CARRON-Works, a large iron-foundry, two miles north from Falkirk in Scotland. They are conveniently situated on the banks of the Carron, three miles above its entry into the frith of Forth. Above 100 acres of land have been converted into reservoirs and pools, for water diverted from the river, by magnificent dams built above two miles above the works, which, after turning 18 large wheels for the several purposes of the manufacture, falls into a tide-navigation that conveys their castings to the sea.
These works are the greatest of the kind in Europe, and were established in 1760. At present, the buildings are of vast extent; and the machinery, constructed by Mr Smeaton, is the first in Britain, both in elegance and correctness: there are 1600 men employed, to whom is paid weekly above 6501. sterling; which has greatly enriched the adjoining country; 6500 tons of iron are smelted annually from the mineral with pit-coal, and cast into cannon, cylinders, &c.—In the founding of cannon, these works have lately arrived at such perfection, that they make
above 5000 pieces a year, many of which are exported to foreign states; and their guns of new construction are the lightest and neatest now in use, not excepting brass guns; the 32 pounder ship-gun weighing 42 hundred weight, the 6 pounder 8 hundred-weight and one-half, and the other calibers in proportion.
The present proprietors are a chartered company, with a capital of 150,0001. sterling, a common seal, &c. but their stock is confined to a very few individuals.