MERIONETHSHIRE, a maritime county of North Wales. It is bounded on the north by Carnarvonshire and Denbighshire, on the east by the latter county and Montgomeryshire, on the south by Cardiganshire, and on the west by the Irish Channel. It is of a triangular shape, contracting towards the south. Its length from north to south is 36, and its greatest breadth 34 miles. Its area is estimated at 691 miles.
There are few parts of the British Islands on which the scenery is more varied, the surface more irregular, or the prospects more romantic. Many of the peaks of the lofty mountains are near to each other, with deep valleys, or rather chasms between, and in other parts, the variety of objects forming striking contrasts with the vicinity of the sea, give a most picturesque collection of pleasing, though sometimes terrific views. The principal mountains, and their heights above the level of the sea, are Cader Idris, 2914 feet, Arran Fowdy, 2955 feet, Arrening, 2809 feet, Cader Ferwyn, 2563 feet, and Pengarn, 1510 feet. These mountains consist principally of granite, porphyry, and other unstratified rocks, while the secondary hills are composed of different kinds of schistus.
The principal rivers are the Dee, which runs through this county, and after passing the beautiful town of Corwin, enters Denbighshire; the Maw or Mawddach, which rises in the middle of the county, and empties itself into the Irish Channel; the Dovey, which rises near a pass in the mountains leading to Montgomeryshire, and forming at last a large estuary, enters the sea at Aberdovey; and the Gleslyn and Dwyrid, whose streams unite before entering the ocean. These rivers receive the waters of numerous brooks and rivulets which trickle from the mountains, and in their course fertilise the valleys through which they run. There are several lakes, of which, the most considerable for extent, as well as for beauty, is Llyn Tegid, near Bala, sometimes called Pimblemere. It is about four miles in length, and three quarters of a mile in breadth. Its banks are most beautifully adorned with slopes, partly covered with woods, and partly exhibiting verdant pastures. Llyn Talyllin, at the foot of Cader Idris, is less extensive, but scarcely less beautiful. Some fine cataracts add their beauty to the other romantic scenery of this county; of these Rhaidr Ddu and the fall of the Glyn near Port Llyn Dyffws are the most remarkable; but several smaller ones will well reward the labour of the traveller who delights in the picturesque.
The agriculture of the county is in a very imperfect state, though the spirited exertions of some large proprietors have recently exhibited specimens of great improvement. Nearly three-fourths of the county is uninclosed, and much of that part is unproductive waste. Large portions of the marsh lands on the coast have, by inclosing, embanking, and draining, been converted into rich pasture, and much more requires only the application of capital to Agriculture.
Merioneth-shire
Messier.
bring it into the same state. Very little of the land is adapted to the plough, and the principal pursuit of the farmers is breeding and rearing cattle. The heifers from this county are sent in droves to the fairs in the south of England, and when improved by good pasture, are found very valuable beasts. The sheep are of small size, the flesh of which is highly prized, and their wool forms the material for the domestic manufactures.
Trade and Manufactures.
There are scarcely any manufactories that can be noticed, except a few coarse woollens; the females of all the families, however, employ themselves in knitting hosiery goods from the native wool. These furnish considerable quantities of the caps called Welsh wigs; and gloves, and stockings, the only goods that are sent out of the county, and the annual value of which is estimated at £25,000. The only trade is from the harbour of Barmouth, situated on a small arm of the sea, into which several rivulets empty themselves. The port is difficult of entrance, and but little frequented. It is chiefly devoted to coasting trade; exporting oats, barley, butter, cheese, oak-bark, and timber, and importing coals, culm, and groceries. On account of the excellence of the beach, and the romantic beauties of the surrounding country, it has been much frequented of late years for sea-bathing.
Population.
By the census of 1811, the population amounted to 30,924 persons, of whom 14,308 were males, and 16,616 females. It has increased less between the enumeration of 1801 and that of 1811 than any other county of England or Wales. The only town is Dolgellen, where the assizes are held, which contained 3064 inhabitants.
The most remarkable seats are those of Sir Robert Williams Vaughan, at Nannau; of Mr Oakley, at Tany Bwlch Hall; Sir Thomas Mostyns, at Cors y Gedel, and Mr Corbet, at Ynysmaengwyn. It returns to Parliament one member for the county.
See Evans' North Wales; Davies' Agriculture of North Wales; and Aiken's Tour in Wales. (w. w.)