a royal borough, and capital of that district of Galloway to which it gives name. It is of considerable antiquity, and few of its houses have been lately erected. It is supposed to have been a place of some consequence in the ninth century, and that it was made a royal borough in the reign of Robert Bruce. It is governed by a provost, two bailies, and 12 counsellors; is extremely healthy, and furnishes many instances of longevity. In 1755, the population amounted to 1032, and in 1811 it amounted to 1711.