CHAPTER III. 



THE BALTIC PROVINCES. 

 (EsTHOxiA, Livonia, Kurland.) 



HE three governments, collectively known as the "Baltic Provinces," 

 are separated by no natural landmarks from the rest of the empire. 

 On the north-east alone, Lakes Pskov and Peipus, with the river 

 Narova, serve as the frontier-lino towards the government of St. 

 Petersburg. But on the south-east and south the boundaries, now 

 following the course of a river, now crossing forests and marshes, are purely 

 conventional. In its lower course the Dvina waters Livonia and Kurland, 

 but it has otherwise served in a very small degree to give the Baltic Provinces 

 their cohesion and common destiny. Such unity as they possess is derived 

 rather from the sea, which, through the Gulf of Piga, penetrates far inland, 

 and washes all their coasts. By sea also came the German immigrants, who have 

 since become the chief landed proprietors, nobles, and traders, thus monopolizing 

 the bulk of the national wealth. Though no longer the political rulers, these 

 invaders have retained a preponderating influence, due to their social standing 

 and superior instruction, and they have thus imparted a special character to the 

 corner of the Russian Empire occupied by them. Through the indigenous 

 element these lands are further distinguished from the surrounding provinces, 

 although Letts are also found in Vitebsk, Samojitians in Kovna, and Ehstes in 

 St. Petersburg. 



On the other hand, these governments possess no political autonomy, such as 

 that of Finland, nor even any administrative unity. Their general statistics have 

 long been fused with those of the rest of the empire, of which they form one of the 

 most important districts, not in extent, but in relative population and commercial 

 activity. 



Physical Features. — River Basins. 



Though generally consisting of lowlands rising little above sea-level, they are 

 still varied by a few hilly tracts, forming a sort of water-parting between the 

 Baltic plains and the interior, but interrupted at several points through which the 



