Kherson

Kherson, a government of South Russia, extending over 27,515 square miles, and bounded by the Dniester on the W, the Dnieper on the S.E., and the Black Sea on the S. The southern portion forms part of the Great Steppe, but towards the north the surface becomes undulating. The northern and western districts are the most fertile. Cattlerearing and agriculture are the principal industries. There are several German colonies. Kherson, the capital, situated on the Dnieper, 19 miles from its mouth, was founded by Prince Polemkin in 1778. The chief article of trade is timber; wool-cleaning is extensively carried on. John Howard, the philanthropist, died here.