CAERMARTHENSHIRE, a county of Wales, bounded on the north by the Severn sea or St George's channel, Cardiganshire on the south, the shires of Brecknock and Glamorgan on the east, and Pembrokeshire on the west. Its greatest length is between 30 and 40 miles, and its breadth upwards of 20, and it contained 77,217 inhabitants in 1811. The soil is less rocky and mountainous than most other parts of Wales, and consequently is proportionally more fertile both in corn and pasture. It has also plenty of wood, coal, and limestone. The most considerable rivers are the Towey, the Cothy, and the Tawe; of which, the first abounds with excellent salmon. The principal towns are Caermarthen the capital, Kidwelly, Llanimodover, &c. This county abounds with ancient forts, camps, and tumuli or barrows. Near to Caermarthen, to-
wards the east, may be seen the ruins of Kastelk Karey, which was situated on a steep and inaccessible rock; and also several vast caverns, supposed to have been copper mines of the Romans. Near this spot is a fountain which ebbs and flows twice in 24 hours like the sea. See CAERMARTHENSHIRE, SUPPLEMENT.