Dwina, River

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Dwina, Duna, Dzwina, a vast River in Muscovy or Russia, which riseth in the Province of Megrina, from two several Heads that unite at VVologda, one of the principal Cities of Russia; and running North-East, passeth by the Lake of Soeclina, beneath which, it receiveth from the East the River Juga; and a little lower the River VVuyma; then turning North-East, it falls into the VVhite Sea by three Mouths; upon the most Eastern of which, stands Arch-Angel, the only frequented Port of Russia. The heads of this River were called before their union, Jagel and Sachana; and after it Dwina. § There is another River of the same Name, which riseth out of a Lake of the same Name, ten Leagues from the Lake of Fronowo, and the Sources of the Nieper; and falls into the Baltick Sea below Riga, saith Olearius. I suppose this is it which the latter▪ Maps call Duna. This River riseth in a Province of Russia called Novogard, near the Lake VVolga, and the Fountains of the River of that Name; and turning Westward, being augmented by some smaller Rivers, it entereth Lithuania at VVitepks; then passing Poloczko, Drima, Duneberg, Kakenheusen, and separating Livonia from Semigallia, it falls into the Gulph or Bay of Livonia (a part of the Baltick Sea) on the South of Riga, by Dunemund, a Castle seated on the Mouth of it. The Muscovites call it Dzwina, saith Baudrand. § The Province of Dwina is the greatest and most Northern of all Russia; heretofore subject to the Duke of Novogard; one hundred Russian Miles in length. It had formerly but one City, called by the same Name, which stands in the middle of it; but since the Passage to Arch-Angel has been discovered, it is become one of the most considerable Provinces in Russia; Arch-Angel being seated in this Province, and the greatest Trade driven on the Dwina.