Scotland

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THE Northerne part of the Island of Brittaine is called Scotland, heretofore Albania. The Inhabitants who keepe their ancient speech, doe call it Albain, and the Irish Albany, as if it were an other Ireland, which the Bardes call Banno. For Historians doe call Ireland Greater Scotland; & the Kingdome of Scots in Brittaine the Lesser Scotland: Ptolemie doth call it Little Brittaine, Rufus the Second Brittaine; Tacitus calleth it Caledonia, from a certaine Forrest so called. But the Scots were so called from their Neighbours the e 1.2 Scyths: For as the Dutchmen call the Scyths and Scots by one name Scutten, that is, Archers: so also the Brittains did call both of them Y-scot, as appeareth by the Brittish Writers. And 'tis manifest, that they descending from the Scyths, came out of Spaine into f 1.3 Ireland, and from thence into that part of Albain which they now possesse, and grew with the Picts into one Nation. Thus much of the Name, the Situation followes. The Southerne bounds towards England are the Rivers Tweede and Solwey, on the North is the Deucaledon Ocean,* 1.4 on the West the Irish, on the East the German, other parts the Ocean and the German Sea doe compasse. It is 480 miles long, but no where above 112 miles broad.* 1.5 The Country is more temperate than France, the heate and cold being more remisse, in like manner as it is in England, but yet it cannot be compared unto it in fruitfulnesse. The Earth, for the most part,* 1.6 is full of Sulphure or moorish, which affordeth them coale and turfe for firing, especially in those places where there is want of wood. Yet here groweth as much corne as the Inhabitants can spend. The Earth also bringeth forth divers mettals, as Gold, Silver, Quicksilver, Iron, Lead, and Copper. It hath in Drisdale a Gold Myne, in which the Azure stone is found. It hath also pretious stones, especially the Gagate, which burneth in the water, and is quenched with oyle. Also excellent pastures, which doe feed and bring up all kinds of Heards: whence they abound with plenty of flesh, milke, butter, cheese, and wooll. When the Scots came to the Picts into Brittain, although they stil provok't the English by warres & robberies, yet the Scottish affaires grew not upon a suddain, but a long time they lay hid in that corner in which they first arriv'd; neither (as Beda noteth) for more than an hundred and seven and twenty yeares, durst they beare Armes against the Earles of Northumberland, untill at one and the same g 1.7 time they had almost slaine all the Picts, and the Kingdome of Northumberland by domestick troubles, and by the incursions of the Dane, was almost ruined. For then all the North part of Brittaine came to be called Scotland, together with the Countrie beyond Cluide, and Edenburgh-Frith. The Scots are valiant in warre, and stout souldiers to endure hunger, watching, or cold. The chiefe Citie of Scotland is h 1.8 Edenburgh, commonly called Edenburrow, this royall Seate Ptolemie cals the i 1.9 Winged Castell, and not onely the Metropolis of Lauden, but also of all Scotland; it hath its situation on the Mountaines, much like to Prague in Bohemia; the length stretched from East to West is a thousand paces, or a mile, the breadth is halfe as much. The whole Citie hangeth, as it were, on the side of a Mountaine, and is highest toward the West; toward the North it fortifies the Citie with its steepnesse, the other parts toward the East and South are environ'd with a wall. On the East side of the Citie is the Kings pallace, which they call King Arthurs Chaire: on the West there is a steepe Rock, and on the Rock a great Towre, which the Scots doe commonly call the maiden Towre, which is the same which Ptolemie cals the Winged Castell. There are also other Cities and famous Townes in this Kingdome, which we will describe particularly in their places. In the Valeys there are many Lakes, Marshes, Fountaines and Rivers full of Fish, the greatest part whereof arise out of the Mountaine Grampius, of which wee will make mention in our next Description.* 1.10 The Scottish Sea is full of Oysters,* 1.11 Herrings, Corall, and shell-fish of divers kindes. Scotland hath many Havens & Bayes, amongst which Letha is a most convenient Haven.* 1.12 The Country it selfe is very rugged and mountainous, and on the very Mountaines hath plaine levell ground, which doth afford pasturage for Cattell. Grampius is the greatest Mountaine, and doth runne through the middle of Scotland: it is commonly called Grasebaim, or Grantzbaine,* 1.13 that is to say, the crooked mountaine, for it bending it selfe from the shore of the German Sea to the mouth of the River Dee, and passing through the middle of this Countrey toward the Irish Sea, endeth at the Lake Lomund: it was heretofore the bounds of the Kingdome of the Picts and Scots. At Aberdon there are woody mountaines. It is thought, that here was the Forrest of Caledonia, which Lucius Florus cals saltus Caledonius, very spacious, and by reason of great trees impassable; and it is divided by the Mountaine Grampius. Moreover not onely ancient writings and manuscripts, but also Temples, Friaries, Monasteries,* 1.14 Hospitals, and other places devoted to Religion doe testifie, that the Scots were not the last k 1.15 among the Europaeans, who embraced the Christian Religion, and did observe and reverence it above others. The royall Pallace of Edenburgh, of which I spake before, is very stately and magnificent, and in the midst of the Citie is their Capitoll or Parliament-house. The Dukes, Earles, Barons, and Nobles of the Kingdome have their Pallaces in the Citie, when they are summoned to Parliament. The Citie it selfe is not built of bricke, but of free squared stone, so that the severall houses may bee compared to great Pallaces. But enough of this, let us passe to other things. The people of Scotland are divided into three Rankes or Orders, the Nobility, the Clergie, and the Laiety. The Ecclesiasticall Order hath two Archbishops, one of S. Andrewes,* 1.16 Primate of all Scotland, the other of Glasco. There are eight Bishopricks under the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, of Dunkeld, of Aberdon, of Murray, of Dunblan, of Brecchin, of Rosse, of Cathanes, and of Orkney: Under the Bishop ofl 1.17 Glasgo there are three, to wit, the Bishop of Candida casa, the Bishop of m 1.18 Argadia, and the Bishop of the Isles, namely Sura, Mura, Yla, &c. This is the manner and order of the Nobilitie, the Kings and the Kings Sonnes lawfully begotten have the first place, of which if there bee many, the eldest Sonne is called Prince of Scotland, the rest are onely called Princes; but when the King is publickly crowned, hee promiseth to all the people, that he will keepe and observe the Lawes, Rites, and Customes of his Ancestours, and use them in the same manner as they did. The Dukes have the second place, the Earles the third, and those Nobles the fourth place, who are not known by that Title in forraine Countries, but the Scots doe call them My Lords. This name is so much esteem'd amongst them, that for honours sake they attribute it to their Bishops, Earles, and chiefest Magistrates. In the fifth place are the Knights and Barons, who are usually called Lords. They are in the sixth and last place, who having attained to no title of honour, but yet descended from a noble Familie, are therefore commonly called Gentlemen; as the Brothers, and Sonnes of Earles and Lords, the youngest Sonnes of Knights, who have no part in the Inheritance, because (by the Lawes of Scotland) that commeth unto the eldest Sonne, for the preservation of the Familie, but the common people call all those Gentlemen, who are either rich or well spoken of for their hospitality. The whole weight of warre doth depend on the Nobility of the lowest degree. The Plebeians or Citizens are partly chiefe men, who beare office in their Cities, partly Merchants, and partly Tradesmen, or Handy-craftes-men, all which because they are free from Tribute and other burdens, doe easily grow rich. And least any thing should be too heavily enacted against any Citie, the King permits that in publick assemblies or Parliaments three or foure Citizens, being called out of every Citie, should freely interpose their opinion concerning matters propounded. Heretofore the Clergie was governed by the authoritie of Decrees & Councels, but now (as the rest) they are ruled by the Lawes, which the Kings have devised, or confirmed by their royall assent. The Booke which containeth the municipall Lawes, written in Latine, is entituled Regia Majestas, the Kings Majestie, because the Booke begins with those words: In the other Bookes of the Lawes, the Acts of their Councels (which are called Parliaments) are written in Scotch. There are many and divers Magistrates in Scotland, as in other Nations. Among these, the chiefe and next to the King is the Protectour of the Kingdome (whom they call the Governour.) Hee hath the charge of governing the Kingdome, if the Common-wealth at any time be deprived of her King; or the King by reason of his tender age cannot manage the affaires of the Kingdome. There is also a continuall Senate at Edenburrough, so framed of the Clergie and Nobilitie, that the Clergie doth in number equall the Laiety. The Clergie have a President over them, who hath the first place in delivering his opinion, unlesse the Chancellour of the Kingdome bee present, for hee hath the chiefe place in all affaires of the Kingdome. Hee that sits on matters of life and death, they call The great Justice; hee that lookes to Sea-matters, the Admirall: he that lookes to the Campe, the Marshall: and he that punishes offences, committed in the Court, is called the Constable. There are also in severall Provinces, which they call Viecounties, those which are Governours of them, whom by an ancient name they call Vicounts. Their authority in deciding those matters which belong to civill causes, doth depend on a certaine hereditary right, by which they claime also unto themselves those Vicountships. So that these Vicounts may be said not to be created by the King, but borne unto it by right from their Parents. The Cities also and Townes have their Governours, their Bailiffes, and other Magistrates of that kinde, who keepe the Citizens in obedience, and doe maintaine and defend the Priviledges of the Cities, whereby it comes to passe that the Common-wealth of Scotland, by the apt disposition and ranking of Degrees, by the holy Majestie of Lawes and the authority of Magistrates, doth flourish, and deserveth great praise. These are the names of the Dukedomes, Earledomes, and Vicountships of Scotland: the Dukedome of Rotsay and Albania, and the Dukedome of Lennox, the Countie of Carnes, Sutherlant, Rosse, Murray, Buchquhan, Garmach, Garmoran, Mar, Mernis, Angus, Gowry, Frisse, Marche, Athole, Stratherne, Menteith, Wagion, Douglasse, Carrike, Crawford, Annandale, Ourmonth, and Huntley. The Vicountships are, Berwich, alias North-Berwyk, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Twedale, Dunfrise, Niddisdale, Wigton, Are, Lanarke, Dunbretton, Sterueling, Louthean, Lauden, Clacmanan, Kiuros, Fisse, Perth, Angus, Mernis, Aberdone, Bamph, Fores, and Inuernes. There are the Universities of Saint Andrew and Aberdone, the later was adorned with many priviledges by King Alexander, and his Sister Isabel, about the yeare 1240. The former was begun to be established under King Iames, in the yeare 1411. To which is added the University of Glasgo, founded by Bishop Turnbul, anno 1554, and Edenburgh. The disposition of the Scots is lively, stirring, fierie, hot, and very capable of wisdome.

