over 47° F., although it has fallen in severe winters to 22° below zero. Minerals are abundant, and include valuable beds of coal; and the manufactures and trade are of importance.—The capital, EKATERINOSLAV, on the Dnieper, 323 N. by E. of Sebastopol by rail, has a cathedral, a public library, a fine park, and large tobacco factories. The town ('Catharine's Fame') was founded in 1784 by Prince Potemkin for the summer residence of the Empress Catharine II. Pop. 46,660.