Oder

Oder (Lat. Viadrus, Slavon. Vjodr), one of the principal rivers of Germany, rises in the Oderberg on the tableland of Moravia, 1950 feet above the level of the sea, traverses Prussian Silesia, Brandenburg, and Pomerania, then empties itself into the Stettiner Haff, whence it passes into the Baltic by the triple arms of the Dnieper, Peene, and Swine, which enclose the islands of Wollin and Usedom. It has a course north-west and north of 550 miles, and a basin of 50,000 sq. m. The rapid flow, induced by its very considerable fall, together with the silting at the embouchures of the numerous tributaries, renders the navigation difficult; great expense and labour being, moreover, necessary to keep the embankments in order, and prevent the overflowing of the river. Canals connect the Oder with the Spree, the Havel, and the Elbe; the Warthe is the only tributary of importance for navigation. On the banks of the Oder are Ratibor (where it is navigable for barges), Brieg, Breslau, Frankfort-on-the-Oder, Stettin, and Swinemünde.