IHave ended that which I purposed to speake of Scotland in generall, our method requireth that we should run through the parts of it in speciall. Scotland is divided (by the Mountaine Grampius, cutting it in the midst) into the Southerne or Higher part, and into the Northerne or Lower part. It is divided from England by the River Tweede, by the high Mountaine Cheviota, and, where the Mountaine faileth, by a trench made not long agoe, and lastly by the Rivers Eske and Solway. Beyond these bounds the Countries even from the Scottish Sea to the Irish, doe lie in this manner. The first is Marcia, Merchia or March so called, because it is the limits, and lies on the Marches of Scotland, this reacheth to the left side of Tweede: on the East it is bounded with the Forth n 1.1 Aestuarium, and on the South with England. In March is the Towne of Berwyke, Borwick, or Borcovicum; which the English hold. Here is also the Castle of Hume, the ancient possession of the Lords of Hume, who being descended from the Earles of March, became at last a great and renowned Familie. Neare to this Castle lyeth Kelso, famous by a certaine Monasterie, and the ancient habitation of the Hepburni, who a long time by Hereditary right, were Earles of Bothwell, and Admiralls of Scotland, which honours by the Sister of Iames Earle of Bothwell, married to Iohn the lawfull Sonne of King Iames the fift, did descend to Francis his Son. From thence we may see Coldingham, or Childingham, which Beda calls the Citie Coldana, and Vrbs Coludi, and Ptolemie perchance calls Colania. On the West side of March on either side of Tweede is Tifedale, being so called from the River Tyfie. It is divided from England by the Mountaine Cheviota. After this are three small Countries, Lidesdale, Eusedale, and Eskedale, so named from three Rivers of like name, Lide, Eue, and Eske. The last is Annandale, which is so called from the River of Annan, dividing it in the midst, which runnes along by Solway into the Irish Sea. Now that wee may returne againe to the o 1.2 Forth or Scottish Fyrth it doth bound Lothiana or Lauden on the East side: the Cochurmian Woods, and the Lamirian Mountaines doe seperate it from Marcia. And then a little toward the West it toucheth upon Lauderia & Twedia: the one so called frō the Town Laudera, the other frō the River Tweede, cutting through the middle of that Country. On the South and West Lidesdale Nithesdale and Clidesdall doe touch upon Tweede, the name of Nithesdale was given unto it from the River Nyth, called by Ptolemie Nobios, which glideth through it into the Irish Sea. p 1.3 Lothiaria was so called from Lothius King of the Scots. On the East side it is bounded with the Forth or Scottish Sea, and on the West it looketh toward the Vale of Clide. This Country both for curtesie and plenty of all things necessary for mans life, doth farre excell the rest. It is watered with five Rivers, Ti••,* 1.4 both the Eskes (who before they fall into the Sea doe joyne together in one channell) Letha, and Almone. These rising partly out of the Lamirian Mountaines, partly out of the Pictland Mountaines doe runne into the Forth. It hath these Townes, Dunbarr, Hadinia, commonly called Hadington, Dalneth, Edenburrough, Leth and Lemnuch. Somewhat more towards the West lyeth u 1.5 Clydesdale, on either side of the River Clide or Glotta, which in regard of the length is divided into two Provinces. In the former Province is a hill not very high, from whence three Rivers doe discharge themselves into three divers Seas. * 1.6 Tweede into the Scotch Sea, Annand into the Irish, and Clide into the Deucalidon Sea. The chiefest Cities in it are Lanarick and Glasco.* 1.7 The latter the River Coila or Coyil runneth by on the West: beyond Coila is Gallovidia or Galloway. It is seperated from Nithesdale with the River Claudanus, almost enclining toward the South, whose bankes doe hemme in the other side of Scotland. The whole Country is more fruitfull in Cattle then in Corne.* 1.8 It hath many Rivers which runne into the Irish Sea, as Vrus, Dee, Kennus, Cray and Lowys. It is no where raised into Mountaines, but yet it swells with little Hills. Among which the water setling doth make innumerable Lakes,* 1.9 which by the first raine which falls before the Autumnall Aequinox doe make the Rivers rise, whence there commeth downe an incredible multitude of Eeles, which the Inhabitants having tooke up with wickar-weeles, doe salt up, and make a great commoditie of. In this Country is the Lake of Myrton, part of whose Waters doe congeale in Winter, the other is never frozen. The farthest part on this side is the Promontorie Novantum, under which in the mouth of the River Lowys is the Bay which Ptolemy calls b 1.10 Regrionius. On the other side there flowes into it the Bay of Glotta, commonly called the Lake Rian, which Ptolemy calls Vidogara. That Land which runneth betweene these two Bayes the Inhabitants call Rine, that is the Eye of Galloway: they call it also the Mule of Galloway, or the Mules nocke. The whole Country is called Galloway, or Gallovid, which in the language of the Ancient Scots signifies a French-man. Beneath Vidogara on the backside of Galloway, Caricta gently bendeth toward the estuarie of Glotta.* 1.11 Two Rivers doe cut through it:* 1.12 one called Stinsianus, and the other Grevanus, on both of which many pleasant Townes are seated. Between the Rivers, in those places where it swells into little hills, it is fruitfull in pasturage, and hath some Corne. The whole Country hath not onely a sufficiency of all things, for the maintenance of men both by Sea and Land, but also doth furnish the neighbour Countries with many commodities. The River Dun doth seperate it from Coila, arising out of a Lake of the same name, which hath an Island in it with a small Castle. There are in the Countrie of Caricta, very exceeding great Oxen, whose flesh is tender and sweet in taste, and whose fat being once melted never hardneth againe, but alwayes runneth abroad like oyle. Coila followeth, which Galloway doth bound on the South, on the East it toucheth Clidesdale, on the West it is divided from Cunningam by the River Vrwyn, the River Aire runnes through the middle hereof, on which is seated Ayr a faire Market Towne. For the generall, this Country hath greater plenty of valiant men, then of fruit or cattle, for it is altogether of a light sandie soyle: which doth sharpen the industrie of the Inhabitants, and their sparing life doth confirme the strength of their mindes and bodies. In this Country about ten miles from the Towne Ayr, there is a stone almost twelve foot high, and thirty Cubits thicke, which is called the deafe stone, for if you hollow or shoot off a Musket on the one side, hee that standeth on the other side next to the stone cannot heare it, he that stands farther off shall heare it better, and he that stands farthest off shall heare it best. After this Cunningam runneth to the North, and straightneth Glotta, untill it become a small River. It is manifest that the name of this Country came from the Danes, and in their language signifies a Kings house, which is a signe that the Danes sometimes possessed it. Next on the East side is situated Renfroan, so called from a Towne, in which the Inhabitants kept their publike meetings, it is commonly called Baronia. Two Rivers doe cut through the middle of it, which are both called Carth. After this Country is Clidesdale aforenamed, stretched forth to either banke of Glotta, and poureth forth many Noble Rivers: on the left hand Aven, and Duglasse, which doe runne into Glotta: on the right hand another Aven, which seperates Sterling on the South from Lothiana, and on the East from the Fyrth, untill at last growing lesser, it hath a Bridge over it neare Sterling. There is one River that cutteth through this Country, which is worthy of memory, called Carron, neare to which are some ancient Monuments. On the left side of Carron there are two little hills built by the industrie of men, which are commonly called Duni pacis. On the right side of Carron, there is a plaine field that at last riseth into a little hill, being in the middle betweene Duni pacis, and a little Chappell. On the side of this hill there appeareth yet the ruines or remainder of a small Citie. But the foundation of the Walls, and the description of the streetes, partly by tillage, and partly by digging forth squared stones for the building of rich mens houses, cannot be distinctly knowne. This place Beda doth call Guidi, and doth place it in a corner of the trench made by Severus the Emperour. Many famous Roman Writers have made mention of this Trench and Bulwarke. Here many tokens doe remaine, and many stones are digged up with inscriptions, which are either testimonies of ayde formerly received by the Tribunes and Centurions, or of their Sepulchers in those places. Beyond Sterling is Levinis or Lennox, divided from Renfroan by Glotta, from Glasco by the River Keluin: It is parted from Sterling or Striveling with the Mountaines, from Taichia, by the Forth: at length it endeth at the Mountaine Grampius, at the foot thereof the Lake Lomund through a hollow Vale extendeth it selfe 24. miles in length, and 8. in breadth, which containeth above 24. Islands. Besides a multitude of other fishes, it hath some particular unto it selfe, which are pleasant in taste, called Pollacks. There are three things reported of this Lake very memorable: First the Fish have no Finnes, but otherwise are of an excellent taste. Secondly, the water when there is no winde is sometime so rough, that it would affright the boldest Marriner, from weighing Anker. Lastly, there is a certaine Island fit to feed flocks of cattle, which moveth up and downe, and is driven to and fro with every tempest. But I returne to the Lake, which at last breaking forth toward the South, doth send forth the River Levin, which giveth its owne name to the Country. This River neare to the Castle Brittanodun, or Dun brittan, and a Towne of the same name, entreth into Glotta. The farthest Hills of the Mountaine Grampius doe somewhat raise the farthest part of Levinia, being cut through with a little Bay of the Sea, which for the shortnesse of it they call Gerloch. Beyond this is a farre larger Bay, which they call Longus, from the River Long that falleth into it. This is the bound betweene Levinia and Covalia. Covalia it selfe, f 1.13 Argathel or rather Ergathel and Cnapdale, are divided into many parts by many straight Bayes made by the estuarie of Glotta, or Dun-Brittan Fryth. There is one famous Lake amongst the rest; they call it Finis from the River Fin, which it receiveth, it is 60 miles long. There is in Knapdale the Lake Avus, in which there is a small Island with a fortified Castle. From hence the River Avus runneth forth, which alone in these Countries emptieth it selfe into the Deucalidon Sea. Beyond Knapdale towards the West Cantiera or Cantyre runneth out, that is, the head of the Country, over against Ireland, from which it is parted by a small narrow Sea, being longer than broad, and joyned so straightly, and in such a narrow manner to Cnapdale, that it is scarce a mile over, and even that is nothing else but sand. On Cantyre Lauria toucheth, lying neare to Argathel, and reaching neare to Abry: it is a plaine Country, and not unfruitfull. In that place where the Mountaine Grampius is somewhat lower, and more passable, the Country is called Braid Albin, that is to say, the highest part of Scotland, and where it is highest it is called Drum Albin, that is the backe of Scotland; and not without reason. For out of the backe Rivers doe runne into either Sea, some into the North, some into the South: out of the Lake Iernus, it sendeth forth the River Ierna into the East, which having runne three miles falls into Taus beneath Perth. From this River Strathierna or Stathierna, extended to either banke thereof, tooke its name. For the Scots are wont to call a Countrie which lyeth on a River, Stat.

