MAZATLAN, a city and seaport of Mexico, in the state of Cinaloa, on the coast of the Pacific, near the mouth of the Gulf of California, in 23° 18' N. lat. and 106° 56' W. long. It occupies an.,"attractive situation, but, as the houses are for the most part low, has not an imposing appearance. The port is often visited by English and American vessels, and is consequently the seat of several consular agents. A large smuggling trade was formerly carried on in much the same lines as the present legitimate traffic - export of bullion, dye-stuffs, and pearls, and import of manufactured goods from Europe and fruits and vegetables from an Francisco. In 1878 the value of the imports was about £600,000, that of the exports about £500,000. The population, which contains a large float- ino. element, was stated at 12,706 in 1871.

°.MAZEPPA, IVAN STEPHANOVITCII (1644-1700), a Cossack chief, best known as the hero of one of Lord Byron's poems, was born in 1644, of a poor but noble and restored to animation by some poor peasants. In a short time his agility, courage, and sagacity rendered him popular among the Cossacks. He was appointed secretary and adjutant to Samoilovitch, their hetman or chief, and succeeded that functionary in 1687. The title of prince was afterwards conferred upon him by his friend and patron, Peter the Great, who long believed confidingly in his good faith, and banished or executed as calumnious traitors all who, like Palei, Kotchubey, and Iskra, ventured to accuse him of conspiring with the enemies of Russia. Bent, however, upon casting off the Russian yoke, Swedish monarch, Charles XII. After the disastrous