Odessa

an important seaport of Russia. In size it is the fourth city of the empire, ranking next to Warsaw. Population, about half a million. Odessa is situated on the shore of a semi-circular bay at the northwestern angle of the Black Sea, midway between the mouth of the Dnieper and the Dniester. As neither of these rivers affords anchorage for large ships, Odessa is the metropolis of the vast region drained by them. The harbor is about thirty feet deep. It has been improved by the construction of immense moles. During the midwinter the bay is likely to be closed for about three weeks by ice. Of late years ice breakers have been depended upon to keep the harbor open.

Odessa stands upon a chalky terrace about 100 feet above the sea. The sidewalks reach the general level by a stairway of 200 steps. The harbor is exposed to terrific storms. Odessa is the chief wheat-exporting seaport of Russia. Mammoth elevators line the harbor. Beans, peas, oil cake, beet sugar, lumber, flour, and fish productions are exported also. The chief imports are those needed by an agricultural district, as agricultural implements, machinery, groceries, fruits, and coal. Baled cotton and jute are imported for the consumption of local mills. There are extensive tobacco factories, soap works, and tanneries. The city is noted for breweries and sugar refineries.

Odessa occupies the site of an ancient Greek settlement. It is a city of importance to the Greek Church. It is regarded as a strategic point by the Russian government. There are strong fortifications, a city hall, an imperial palace, a palace for the archbishop, a public library, an immense railway station, a university, post-office, custom house, barracks for soldiers and other public buildings. Public water works, electric lights, and other modern municipal improvements render the city a healthful place of residence.

Odessa was bombarded by the English and the French forces during the Crimean War. During the Japanese War and immediately afterward, the city suffered much from mob violence. Warehouses and business blocks were burned and other damage inflicted.