THe Mountains of Ocellum do border upon Tachia, which for the most part, together with the Country at the foot thereof, are thought to bee in the Country of Iernia: but the rest of the Countrie even to the Forth ambition hath divided into many parts, as Clacman, Colrosse, and Kinrosse. From these and the Mountaines of Ocellum, all the Countrie which is bounded by the Forth and Tay, groweth straight in the forme of a wedge Eastward, toward the Sea. And by one name is called Fife, having sufficiencie of all things necessarie to life: it is broadest where the Lake Levinus cutteth it, and thence gathereth it selfe into a narrow forme, even to the Towne Caralia. It sendeth forth one notable River, to wit Levinus, whose bankes are beautified with many Townes, of which the most renowned for the studie of good Arts,* 1.1 is Fanum Andraeae, or Andrews Chappell, which the ancient Scots did call Fanum Reguli, and the Picts Rigmud. In the middle of the Countrie is Cuprum or Cuper, whither those of Fife do come to have their causes tryed: on that side where it toucheth Iernia, there stands Abreneth the ancient Pallace of the Picts. Here Ierna runneth into Taus. But Taus runneth foure and twentie miles, having broken out of the Lake Taus which is in Braid Albin, and is the greatest River in Scotland. This River bending toward the mountaine Grampius, doth touch Atholia a fertile Region placed in the wooddie Countrie of Grampius. Beneath Atholia Caledon is seated on the right-hand bank of the River Taus an old Towne which onely retaineth a name, common-called Duncaldene, that is, Hasell-trees. For the Hasell trees spreading themselves all over, and covering the fields thereabout with their shadie boughs, gave occasion of that name both to the Towne and people. These Caledones or people of Caledon, being once reckoned among the chief Brittaines, did make up one part of the Kingdome of the Picts. For Ammianus Marcellinus divideth them into the Caledones and Vecturiones, but of their names there is scarce any memorie left at this day. Twelve miles beneath Caledon lyes the Countrie of Perth on the same right-hand banke. On the left-hand banke beneath Atholia is Gour, looking toward the East, renowned for corne-fields: and beneath this againe is Angusia stretched out betweene Taus and Eske: this the ancient Scots did call Aeneia. Some suppose it to be called Horestia, or according to the English speech Forrest. In it is the Citie Cuprum which Boethius, to gratifie his Country, ambitiously calleth i 1.2 Dei Donum, the gift of God: but I suppose the ancient name was Taodunum, from Dunus, that is, an Hill situate by Taus, at the foot whereof there is a Towne. Beyond Taus the next foureteene miles off, on the same banke is Abreneth, otherwise called Obrinca. After this Countrie is the Red Promontorie, very conspicuous. The River Eske called the Southerne, cutting through the midst thereof, the other Northerne Eske divideth it from Mernia. It is for the most part a plaine field countrie, untill Grampius meeting with it beneath Fordune, and Dunotrum the Earle Marshalls castle, it somewhat remitteth its height, and soe bendeth downe into the Sea. Beyond it towards the North is the mouth of the River Deva commonly called Dea or Dee, and about a mile distant from it the River Don; by the one is Aberdon, famous for the Salmon-fishing, by the other another k 1.3 Aberdon, which hath a Bishops Seat, and Publike Schooles flourishing by the studies of all Liberall Arts. I finde in ancient monuments that the Hithermost was called Aberdea, but now these Townes are called the old and new Aberdon. From this strait Foreland betweene these two Rivers beginneth Marria, which by little and little enlarging it selfe runneth 60. miles in length even to Badenacke or Badgenoth. This Countrie extends it selfe in one continued ••dge▪ and doth send forth divers great Rivers into either Sea. •••bria doth border on Badenacke, being somewhat enclined toward the Deucalidon Sea, and is as plentifull as any Countrie in Scotland with all Sea and Land-commoditie. For it hath good corne and pasturage, and is pleasant as well in regard of the shadie woods as coole streames, and fountaines. It hath so great plentie of fish, that it is not inferiour to any part of the whole Kingdome. For beside the plentie of river fish, the Sea storeth it, for breaking in upon the plaine ground, and there being kept in with high bankes it spreads it selfe abroad, in manner of a great Lake: whence it is called in their countrie speech Abria,* 1.4 that is a standing water. They give also the same name to the neighbour Countrie. Northward next to Marria is Buchania or Buguhan divided from it by the river Don. This of all the Countries of Scotland doth stretch it selfe farthest into the Germane Sea. It is happie in pasturage and the increase of sheepe, and is sufficiently furnished with all things necessarie for mans life.* 1.5 The rivers thereof do abound with Salmons. Yet that kinde of fish is not found in the river Raira. There is on the bankes of this river a Cave, the nature whereof is not to be omitted, which is, that water distilling drop by drop out of the hollow arch thereof these drops are straightway turned into little Pyramides of stone, and if it should not be clensed by the industrie of men, it would quickly fill up the cave even to the top. Beyond Buchania towards the North, are two small Countries, Boina and Ainia, which lye by the river Spaea or Spey that separateth them from Moravia. Spaea riseth on the back-side of Badenach aforesaid, and a good way distant from its fountaine is that Lake whence Iutea breaketh forth, and •owleth it selfe into the Westerne Sea. They report that at the mouth thereof there was a famous Towne, named from the river Emmorluteum: the truth is, whether you consider the nature of the Countrie round about it, or the conveniencie of Navigation and transportation, it is a place very fit to be a Towne of traffique. And the anci¦ent Kings induced thereunto by the opportunitie of the seat, for many ages dwelt in the Castle l 1.6 Evon, which now many are falsly persuaded was Stephanodunum. For the ruines of that Castle are yet seene in Lorna. Moravia followes from beyond Spaea even to Nessus, heretofore it is thought it was called Varar. Betweene those two rivers the German Ocean, as it were driving backe the Land into the West, floweth in by a great Bay, and straightneth the largenesse of it. The whole Countrie round about doth abound with Corne and Hay, and is one of the chiefe of the whole Kingdome both for pleasantnesse and encrease of fruits. It hath two memorable Townes▪ F•gina neare the River L•x, which yet retaineth its ancient name, and Nessus neare the River Ne••us. This River floweth foure and twentie miles in length from the Lake Nessus. The water is almost alwaies warme, it is never so cold that it ••ee•eth. And in the extremitie of winter, pieces of ice carried into it are quickly dis¦solved by the warmth of the water. Beyond the Lake Nessus toward the West, the Continent is stretched forth but eight miles in length, •o that the Seas are readie to meete, and to make an Island of the remain¦der of Scotland. That part of Scotland which lyeth beyond Nessus, and this strait of Land North and West is wont to be divided into foure Provinces. First beyond the mouth of Nessus, where it drowneth it selfe in the German Ocean, is the Countrie Rossia,* 1.7 running out with high Promontories into the Sea: which the name it selfe sheweth. For Ro• signi¦fies in the Scottish speech a Promontorie. It is longer then broad. For it is extended from the German Sea to the Pe••alidon, where it becommeth mountanous and rugged, but the fields of it, are not inferiour to any part of Scotland in fertilitie and fruitfulnesse. It hath pleasant vallies watered with Rivers full of fish, and many Lakes that have fish in abundance, but the greatest of them all is •abrus. From the Deucalidon Sea, the Shoare by degrees bendeth in, and inclineth toward the East. From the other Shoare the German Sea, making a way for it selfe between the rocks, and flowing into a great Bay, maketh a safe & sure Haven against all tempest. Secondly, next to the farthest part of Rosse toward the North,* 1.8 is Navernia, so called from the River Navernus: and this Countrie commonly (following their Countrie speech) they call Strathnaverne. Rosse bounds it on the South, on the West and North the Deucaledon Sea washeth it, on the East it toucheth Cathanesia.* 1.9 In the third place Sutherland is neare unto all these, and toucheth them on one side or another: for on the West it hath Strathnaverme, on the South and East Rosse, and on the North Cathanesia. The Inhabitants of this Countrie by reason of the condition of the soile are rather given to pasturage than tillage. There is nothing that I know singular in it,* 1.10 but that it hath Mountaines of white marble, (a• a•e miracle in cold Countries) which is not gotten for any use, because wantonnesse hath not yet invaded those parts. Lastly, Cathanesia or Cathanes is the farthest Countrie of Scotland toward the North, where Navernia meetes it, and these two Countries of Scotland do contract the bredth of it into a strait and narrow front. In this front of Land three Promontories do raise themselves. The highest was Na¦vernia, which Ptolemie calleth Orcas, Tavedrum and Tarvisium: the two other being nothing so high are in Cathanesia, namely Vervedrum, now Hoya, and Betubium, called (though not rightly) by Hector Boethius Dame:* 1.11 now it is commonly called Dunis Bey, others call it Duncans Bey. Out of this name by taking away some letters the word Dunis Bey seemeth to be derived. In this Countrie Ptolemie placeth the Cornavis, of whose name there do still remaine some tokens. As they commonly call the Castles of the Earles of Cathanesia, Gernico or Kernico: and those who seeme to Ptolemie and others to be the Cornavii, the Brittaines thinke to be the Kernes. For sith not onely in this Countrie, but in a divers part of this Island they place the Cornavii, namely in Cornewall, they call those who do still retaine the ancient Brittish speech, Kernes. Now it remaines that wee should speake somewhat of the Islands. The later Writers have made three sorts of all the Islands, which do as it were crowne Scotland, the Westerne, the Orcades, and the Zealand Islands. Those are called the Westerne Islands which are stretched from Ireland almost to the Orcades in the Deucalidon Sea on the Westerne side. These some call the Hebrides, others the n 1.12 Aebudae, others the Mevaniae, others the Beteoricae. The Orcades, now called Orkney, are partly in the Deucalidon Sea, and partly in the German, and are scattered toward the Notherne part of Scotland. Concerning their names Ancient and Moderne Writers do agree, but it doth not appeare who first possessed them. Some say they had their originall from the Germans: But out of what Countrie these Germans came it is not delivered. If wee may conjecture by their speech, they used formerly, as at this day, the ancient Gothicke tongue. Some suppose them to have beene the Picts, enduced thereunto chiefly, because the narrow Sea dividing them from Cathanesia, is called from the Picts Fretum Picticum. And they thinke that the Picts themselves were of the Saxon race, which they conjecture by a verse of Claudians:

