a county of England in which stands the city of London. This county, which derives its name from its situation amidst the three kingdoms of the East, West, and South Saxons, is bounded on the west by Buckinghamshire, from which it is separated by the little river Coln and the Hertfordshire; on the north by Hertfordshire; on the east by the river Lea, which parts it from Essex; and on the south by the Thames, which divides it from Surrey. It is but of small extent, in length not exceeding 21 miles, in breadth 15, and in circumference eighty; but, by reason of the cities of London and Westminster, and the numerous large villages in their neighbourhood, it is by far the most populous and wealthy in England. The whole of it lies in the diocese of London; and is divided into six hundreds, two liberties, and seventy-three parishes, which, besides London and Westminster, contains five market-towns. There are several royal parks in it, and a great many chapels of ease. The sheriffs are not appointed by the king, but chosen by the livery-men of London.

As the soil is gravelly, and exceedingly well cultivated, in consequence of the great number of inhabitants, the air is very pure and wholesome. The great quantities of rich manure produced by such multitudes of people and cattle has so improved and enriched the lands, that they are extremely fruitful in vegetables of all kinds. In the neighbourhood of London there is little or no corn, the land being employed either for feeding cows, raising hay, or as garden grounds.