Nithsdale, or Niddifdale, a division of Dumfriesshire in Scotland, lying to the westward of Annandale. It is a large and mountainous tract, deriving its name from the river Nid, which issues from a lake called Loch-cure, runs by the towns of Sanquhar, Morton, and Drumlanrig, and discharges itself into the Solway Frith. This country was formerly shaded with noble forests, which are now almost destroyed; of that, at present, nothing can be more naked, wild, and savage. Yet the bowels of the earth yields lead, and, as is said, silver and gold; the mountains are covered with sheep and black cattle; and here are full some considerable remains of the ancient woods, particularly that of Holywood, three miles from Dumfries, noted for an handsome church, built out of the ruins of an ancient abbey; and also for being the birth-place of the famous astrologer, hence called Johannes de Sacro Bosco. Mr Pennant calls it a beautiful vale, improved in appearance by the bold curvatures of the meandering stream, and for some space, he says, it is adorned with groves and gentlemen's seats.