—Maduerunt Saxone fusoOrcades, incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule:Scotorum tumulos flevit glacialis Ierne.The Orcades with blood of men grew wet,When as the Saxon did the worser get:Thule even with the blood of Picts grew hot,Ierne wail'd the death of many a Scot.

But seeing we have intreated of these things formerly in the Description of the Brittish Isles, thus much shall suffice concerning Scotland.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

• The Kingdom of SCOTLAND, as it is divided in
  • Firm Land, where are thirty fi•e Provinces, to wit,
    • Thirteen beyond the TAY (which with the Province of LORNE, made the ancient Kingdom of the SCOTS,) whereof
      • Five are towards the NORTH and WEST; as,
        • Strath-Navarn,
          • •trabubaster,
          • Tounge.
        • Gathanes,
          • Gi••ego,
          • Wick.
        • Sutherland,
          • Dornok▪
          • Dunrobi•.
        • Rosse,
          • Skyrassin,
          • Cromarty,
          • Canonry,
          • Lovet.
        • Loquabrea,
          • Kyntaile,
          • Innerlethey.
      • Eight towards the EAST and SOUTH; as,
        • Murray,
          • Elgin,
          • Invernes,
          • Forres,
          • Rothes,
          • Bean,
          • Narden,
          • Badgenoth.
        • Bucquhan,
          • Rothemay,
          • Stanes.
        • Marria,
          • Aberdean,
          • New Aberdone,
          • Kildrumy.
        • Mernis,
          • Fordon,
          • Dumnotyr.
          • Brechin,
        • Anguis,
          • Monross,
          • Dunde,
          • Glammes,
          • Forfar.
        • Perth,
          • Perth,
          • Scone,
          • Dunkeldon.
        • Athole,— Blaire.
        • Braidalbin,— Encerlothea.
    • Twenty two on this side the TAY (which, except the County of LORNE, made the ancient Kingdom of the PICTS) whereof
      • Nine are towards the Gulph of DUNBRITTON; as,
        • Lorne,
          • Dunstaf•ge,
          • Tarbart,
          • Bergonum.
        • Cantyr,
          • Swin,
          • Sandell.
        • Arran, &c.
          • Arran,
          • Rothsay.
        • Argile, — Duwwin.
        • Lennox, — Dunbriton.
        • Cuningham,
          • Yrwin,
          • Androssan,
          • Largis,
          • Kilwein.
        • Kyle,
          • Ayre,
          • Uchiltre.
        • Carrickt,
          • Bargeny,
          • Blaquhan.
        • Galloway,
          • Witherne,
          • Wighton,
          • Ki•koubrick,
          • Cardines.
      • Six towards the Gulph of EDINBURGH; as,
        • Fife,
          • St. Andrews,
          • Cupre,
          • Disert,
          • Kinghorne.
        • Strathnaverne, — Abergeny.
        • Menteith,
          • Dumblain,
          • Clackmannan.
        • Striveling,— Sterling.
        • Linlithquo,
          • Linlithquo,
          • Falkirck.
        • Lothien,
          • Edinburgh,
          • Dunbar,
          • Leith,
          • Haddington,
          • Dalkith.
      • Seven in the Valleys towards ENGLAND; as,
        • Cluydesdale,
          • Glasquo,
          • Lanrick,
          • Hamiltown,
          • Reynfraw,
          • Douglasdale.
        • Nithesdale,
          • Dumfreis,
          • Solway.
        • Anandale,
          • Anan,
          • Lochmabain.
        • Liddesdale, — Harlay.
        • Eskdale, — Aefica,
        • Teifedale,
          • Peblis,
          • Seltkirck,
          • Drimlar,
          • Roxburgh,
          • Yedburg.
        • Merch,
          • Hum.
          • Coldingham.
  • ISLES, which make three Bodies, viz. those of
    • ORCADES, to the North of SCOTLAND, Mainland, — Kirkewall.
    • SCHETLAND, to the N. North-east of ORCADES, Mainland, — Burgh.
    • INCH GALLES, or Western Isles, To the West of SCOTLAND, among the which are
      • Lewis, — Sterwaye.
      • Skye, — Tranternes.
      • Eust, — St. Maria.
      • Ila, — Dunweg.
      • Sura, — Sodore.
      • Mulla,— Arrois.
      • Colm-kill, — Colm-kill.
      • Rawghlin, — Dowaneny.

SCOTLAND.

THE Kingdom of SCOTLAND maketh the Northern part of Great Britain, and is divided from England by the Rivers Tweed and Solway, together with the Cheviot-Hills. A Country formerly inhabited by the Picts, who were divided into two Nations, viz. the Dicalidonii and the Vecturiones; but when the Scots became the chief Rulers (as Mr. Cambden noteth) it was shared into seven Parts, and amongst as many Princes. The first contained Enegus and and Maern; the second, Atheold and Goverin; the third, Stradeern, with Meneted; the fourth, Forthever; the fifth, Mar, with Bucken; the sixth, Muref and Ross; and the seventh, Cathanes, which Mound a Mountain in the midst divideth, running on forward from the West Sea to the East.

