SAMARA  , a

town of E . Russia, capital of the government of the same name, 305 M. by river S.S.E of Kazan and 261 m. by rail W.N.W.of Orenburg . Its population, which was 63,479 in 1883, numbered 91,672 in 1897 . Owing to its situation on the left bank of the Volga, at the convergence of the Siberian and Central Asian railways, it has great commercial importance, especially as a depot for cereals and a centre for flour-milling . A considerable trade is also carried on in animal products, particularly hides . The other industries include iron-foundries, soap, candles, vehicles and glue factories, cooperages, tanneries, breweries and brick-works . The port is the best on the Volga . Three great fairs are held every year . The city, which gives title to a bishop of the Orthodox Greek Church, has three cathedrals, built in 1685, 1730-1735 and 1894 respectively, three public libraries, and a natural history and archaeological museum . It is famous for its kumis (mare's milk) cures . Its foundation took place in 1586-1591 for the purpose of protecting the Russian frontier against the Bashkirs, the Kalmucks and the Nogai Tatars .