I. A Government Of Western Siberia

A Government Of Western Siberia, bordering on Tobolsk, Yeniseisk, China, and the Central Asian provinces of Semipolatinsk and Akmolinsk, from which it is partly separated by the Irtish; area, 329,027 sq. m.; pop. in 1870, 838,756. The Altai mountains extend along the S. part. The river Obi rises in the south, flows N., and receives numerous tributaries, the chief of which are the Tchumish, Tom, Tchulim, and Ket. There are several lakes. Gold, silver, copper, lead, and iron are extensively worked in the south. The N. part is barren, but toward the south the pastures become luxuriant, and abundant crops are raised; but cattle constitute the principal wealth.

II. A City

A City, capital of the government, on the right bank of the Tom, C20 m. E. S. E. of Tobolsk; pop. in 1867, 24,431. It consists of an upper town inhabited by the wealthy classes, chiefly Russians, and a lower town, by Tartars and Bokharians. It has many fine private and public buildings. In 1875 provisions were made for a Siberian university here. The chief trade is in grain, leather, and furs. Situated on the great road leading to the Chinese border, it is next to Irkutsk the most prosperous town of Siberia. It was founded about 1610.