It was also (according to the relation of Andrew Bishop of Cathanes) severed into seven Territories, which Mr. Cambden also taketh notice of, as followeth. The first, from Frith or Scotwade to the River Tae; the second to Hilef, according as the Sea fetcheth a compass to the Mountain Athran in the North-east part of Strivelin; the third, from Hilef to Dee; the fourth, from Dee to the River Spe; the fifth, from the Spe to the Mountain Brunalban; the sixth, Mures and Ross; and the Seventh, the Kingdom of Argathel, which is the Border of the Scots.

But the Kingdom at present, according to the habitation of the People, may be divided into Highland-men and Lowland-men; or into the Northern and Southern parts. The People of the former live either on the Western Coast, and are very rude, having much of the nature, disposition, speech, and habit of the Tories or wild Irish, or in the out Isles, and are utterly Barbarous. The Lowlanders, as bordering on England, have much of the disposition, civility, language, and habit of the English, and are supposed to be descended from the Saxons; which is confirmed by the Highlanders, who are the true Scoti, and are supposed to descend from the Scythians, who with the Getes infesting Ireland, left their Issue behind them.

This Kingdom is very spacious, extending it self from North to South about 250 miles in length; and in breadth, where broadest, about 150; but contracting it self narrower and narrower as it approaches its extream Northern limits, as doth appear by the Map.

It is said to have been called Scotia from Scoti, Scitti, or Scythi, a People of Germany, over whose Northern limits the name Scythia did extend; although there be many that will have it to be so called from Scota, Daughter to an Egyptian Pharaoh.

Although this Kingdom is less fertil than England, and its Fruits not so plentiful, nor so pleasing to the palate, (occasioned through the coldness of the Clime,) yet is it found to have great plenty of Cattle, though but small; and for Fish and Fowl an innumerable quantity, amongst which is a Fowl called the Soland-Geese, which in many places are taken in very great plenty, and are sound very profitable to the Inhabitants, not only for their Flesh to eat, but for their Feathers and Oil. Their chief Commodities are Course Cloths, Freezes, Lead-Oar, Feathers, Sea-Coal, Alum, Iron, Salt, Salt-Peter, Linnen-Cloth, Train-Oil, Hops, Wood, Alablaster, some Hides and Tallow, &c.

The Inhabitants (especially those Southernly) are of a good feature, strong of body, very hardy, couragious, and fit for Martial affairs; and their Nobility and Gentry, which are of several degrees, as Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, Barons, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen, are generally very ingenuous, and accomplished men in all civil knowledge.

This Kingdom, like unto England, consisteth of a King, Nobility, Gentry, and Commons; and these with the Lords Spiritual, assemble together in Parliament, as often as they are called together by Writ from the King: And by reason of his Majesties residence in England, so that he is not here at their Sessions of Parliament, he constituteth and sendeth one to act as his Vice-Roy, who is commonly called Lord Commissioner; and such at present is the Right Noble John, Duke of Lotherdale, &c.

Amongst the things worthy of note in this Kingdom for Antiquity, famous was that Fortification drawn from Abercorne upon Edenborough Frith unto Alcluyd, now called Dunbritton, opening upon the West Sea, where (as Speed noteth) Julius Agricola set the limits of the Roman Empire, past which, according to Tacitus, there were no other bounds of Britain to be sought for. And here the second Legion of Augusta, and the twentieth of Victrix, built a part of the Wall; as also an ancient coped Monument of an high and round compass, which according to the opinions of some, was a Temple consecrated to the God Terminus; but others there be that will have it to be a Trophy raised by Carausius, who fortified this Wall with seven Castles.

Here began that Wood Caledonia, which name Tacitus attributeth to all that Tract of ground which lieth Northward beyond Grahames Dike, or the Wall of Antonius Pius, which Ptolomy divideth into several Nations, as the Caledonii, Vacomagi, Epidii, &c. who are all known to the Romans by the general name of the Picts, from their painting themselves. This Wood or Forrest was very spacious, and over-shadowed with Thickets and tall over-spreading Trees, which rendred it impassable, and was divided by Grampe-Hill, now cal•ed Grantzbain, that is, the crooked bending Mountain. Solinus is of opinion that Ʋlysses was in Caledonia, and to confirm his belief therein, he saith, there was a Votive Altar with an Inscription in Greek Letters. Plutarch •aith, that Bears were brought out of Britain to Rome; but for more truth 〈◊〉 may be said, that here were bred the wild white Bulls, a Beast of nature •erce and cruel, whose thick and curled manes resembled the Lions. In the •ays of Severus Argetecox, a petty Prince reigned over this Tract of Ground, •hose Wife being reproachfully called by Julia the Empress, an Adulteress, •oldly made this Answer, We British Dames have to do with the best of men,* 1.12 ••t you Roman Ladies secretly commit the same with every base and lewd Companion.

In this Kingdom are two famous Loughs, Nessa and Lomund, the former never Friezeth though in the extreamest cold weather; and the waters of the •atter, most raging in the calmest and fairest weather; and herein is an Island, that the Wind forceth or moveth to and fro.

In the Rivers Dee and Done, besides the great abundance of Salmons, is taken a Shell-fish, called the Horse-muskle, wherein Pearls are engendred, which are very good in many Physical Medicines, and some of them not much inferiour to the Oriental Pearl.

As to their Courts of Judicature they are peculiar to themselves, and are several. The chief amongst which is the High Court of Parliament, consisting of Lords and Commons, hath the same Authority as that of England, and is also summoned by Writ from his Majesty at his pleasure, as occasion requireth.

The second Court is the Sessions, or Colledge of Justice, consisting of a President, 14 Senators, 7 of the Clergy, and as many of the Laity (unto whom was afterwards adjoyned the Chancellor, who is the chief, and 5 other Senators) besides 3 principal Scribes or Clerks, and as many Advocates as the Senators see convenient: And this was thus constituted by King James the Fifth in Anno 1532, after the form of the Parliament at Paris. These sit and

administer Justice with equity and reason, and not according to the rigour of the Law, every day (except Sundays and Mondays) from the first of Novemb. to the 15 of March; and from Trinity Sunday to the first Calends of August; and all the time between (as being either Seed-time or Harvest) is vacation. They give judgment according to the Parliament Statutes, and Municipal Laws; and where they are defective, they have recourse to the Imperial Civil Law.

There are likewise in every Shire or County inferiour Civil Judicatories or Courts kept, wherein the Sheriff of the Shire, or his Deputy, decideth the Controversies and Law-suits of the Inhabitants; from which there are ofttimes Appeals to the Sessions or Colledge of Justice. And these Sheriffs are for the most part Hereditary.

Besides these Courts, there are other Judicatories, which they call Commissariots, the highest whereof is kept at Edenburgh; and these have to do with Ecclesiastical affairs, as, Wills and Testaments, Divorcements, Tithes, &c.

In criminal Causes, the Kings Chief Justice holdeth his Court at Edenburgh.

Likewise the Sheriffs in their Territories, and the Magistrates in some Boroughs may sit in Judgment of Manslaughter, in case the Manslayer be taken within 24 hours after the fact committed, and being found guilty by a Jury, may be put to death; but if the said limited time is past, the matter is referred, and put over to the Kings Justice, or his Deputies.

There are also Civil Courts in every Regality holden by their Bailiffs.

This Kingdom, as to Ecclesiastical Government, is divided into two Archbishopricks, viz. of St. Andrews (the Primate of Scotland) and of Glasco, and under these are several Suffragan-Bishops, viz. under him of St. Andrews, those of Dunkeld, Aberdon, Murray, Dunblan, Berohiu, Ross, Cathanes, and Orkney: And under him of Glasco, those of Galloway, Argile or Lismore, and the Isles.

The ancient People of this Kingdom were, 1. The Gadeni, who possessed the Counties of Lothien, Merches, and Teifidale or Tivedale. 2. The Selgovae, or Counties Liddisdale, Eusedale, Eskedale, Annadale, and Nidthesdale. 3. The Novantes, or Shires of Galloway, Carrickt, Kyle, Cunningham, and Arran. 4. The Damnii, or Counties of Cludesdale, Striveling, Lennox, Menteith, and Fife. 5. The Caldedonii, or Shires of Stratherne, Argile, Cantire, Lorne, Albany or Bruidalbin, Perch, Athol, and Anguis. 6. The Vermines, or Counties of Mernis and Marr. 7. The Talgali, or County of Buquhan. 8. The Vacomagi, or Counties of Murray and Loquabrea. 9. The Cantae, or Shires of Ross and Sutherland. 10. The Catini, or County of Cathanes: And 11. the Cornubii, or County of Strathnaverne.

