Description
INVERNESS-SHIRE is generally estimated to extend 85 miles (according to some statements 88 miles) from north-east to north-west, and nearly 55 miles in breadth from north-west to south-east. It is bounded on the north by Ross-shire, on the south by the counties of Perth and Argyll, on the east by those of Nairn, Moray, Banff, and Aberdeen, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. This large county comprehends the western portion of the ancient province of Moray ; Badenoch on the south-east; Loch-aber on the south; Gleneig on the north-west, Arisaig, Moydart, Strathglass ; several minor divisions, and a number of the Western Islands. The whole area is computed at 4600 square miles, or 2,944,000 acres, of which 500,000 are cultivated. 750,000 uncultivated, and 1,694,000 unprofitable.

The outline of the county is most irregular. It is indented on the west by Lochs Moydart, Aylort, Nevis, Hourn, and other inlets, some of which separate it from Argyllshire. Its surface consists of ranges of lofty mountains, deep and often narrow valleys, and the beds of many large lakes and rivers. The county is divided into nearly two equal parts by Glenmore, or the Great Glen of Albin, which traverses the county from south-west to north-east, its lakes united by the Caledonian Canal (see CATAL). On each side of the Great Glen are numbers of glens and straths separated by mountain ridges, all of which are watered by their respective rivers and torrents, and known by their distinctive names.

Inverness-thire forms a large part of the Highlands. The wildest and most mountainous portion is the western side, between the Great Glen and the Atlantic, comprising about 70 miles, and known by the name of the Rough Bounds. Two-thirds of the surface of Inverness-shire are covered with heath, which prevails in some tracts to such an extent, that for twelve or fourteen miles scarcely any verdure is to be seen, except on the banks of a solitary rivulet after an overflow. The most extensive moss, supposed to be in Great Britain, is on the south of Badenoch, of consider able depth, in which small lakes are interspersed, some of them containing wooded islands which shelter the dfer from their pursuers. A great part of the county is occupied by mountains. The arable and productive land lies chiefly on the sea-coast, and along the banks of the lakes and rivers.

This county must have abounded with wood at a very early period. The fir woods in the Great Glen and those of Strathspey are most extensive. It is computed that in the latter district alone there are about 15,000 acres of natural firs, besides 7600 acres of planted firs and larches. Glenmoriston, Glengarry, Strathglass, Strathfarrar, and other districts, contain much fine timber, and the natural woods on Loch-Arkaig, and at the head of Loch-Shiel, cover a large tract of ground. In the parish of Kilmalie, near Fort-William, nearly 14,000 acres are covered with trees. Large tracts have also been planted, chiefly with fir, larch, beech, and plane. Near several of the mansions are magnificent trees; and the forests and neighbouring mountains contain innumerable herds of red and roe deer.

In many parts granite, slate, limestone, marble, and brick clay abound; but there is no coal, and for want of it much of tlie limestone is of little value. Lead has been discovered in Ben-Nevis, and at three places in tlie neighbourhood, and also at Glengarry, where a vein of plumbago has been found. There are indications of silver and of iron ore in some parts. A great part of Ben-Nevis consists of beautiful porphyry. Gneiss is probably the most. abundant, but huge masses of granite also occur.

The county is divided into estates of great extent, and of considerable value, in proportion to the value 1 rental. In 1808 the landed property was divided among 83 proprietors, viz. seven of the valued rents of L.3000 per annum ; six from L.3000 to L.1OOO, twenty-three from L.1000 to L.400 ; thirty, three from L.400 to L.100 ; and fourteen under L.100; all Scots money. It is said that at the present time there is comparatively little alteration. The introduction of sheep farming has greatly decreased the number of small farms, which often consisted of only a few acres. The sheep are mostly of the Cheviot and Linton breeds, and the stock is estimated at upwards of 120,000, the cattle at from 40,000 to 45,000, and are for the most part of the Skye or Kyloe breed. The dwelling-houses of the store-farmers are in general well constructed; but those of the cottagers and small tenants are described as still mean and comfortless. Agricultural improvements have been extended throughout the county, and much waste laud is. now drained and productive.

There are several small fishing villages on the east coast, but this avocation is not prosecuted to any great extent. The exports are cattle, sheep, wool, timber, and slates; the imports, coals, lime, flour, oatmeal, groceries, and the various articles of domestic consumption. Much of the corn grown, as well as of the potatoes, is said to be consumed in illicit distillation. The chief manufactures are hemp, thread, kelp on the west coast, some tiles and bricks; and attempts have been made to carry on branches of the woollen manufacture.

The antiquities of the county, and other matters, are elsewhere noticed. Some of the parishes are of great extent, and much larger than many of the Lowland counties. Most of the inhabitants of Moydart, Arisaig, Morar, and Knoydart, are Roman Catholics. Inverness-shire returns one member to Parliament; constituency in 1839, 791. The sheriff holds courts at Inverness and Fort-William for the Mainland, and in Skye and Long Island for the islands. Courts are also held under the New Small Debt Act at Fort-Augustus, Kingussie, Grantown, and Beauly. Population in 1831,94,767.