county of Scotland, styled by way of eminence the barony, because it was the ancient inheritance of the Stuarts, is a small county, extending about 20 miles from north to south, and 13 from east to west, parted from Dumbartonshire by the river Clyde on the west, bordering on the east with Lanarkshire, and on the north with Cunningham. The face of the country is varied with hill and vale, wood and stream; crowded with populous villages, and adorned with the seats of gentlemen. The soil is generally fertile, producing rye, barley, oats, pease, beans, flax, and some wheat; it likewise yields plenty of coal, and turf for fuel; and affords abundance of pasture for sheep and cattle. The inhabitants are Lowlanders and Presbyterians; wealthy and industrious, addicted to traffic, and particularly expert in the linen manufacture. Their genius is stimulated to commerce, by the example of their neighbours of Glasgow, as well as the convenience of the river and frith of Clyde, along the course of which they are situated.