These parts are again (according to their Civil Government) divided into Sheriffdoms, Stewarties, and Bailiffwicks; viz. the Counties or Sheriffdoms of Edenburgh, Lynlythio, Selkirk, Roxburgh, Peblis, Berwick, Lanarke, Renfrew, Dunfreis, Wighton, Aire, Bute, Argile, Tarbet, Dunbarton, Perch, Clackmannan, Kinros, Fife, Kincardin, Forfair, Aberdene, Bamff, Elgin, Forres, Narne, Innerness, Cromartie, Orknay, and Shetland.

The Stewarties of Menieith, Kircudbrieht, Stratherne, and Annandale.

The Bailiwicks of Kile, Carrickt, and Cunningham.

Again, Scotland (according to the scituation of its Parts, Provinces, or Counties) may be divided into two parts, to wit, Southwards, and on this side the Tay, which made the ancient Kingdom of the Picts, (so called, for that they painted their Bodies like the ancient Britains, from whom they are said to descend, which is the more confirmed, for that the Northern Britains, converted to the Faith by St. Colombe, were called Britain Picts.) And Eastwards, Northwards, and beyond the Tay, which made the ancient Kingdom of the Scots; besides abundance of Isles dispersed in its Northern and Western Seas, the chief of which shall be treated of.

The Counties comprehended in the South-part, are Lothien, Merche, Teifidale or Tivedale, Eskdale, Euskdale, Liddesdule, Annadale, Nydthesdale, Galloway, Carrickt, Kyle, Cunningham, Cludesdale, Lennox, Striveling, Menteith, Fife, Stratherne, Argile, Lorne, Cantyre, and Arran. And these in the North part are, Albany or Badalbin, Paerch, Athol, Anguis, Mernis, Buquihan, Marr, Muray, Loquabrea, Ross, Sutherland, Strathnaverne, and Cathanes. And of these in order.

The County of Lothien, in former times by the Picts called Pictland, shooteth it self forth from Merche unto the Sea; a Country very Hilly, and but thinly clothed with Wood: but for the fertility of its Earth, and the civility of its Inhabitants, is deservedly esteemed the flower of all Scotland. The chief places are,

Edenburgh, or Edenborow, of old, Castrum Alatum, the Metropolis of the Kingdom. Its scituation is high, in a wholsom Air, and rich Soil; and by reason of its commodious Haven (called Leth-Haven, not above a mile distant) it is a place of good Trade, and well resorted unto by Shipping. This City chiefly consisteth of one Street, which runneth about a mile in length, which receiveth divers petty Streets and Lanes, so that its circuit may be about three miles, which is strongly begirt with a Wall; and at the West-end of the City, on the top of a Rock, is seated a fair and powerful Castle, with many Towers, which commands the City, and is esteemed in a manner impregnable. It belonged once to the English, till in Anno 960. the Scots took it from them, when oppressed by the Danish Tyranies. It is well watered with clear Springs and Fountains, is adorned with many fair Edifices, as well publick as private, the principal amongst which is the Kings Palace, a fair Structure; and its private Houses are generally fair, lofty, built of Free-stone, and so well inhabited, that several Families have their abodes under one Roof. It is also dignified with the Courts of Judicature, High Courts of Parliament, and with an Ʋniversity. And being the Scale of Trade for the Kingdom, it will be necessary to give an account of their Coins, Weights, and Measures. As to their Coins, note that 13 ½ d. sterling, makes a Mark Scotch; 6 ¼ d. sterling, a Scotch Noble; and 20 d. sterling, a Scotch Pound. Their Weight used in Merchandizes, is the Pound of 16 Ounces, 100 of which make their Quintal or C, which is found to make at London 108 l. Averdupois. Their Measures for length is the Ell, and is about 4 per Cent. greater than the English Ell. Their Liquid Measures are such as in England, but of a double content, a Pint being an English Quart, and so answerable. Their Dry Measures are also the same with those of England, but also bigger.

Athelstanford, so called from Athelstane, a chief Commander of the English, which was there slain with most of his Men, about the year 815.

Haddington, seated in a wide and broad Plain; a place of good account, and which the English fortified with a deep and large Ditch, and other Fortifications.

Dunbar, scituate on the Sea-shoar, once defended by a strong Castle, which was the Seat of the Earls of Merch; a place which hath oft-times been taken by the English, and as often retaken by the Scots, which was the cause of its demolishment; since which it is honoured with the Title of an Earldom.

North-Barwick, seated on Edenbrough-Frith, a place in former Ages famous for its House of Religious Virgins.

Not far from this place, and near the Shoar, lieth a small Isle called Bass-Island; which feemeth to be a high craggy Rock, and to be almost cut through by the undermining Sea-waves. It hath a Fountain of Water, and fresh Pastures; and above all is remarkable for the exceeding great abundance of those Geese called Scouts and Soland-Geese, which here frequent and breed, which (as I before noted) is very profitable to the Inhabitants in these parts.

Lyth, hath a most commodious Haven, being the present Port to Edenburgh.

Abercorne, seated on the Forth or Frith, in former time of note for its famous Monastery; as at present for giving Title of an Earldom unto the Duke of Hamilton.

Linquo, or Linlithquo, said to be the ancient City of Lindum, mentioned by Ptolomy; a place once beautified with a House of the Kings, and a fair Church.

MERCH, a County so called, as being a March; it is wholly on the German Ocean, was of great note for its Earls thereof; and hath for its chief places,

Coldingham, called by Bede the City Coldana; a place of great antiquity and note for its chaft Nuns; for it is said, that they (together with Ebba their Prioress) cut off their own Noses and Lips to render themselves deformed, that the Danes might not deflour them; but this so exasperated them, that they not only burnt their Monastery, but them therein.

Not far from Coldingham is Fast-Castle; and here the Sea thrusteth it self forth into a Promontory called St. Abbs-head.

Kelso, formerly famous for its Monastery, which (with thirteen others) King David the First raised from the ground, for the advancement of Gods glory.

TEIFIDALE, that is the Vale by the River Teifie or Teviat, adjoyning to England; a craggy hilly Country. Its chief places are,

Roxburg, which gives name to a Territory adjoyning, seated between the Rivers Tweed and Teifie, once a place of great strength, being defended by a Castle and towred Fortifications; and here it was that King James the Second of Scotland, was unfortunately slain by the breaking of a Cannon at the Siege.

Jedburgh, a well frequented and inhabited Borough-Town, seated near the confluence of the Rivers Teviat and Yed.

Peblis, seated on the Tweed, and a branch thereof; a Market-Town of some account.

Merlos, seated also on the Tweed, formerly of note for its ancient Monastery of cloistered Monks, that gave themselves to Prayer, and to get their livings by their handy labour; and this place holy King David restored, and replenished with Cistertian Monks.

ESKDALE, a small Territory, so called from a River which passeth through it; its chief place was,

Aesica, that ancient City, wherein the Tribune of the first Band of the Astures kept Watch and Ward against the Northern Enemies.

EƲSKDALE, another small Territory, which takes its name from the River that watereth it.

LIDDISDALE, also another small Territory, which receiveth its name from the River that passeth through it. Its chief places are,

Brankensey, Harlay, and Armetage.

ANNADALE, that is, the Vale by the River Annan. Its chief places are,

Annadale, seated at the Mouth of the River Annan. And

Lough-Mahun, a Town of good strength, as well by Nature as Art; nigh unto which is a strong Castle.

NITHESDALE, or NIDDESDALE, a County so named from the River Nid, which watereth it; a County of a fertil Soil, which beareth good Corn, hath rich Meadows and Pastures; and in the Solway, which watereth its Southern part, are taken great store of excellent Salmons, which the Inhabitants (for their Recreation) oft-times hunt on Horse-back with Spears. Its chief places are,

Dunfreys,seated between two Hills, and on the River Nid, near its influx into the Solway, once strengthned with a Castle; a Town of good account for making of Woollen-Cloths; out more remarkable for the Murther of John Cummin, a man of great eminency amongst the Scotch, who was slain by Robert Brus in the Church, out of fear lest he should fore-close his way to the Kingdom.

Nigh unto this Town is Solway,a small place, which seemeth to retain something of the old name of Selgovae.

Caer-Laverock, seated at the Mouth of the Nid, in former time of so great strength, that (for a good while) it stoutly resisted the power of King Edward the First, who besieged it.

Corda, also a flourishing Town in former Ages.

GALLOWAY, a County so called of the Irish, who once here inhabited, in former times had Princes and Lords over it. It is a Country much inclined to Hills, which renders it more fit for Grasing than Tillage, breeding abundance of small and well limbed Nags, which for their nimbleness and hardiness are esteemed excellent for a Traveller: And the Sea, by which it is washed, together with its Bays, Creeks, Meers, and Loughs, affords the Inhabitants store of excellent Fish. Its chief places are,

Kircoubright, the most commodious Port-Town on this Coast; and the second Stewarty of Scotland.

Cardines, a place or Fort of great strength, as well by Nature as Art, being seated on a craggy high Rock, by the River Fleet, and fenced about with strong Walls.

Wigton, seated on a Bay of the Sea, between the Rivers Cre and Bladno; a good Haven-Town.

