North and South, two sea-port towns, at the mouth of the Tyne, the one in Northumberland, the other in the county of Durham. South Shields contained above 200 salt-pans, 50 years ago; but now there are not more than five or six; and the duty, which is now only 10,000l. per annum, amounted formerly to 80,000l. South Shields has a considerable trade, in which not less than 500 vessels from 100 to 500 tons burden are employed; and has nine dry docks for repairing, and 10 yards for building ships. This town has been much improved of late years. In the centre there is a large square, in which there is a handsome town-hall, with a colonnade under it for the weekly market, and from which streets branch out on all sides. North Shields contains also some fine streets and squares. The harbour is very commodious, and so spacious, that it is capable of receiving 2000 ships. It is defended by a fort, in which there is also a lighthouse, corresponding with another on the top of the bank, to direct vessels into the harbour. The population of North and South Shields is estimated at 25,000. W. Long. 1. 12. N. Lat. 55. 44.