Azores

or Acorzs, or WESTERN ISLANDS, form a group of nine in the Atlantic (lat. 37° 30'N., long. 26° 0’ W.). St. Michael and St. Mary are the most easterly; Terceira, Graciosa, St. George, Pico, and Fayal lie clustered together; whilst far west are the two islets of Corvo and Flores. All are of volcanic origin and are subject to earthquakes. In 1591 St. Michacl’s had a severe visitation, and great upheavals occurred in 1808 and 1811. Numerous not springs are found. Discovered in the 15th century and colonised by Portugal with Flemings, they owe their name to the hawks (Port. agor) that haunted them. The Spaniards held them from 1580 to 1640, since which date they have belonged to Portugal. Their area is about 966 square miles. Lhe soil is very fertile and bears heavy crops of wheat, maize, sugar, fruits, tobacco, and wine. The incipal produce, however, consists of oranges and emons exported to the English markets. St. Michael's and Fayal have the best harbours. Ponte Delgada, on St. Michael’s, is the trade centre; Angra, on Terceira,is the seat of government, and Horta, on Fayal, is a thriving place. Azotised Bodies. [NirrRoGEeNnous BopIiEs.] Azotus. [AsHDoD.] Azov, or Azorr, SEA OF (cla ic Palus Meotis), an inlet farmed by the Crime an Peninsula, South Ru ia, nnd communicating with the Black Sea by the Straits of Yenikale. Its length from N.E. to S.W. ix about 235 miles, and its greatest breadth 110 miles. The mean depth is only 35 to 40 feet. It receives the waters of the Don and the Kouban. Large exports of corn, timber, and other produce are made from Taganrog and Kertch, the two chief ports. Fish are so plentiful that the Turks call the Gulf Baluk-Denis or Fish Sea. In May, 1855, it was occupied by the French and English fleets.