Not far from this Town, and on the Sea-shoar, Ptolomy placed the ancient City Leucopibia, which is now called Wytherne; and here it is said, Ninia, or Ninian, a holy Britain, who first instructed the South-Picts in the Christian Faith, in the Reign of the Emperour Theodosius the younger, had his Seat, and built a Church to the honour of St. Martin.

CARRICT, a County that hath rich Pastures, and is well furnished with all necessaries both by Land and Sea, where it beareth the name of Dunbritain-Frith; a large and capacious Bay, which with its Rivers and Loughs, affords its Inhabitants plenty of Fish. Its chief places are,

Barganie, a place of great antiquity. Arduntoun and Cosregall.

KYLE, a fertil County, and well inhabited; and hath for its chief places,

Aire, seated on a River so called, where it looseth it self into the Frith; a place of some account, being a Sheriffdom: And Ʋchiltre.

CƲNNINGHAM, also washed with Dunbritain-Frith; a County no less commodious and fertil, than pleasant, being plentifully watered. Its chief places are,

Irwin, a Borough-Town, seated on a River so called, at its influx into the Frith, where it hath a Haven, though now choaked up.

Largis, where Alexander the Third destroyed abundance of the Norwegians: And Androsan.

CLƲDESDALE, a County so called from the River Cluid, that watereth it. Its chief places are,

Glasco, pleasantly scituate on the River Cluyd, over which it hath a fair Bridge sustained by eight Arches. It is a City of good account, well frequented and inhabited, enjoyeth a good Trade, and is dignified with the See of an Archbishop, as also with an Ʋniversity.

Douglass, seated on a River, and in a Vale so called.

Lanrick, the Hereditary Sheriffdom of the Hamiltons, who take their name from Hamilton-Castle, seated on the fruitful Bank of the Cluid.

Reinfraw, which gives name to a Barony.

Paslay, in former times a famous Monastery, founded by Alexander the Second, High Steward of Scotland, which for a stately Church, with rich Furniture, was inferiour to few.

LENNOX, a County very Hilly, and well watered with Rivers, amongst which is the Cluid, and the large Lough Lomond, about 20 miles in length,* 1.74 and in breadth, where broadest, about 8, in which are many small Isles, amongst which some are said to float about; a place noted for great plenty of Fish, especially for a Fish called a Polloc, found no where else: This County is honoured in giving Title to the Right Noble the Duke of Richmond and Lennox, &c. Its chief places are, Dunbritton;* 1.75 that is, the Britains Town, for that the Britains held it longest against the Scots, Picts, and Saxons; being the strongest place in all the Kingdom, as well by Nature as Art, being loftily seated on a rough, craggy, and two-headed Rock, at the meeting of the Rivers near the large Lough Lomond, and in a green Plain; in one of the tops is, or was placed a Watch-Tower, and on the other several Fortifications or Bulwarks, on the East-side it hath a boggy Flat, which at every Tide is covered with water, and on the South it hath the River Cluid.

Alcluyd, an ancient City, by some said to be the same Dunbritton.

STRIVELING, or STIRLING, a County of a fertil Soil, and well inhabited; and here is that narrow Land or Streight by which Edenburgh-Frith and Dunbrith-Frith (thrusting themselves far into the Land, out of the East and West Seas) are separated from meeting together; which space was fortified with Garrisons between, by Julius Agricola, so that all the part on this side was in the possession of the Romans, and their Enemies were forced to retire themselves into the more Northern and Hilly part of the Kingdom; but this lasted not long, for Agricola being called home, the Caledonian Britains forced the Romans back as far as the River Tine: and when Hadrian arrived in Britain, about 40 years after, instead of going farther, he gave command that the God Terminus (which used not to give ground to any) should be withdrawn back; and that a Wall of Turffs (commonly now called Grahams-Dike) should be made between the Rivers Tine and Eske Southward; on this side Edenburgh-Frith, for about 100 miles, which proved successful unto them. And along this Wall hath been oft-times found several Inscriptions, and pieces of Romish Antiquities. And of remark was that ancient round building, 24 Cubits high, and 13 broad, open at the top, and framed of rough and unpolished Stones, without any Cement, Lime, and Mor•ar; some call this the Temple of the God Terminus, others, Arthur's Oven, and others, Julius Hoff, as supposing it to be raised by Julius Caesar; but Cambden would rather believe it to be built by Julius Agricola, who fortified these parts, had not Ninius said, it was built by Garausius, as a Triumphal Arch in memory of some Victory. The chief places in this County are,

Stirling, Striveling, or Stirling-Borough, a place of good strength, and fortified with a powerful Castle, high mounted on the brow of a steep Rock; a place dignified with the birth of King James the Sixth of Scotland, and First of England, who afterwards caused it to be beautified with new Buildings.

Falkirke, Cumirnald, and Torwood.

MENTEITH, a County so called from the River Teith: Its chief places are,

Dunblain, seated on the River Teith, being the See of a Bishop; and Clackmannan.

FIFE, a fertil County in Corn and Pasturage, hath Pit-Coal, and the Sea with its two Arms, Forth and Tau, which almost encompass it, affordeth store of Oysters and other Fish. Its chief places are,

St. Andrews, of old, Regimund, that is, St. Regulus Mount, which Ʋng or Oeng, King of the Picts, gave to God and St. Andrew, that it should be the chief and Mother Church of the Picts Kingdom. It is a City pleasantly seated on the Sea-shoar near Fif-ness, is fortified with a fair and strong Castle, is dignified with an Archiepiscopal See, which is Primate of all Scotland; and is also honoured by being the Seat of the Muses.

Disert, seated on the rising of a Hill, and in an open Heath so called, where there is a large place called the Cole-plot, that affordeth good store of Bitumen.

Dunfirmling, a famous Monastery in old time, and of note as well for its Building, and being the Burial-place of King Malcomb the Third, as for giving Title to the Earl of Dunfirmling.

Falkland, well, and pleasantly seated for Hunting, for which purpose the Kings have had here their Retiring-house.

Cupre, a Borough-Town, of some note.

STRATHERNE, that is, the Vale along the River Ern, hath for its chief places,

Abergenny, once a City of good account, being the Royal Seat of the Picts Kings, which (as 'tis said) Nectane their King dedicated to God and St. Bridget, with a Tract of ground thereto belonging.

Drimein-Castle, well seated on the River Ern.

Tulibardin-Castle scituate also on the same River.

ARGILE, a County well furnished with Pools, in which, together with the Sea, and its many Arms which it sendeth forth, are taken great plenty of good Fish; and in its Mountains are bred a kind of wild Deer. Places of good account are none in this County.

LORNE, a Country of an apt Soil for bearing of Barley, is well watered, being divided by the large Lough or Lake called Leane. Its chief places are,

Dunstafage, seated near the said Lake, once dignified with a House of the Kings.

Tarbar, where King James the Fourth ordained a Justice and a Sheriff, to administer Justice to the Inhabitants of the out-Isles: and Bergonum.

CANTTRE, that is, the Lands-head, as thrusting it self forth with a long and tapered Promontory, which Ptolomy called the Promontory Epidiorum; between the extream point of which and Marlock, or Tor-Bay in Ireland, there are scarce 13 miles. Its chief places are Killtan and Sandell.

ARRAN, a small County and Isle near unto Cantire, hath for its chief places Arran and Rothsay.

ALBAINE, or BRAID-ALBIN, whose Inhabitants are called the Highlanders; a kind of rude and warlike People, and much of the nature of the Irish in habit and disposition. Its chief places are Enrer Lothea and Foyre.

PERCH, a large and fertil County, hath for its chief places,

Perch, or St. John's Town, a place of good account, and once larger than now it is, being built by King William; it is pleasantly seated between two Greens, and on the River Tau, which is navigable for Barges.

Dunkelden, dignified by King David with an Episcopal See, supposed to be a Town of the Caledonians.

Also on the Tau stood the little City of Berch, which was washed away by the overflowings of the said River, together with many of its Inhabitants, amongst which was an Infant-Child of the Kings in its Cradle.

Scone, seated on the farther side of the Tau, dignified with an Inauguration of the Scotch Kings before their Union to England, Westminster now being the place; and where the Chair, in which the Kings were then Crowned, is, which is at present made use of upon the like occasion.

ATHOL, an indifferent fertil County, and well clothed with Wood, where is that large and overshadowed Wood Caladonia, already treated of; a Country said to be infamous for Witches. Its chief place is Blaire.

ANGƲIS, a fertil County both for Corn and rich Pastures, is well watered with several Rivers, which lose themselves in the Sea, which serveth for its Eastern bounds: It is interlaced with Hills and Forests, and garnished with divers Forts and Castles, Its chief places are,

Dundee, seated on the Mouth of the River Tay; a noted and well resorted Town for Trade, by reason of its commodious Port for Ships.

Brechin, scituate on the River South-Eske, near its fall into the Sea, and dignified by King David the First with an Episcopal See. Nigh unto this Town is Red-head, a place not unknown to Seamen.

Montross, of old Celurca, of some account for being honoured with the Title of an Earldom.

Arbroth, seated near the Sea; a Town endowed with large Revenues, and by King William dedicated to a Religious use, in honour of Thomas of Canterbury.

