one of the most noble and commodious rivers in Scotland. It takes its rise near the bottom of Leithen hills; and running from west to east, receives in its passage many considerable streams, deriving their waters from the eminences in the midland counties of North Britain. Between Stirling and Alloa, the Forth winds in a most beautiful and surprising manner; so that, though it is but four miles by land, it is 24 by water between these two places. Below Alloa the river expands itself to a great breadth between the counties of Lothian and Fife, till at Queen's-ferry it is contracted by promontories shooting into it from both coasts; so that, from being four or five, there it is not above two miles broad. In the middle of the channel lies a small island called Inchgary, which has a spring of fresh water; and upon it there was anciently a fort; and if that was thoroughly repaired, or a new one erected, and there were either forts or blockhouses on the opposite promontories, that part of the river which lies between Alloa and Queens-ferry would be as secure and convenient a harbour as could be desired. Below Queen's-ferry the north and south shores receding, the body of the water gradually enlarges till it becomes two or three leagues broad, affording several safe harbours on both sides, and excellent roads throughout, unembarrassed with latent rocks, shoals, or sands; and allowing secure anchorage to the largest ships within a league of the coast, in almost any part of the Frith; and to vessels of a smaller size within a mile or less. The Frith, or (as it is commonly written) the Friths, of Forth, is, at the mouth of it, from North Berwick to Fifeness, full five leagues broad; having the little island of May (on which there is a light-house, and there might also be a fort) in the middle of it, and to the west of this the rocky island of Bass; notwithstanding which, the largest fleet may enter and sail up it many miles with the utmost facility and in the greatest safety. From its mouth to Stirling-bridge it is 20 leagues in extent. It was known to the ancients by the name of Bedotria, or (as Ptolemy calls it) Bederia, and has been ever famous for the number of its havens; some of which are, indeed, in their present condition, scarce worthy of that name; but, however, most of them are capable of being put in a much better state, whenever the commerce of this country shall require it.