MERNS, or KINCARDINSHIRE, a county of Scotland, stretching 27 miles in length, and 20 in breadth, is bounded on the east by the German ocean, on the south by the river of North Esk, on the west by Angus, and on the north by the river Dee and Aberdeenshire. The country is pretty plain and level, fruitful in corn and pasturage, producing an infinite number of fir-trees, besides a great number of agreeable plantations; and along the sea-coasts there are many convenient creeks and harbours.—The people are Lowlanders, civil, hospitable, and industrious.—The name Merns is by some derived from that of a valiant nobleman, who, subduing the country, received it in reward from Kenneth II. Camden supposes it to retain part of the ancient name of Vernicones. The other name is derived from Kincardin, its ancient capital, now an inconsiderable village. The stocking-trade employs the natives from the banks of the Dee to Stone-hive; from thence to the Northesk they are wholly employed in weaving.