Rostoff

Rostoff, (1) a town of south Russia, stands at the head of the delta of the Don and on the railway (1875) from Moscow to the Caucasus. It owes its origin to the foundation of a fortress here in 1761, since which time the progress of the town, owing to its advantageous situation, has been remarkable. Pop. (1881) 44,500; (1885) 61,256. It exports corn, linen, and wool to the value of £3,000,000 a year; its imports only reach £30,000. The manufactures are growing rapidly, the principal articles produced being ropes, tobacco, macaroni, soap, and leather; but there are also shipbuilding-yards, wool-cleansing establishments, and caviare-factories. Two important fairs are held here every year.—(2) One of the oldest towns of Russia, stands on a small lake, 129 miles by rail NNE. of Moscow, and has celebrated market-gardens, a large fair, an extensive trade, tallow-works, and coarse linen manufactures. Pop. 11,898.