PORTSOY, is a handsome sea-port town, situated on a small promontory running into the sea, on the south side of the Murray Frith, in Scotland, about six miles from Cullen, and seven west from Banff. It sends out several fishing vessels, particularly for the Hebride white fishery, and exports a considerable quantity of grain. A manufacture of stocking and sewing thread is also carried on to a considerable amount for the London and Nottingham markets. In the neighbourhood is a stratum of marble, of a dark greenish colour, in which, it is said, the curious substance called ASBESTOS, or earth-flax, has been found. From the asbestos a sort of incombustible cloth is made, which is purified by throwing it into the fire. W. Long. 2. 5. N. Lat. 57. 50.