ancient Firmum, an archiepiscopal city of central Italy, capital of a cognominal delegation in the Papal States, 34 miles S. by E. of Ancona. The city is surrounded by old walls, and has besides the cathedral numerous churches and convents, a university, and two fine collections of statuary and paintings. Lactantius and Galeazzo Sforza were born here. The port, Porto di Fermo, is situated on the Adriatic, about four miles from the town. The harbour is small, but has some trade in corn, silk, and woollens. Pop. 7000.

Fermoy, a market-town of Ireland, county of Cork, situated on the Blackwater river, 20 miles N.E. of Cork, and 137 miles from Dublin. Previous to 1791, Fermoy was a mere hamlet, but about that time the proprietor, Mr Anderson, commenced a series of improvements; and shortly afterwards infantry and cavalry barracks were erected, commanding an important pass of the Blackwater, which is one of the principal northern approaches to Cork. The river is here crossed by a stone bridge of 13 arches, erected in 1689. Besides the parish church and Roman Catholic chapel—both elegant edifices—Fermoy has also a Roman Catholic college, a nunnery, court-house, theatre, bridewell, and workhouse. It has likewise several extensive flour mills, two paper mills, and a considerable trade in flour and agricultural produce. Market-day, Saturday. Pop. (1851) 5844, besides 2682 in workhouses.

Fern or Farn Islands, a group of small islets and rocks, 17 in number, lying off the coast of Northumberland, but included in the county of Durham. There are two lighthouses on these islands. It was here in 1838 that Grace Darling and her father in stormy weather rescued the passengers of the "Forfarshire" steamer. The Fern Islands are frequented by immense numbers of sea-birds.