a decayed town of Ireland, county of Cork, on a headland projecting into the sea. Previous to the Union it returned two members to the Irish parliament. It has a good harbour; but the population in 1851 was only 189. N. Lat. 51. 29. W. Long. 9. 20.

in Maryland, one of the largest and most flourishing cities in the United States of North America, is situated on the north side of the Patapsco River or Bay, 14 miles above its entrance into the Chesapeake, 37 miles N.E. of Washington, and 100 S.W. of Philadelphia; Lat. 39. 17. N. Long. 76. 36. W. The natural advantages of this position were long overlooked by the settlers in the vicinity of the Chesapeake, and it was only in 1729 that they directed their attention to this place, and laid out a plan of the town. At this time a part of it was under cultivation as a farm, but all the rest was a wilderness. For some years its growth was by no means rapid, as it had to contend with all the obstacles that could be thrown in its way by the jealousy of older rivals. From an authentic sketch of Baltimore made in the year 1752, it appears that it then contained about 25 houses, only four of which were built of brick, the rest being of a more primitive structure. In 1768 it became the county town; and in 1776, according to a census then taken, it contained 564 houses, and 5934 inhabitants. From this time it rose rapidly into importance, and in 1780 became a port of entry, when a custom-house was opened. Previous to this all vessels trading to and from the port had to be entered, cleared, and registered at Annapolis. In December 1796 it obtained an act of incorporation. By the census of 1850 Baltimore contained 169,012 inhabitants, of whom 141,441 were whites, 24,625 free coloured, and 2946 slaves.

The city is pleasantly situated on slightly undulating ground, and extends about 4½ miles from E. to W., and 3½ from N. to S., covering an area of 10,000 acres. It is divided into two nearly equal parts by a rapid stream called Jones's Falls, crossed by a number of bridges. The division east of the falls is nominally subdivided into two parts—Fell's Point and Old Town. The former, the most easterly part of the town, is the principal resort of seamen, and is the place where the shipbuilding and manufactures are principally carried on. The Old Town lies to the N. and W. of this, and is principally inhabited by mechanics and labourers. The portion west of the Falls is likewise divided into two parts, the city proper and Spring Garden. The former is the centre of trade, and the residence of the more wealthy inhabitants; while the latter, which is the extreme south-western quarter, and the lowest and most unhealthy portion of the city, is inhabited by the poorer classes. Baltimore contains upwards of 100 churches, 3 universities, 4 colleges, about 50 grammar schools and academies, numerous common schools; an infirmary, several hospitals, orphan asylums, dispensaries, &c.; two theatres, a circus, a museum, and many beautiful and commodious public buildings. The city hall is a plain three-storied building, with a portico of four massive pillars. The court-house, a large and commodious edifice constructed of marble and brick, is 145 feet long, 65 wide, and two stories high. It is adorned with several Tuscan columns, and the whole is surmounted by a cupola of an imposing appearance. The state penitentiary consists of three large buildings, besides workshops, &c., and, with its gardens and walks, occupies an area of

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1 "In the year 1238 the inhabitants of Gothia (Sweden) and Frise were prevented, by their fear of the Tartars, from sending as usual their ships to the herring fishing on the coast of England; and as there was no exportation, 40 or 50 of these fish were sold for a shilling. (Matthew Paris, p. 396.) It is whimsical enough that the orders of Mogul Khan, who reigned on the borders of China, should have lowered the price of herrings in the English market." (Gibbon's Roman Empire, vol. xi. p. 422.)