CHAPTER XVII.

THE SEA OF AZOF.

The Sea of Azof—Its extent and boundaries—Its depth continually diminishes—Its sweet water—Its rivers—Currents—The Straits of Kertch—The Russian defences of it—The eastern shores—Temróuk—Okhtor—Cape Obriv—The fishing-huts—Bay and new town of Yeisk—Cape Tchimborsk—Mouths of Don—Bars of the Don—Old town of Azof—Rostof—Its commercial importance—Shallowness of water in Gulf of the Don—The Azof frozen in winter—Ruins of ancient Tana—Taganrok founded by Peter the Great—Its history—Its importance—Mariopol—Cape Bielo-Serái—Berdiansk—Its foundation—Port is filling up—Lake Moloshenska—Peninsula of Berútchi—Straits of Yénitchi 299