MERNIS, or MERNIA, a small, but plain and fertil Champa••• Country, which shooteth it self forth on the German Ocean: Its chief plac• are,

Dunnotyr, defended by a strong Castle, seated on an high and inaccessib•• Rock, near the Sea.

Fordon, seated also not far from the Sea.

BƲQƲIHAN, washed with the Sea, whose Waves did here cast up mighty Mass of Amber of an inestimable value; it hath good Pastures, most to feed Sheep, whose Wool is excellent; and its Rivers breed store of Salmon▪ which are had at such easie rates, that it is scarce worth the trouble of taki• them. Its chief places are Rotheniay and Stanes.

Adjoyning to this Country lieth Boena and Bamff, a small Sheriffdom; al• Ajuza, a little Territory of no great note.

MARR, a long and narrow County, somewhat inclined to Mountains, b• well watered with the Done or Dee, well stored with Salmons; and other Fis• Its chief places are,

Aberdene, feated on the Sea-shoar, at the Mouth of the Done, dignified wi•• an Episcopal See, hath an Hospital, also a Free-Grammar-School, and is of no for taking of Salmons: and Kildrumy.

MƲRRAY, a pleasant and fertil County, and the rather as watered wi•• the Spey, Findorne, and the River and Lake Nessa, which reacheth abo••• 23 miles in length, the water whereof is observed to be so warm, that it nev• is sound to freez; and this Lake is its Northern limits, as the Spey is its Easterr all which empty themselves in the Sea, where it formeth a Bay. Its chi•• places are,

Innernes, Bean-Castle; which Ptolomy thinks to be Banatia; and here Anno 1460. a Marble-Vessel artificially engraven, full of Roman Coins, w• found.

Narden, or Narne, an hereditary Sheriffdom; and here stood within a b• land a strong Fortress of a great height, which was kept by the Danes agai• the Scots.

Innernes, and Innerlothea, in former times two eminent Fortifications. Al•

Elgin and Rothes, places honoured with the Titles of Earldoms.

LOQƲABREA, a County well stored with Rivers and Lakes, whic• empty themselves into the Sea; it hath also good Pastures, yet is it very Mou••tainous, and well clothed with Wood, and in the bowels of the Earth are Min• of Iron.Its chief place is,

Innerlothey, once of good account, being well frequented and traded unto but through the Pyracies and Wars of the Danes and Norwegians, who raz• it, it hath now scarce any Remain left.

ROSS, a large, Mountainous, and Woody County, which reacheth fro• one Sea to the other; hath great plenty of Stags, Deer, Wild-fowl, and Fis•▪ Its chief places are,

Cromarty, or the Haven of Safety, as having so secure and capacious an Ha•• bour for Ships. Ness-mouth and Lovet.

In this County is the Territory of Ardmanoch, very Mountainous, fro• which the second Sons of the Kings of Scotland bear their Title.

SƲTHERLAND, regarding the Sea, is well watered with Rivers, b• sides the large Lough or Lake Shyn, almost in the midst of the Country; We••• wards of which are great store of Hills, from which is dug excellent whi•• Marble, very good for curious Works. It is a Country more fit for breedi• of Cattle, than for Tillage; and hath for its chief places Dunrobin an• Dorno.

STRATHNAVERNE, a County far engaged Northwards, whic• with Cathanes have the utmost Northern Coast of all Britain, which must o• casion it to be of a very cold temperature; it is very much inclined to sterility is Mountainous, and but ill inhabited. Its chief places are Strabubaster an• Tounge.

CATHANES, a County washed with the Eastern Ocean, where it formeth several Creeks, and is well watered with Rivers, which afford good store of Fish, from which, and by the grasing and feeding of Cattle, the Inhabitants get the greatest part of their livelyhood. Its chief places are,

Dornock, a mean place, yet the See of a Bishop.

Catnes, a Maritim Town, dignified with an Earldom. Nigh unto this Town Southwards is Ness-head, and Northwards Dunesbe-head, both Maritim places: and Girnego.

In this Tract are three Promontories, to wit, Ʋrdehead, of old Berubium; Dunsby or Dunscanby, of old Virvedrum; and Howbum, of old Orcas.

There are several Isles dispersed about this Kingdom of Scotland, as the Orcades, Shetland, and Hebrides, which may properly be said to belong thereunto; but as to the description thereof, they shall be treated of amongst the other small Isles belonging in general to great Britain, after we have treated of the Kingdom of Ireland.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

Of Scotland.

THis Kingdom is the ancient Caledonia, which was called Scotland from the Scots, a People who made a sharp War upon the Romans, and obliged them to make entrenchments against their Incursions, principally under Adrian and under Severus. The Name of Albany has been sometimes given to all this Kingdom, whereas it is now peculiar to one of its Countys, which the Inhabitants call Broad Albiny. Some Scotch Authors, make the Name of Scotch come from the ancient Scythians, for the showing their Predecessours in the Higher Antiquity. Scotland is of a cold Temperature; its Gulphs, Lakes and Mountains hinder its Provinces from being over Fertile. The Inhabitants are of the reformed Religion, Popery having been there abolish'd under King James the 6th. But the many Scots which Sprung up with the Reformation, produced there many Troubles, and occasioned most of the disorders, which in our time we have seen in the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. There be still at this day Phanaticks, who call themselves the Sweet Singers of Israel, and are retire into the Mountains and into the Woods, though they be hardly able to subsist there. The Southern Scots live much after the same way as the English, the Northern are wedded to the ancient Customs, and not over careful of neatness in their Repasts. The Scotch Nation has for a long while been in esteem for Valour and Fidelity; the most Christiam King St. Lewis, and his Successours the French Kings have trusted them with the Guard of their Royal Persons, and made allyance with Scotland. This Kingdom is now the most ancient in the World, it is said to have been above two thousand years hereditary, with a Succession of about a hundred and ten Kings. The Power and Revenues of the King of Scotland are rendred much more considerabbe since his Majesties Restauration, and his re-stablishment in the Power of raising Forces by Sea and Land; of making Peace or War, with the command of the Castles, of the Cittadels and Garrisons of the Kingdom. The richness of the Countrey consists in Wool, in Cattle, and Salt-Fish. Its Land has several Mines of Lead, Iron, Sulphur, Azure, and Coal. Its principal Rivers have a prodigious Quantity of Salmon.

All Scotland is divided into two great parts by the River of Tay, the one Northern, the other Southern. Northern Scotland, contained under the name of High-lands, is that where the Romans could not carry their Armies, and where in our times the English Parliamentaries had not all the Success they had promised to themselves.

It was the abode of the ancient Scots, whose Kings had their residence at Dunstafag. The Robberies of the Inhabitants have been there formerly so frequent, principally in the Province of Albania, that if by the Law any one of the Province had committed a Robbery, he amongst them whom a man could seize of, was obliged to repair the loss, or to lose his Life. Aberdeen is the most considerable City of this Country, by reason of its University, and of its Pearls which are found in its little River, and of the Salmons that are taken in its Neighbourhood, where three hundred are said to be sometimes taken at one Cast of the Net.

The Southern part of Scotland, which is called Lower, is a better Country than the upper. There is to be seen Edenborough, the Capital of the Kingdom, the abode of the late Kings. St. Andrew and Glascow have the Title of Archbishopricks. St. Andrew has also a famous University, I say, famous for such a Kingdom as that of Scotland, where Glascow passes for a Paradise. Abernethi was the abode of the King of the Picts. Duns upon the Marches of England, is the place of Birth of the subtil Doctor Scotus. Leith the Sea-port of Edinborough. St. Johns Town a new City, near the ruins of the ancient Perth, which the Sea has ruined. It is defended with good Walls, whereas most of the other Cities of the Kingdom have none at all. The Coronation of the Kings of Scotland is performed at Scone, near St. Johns-Town. There was in this Abby a Marble Chair, from which the Royalty of Scotland was esteemed inseparable; but the King of England, Edward the 4th having transferred it to London, it looks as if King James the 6th. was as it were forced to go thither. That Chair had been before in the Country of Argyle. Dunbar is an old Castle, the Fortifications whereof have been destroyed The English Parliamentaries won a Battail there in the year 1650. Dunbarton is a Fortress upon a Rock near a Lake, where the Fish are said to have no bones. The Isles of May and Bass have Castles situated upon inaccessible Rocks. The Garrison of that of Bass receives great conveniencyes from the Geese, Sea Coots or Moorhens, which go there to make their Nests; these Fowls furnish abundance of Wood for Fewel.

Among the Islands which depend on Scotland: The Hebrides are on the West, the Orcades on the North of that Kingdom. The Inhabitants of the Orcades keep carefully the Cup of St. Magnus, whom they name their Apostle. With this Cup they try their Bishops, and hope for abundance of good from 'em, when those Prelates empty it quite. They are of so good a complexion, that they never take Physick. Towards the North of the Orcades, there be the Isles of Scetland, which we have said to depend on the Crown of Denmark. The Insularies there are so healthful and so vigorous, that they make no scruple of marrying when they are a hundred years old: Nay they go a fishing at the age of a hundred and thirty and a hundred and forty. Zeal, one of these Islands, suffers no Forreign Animals: they dye as soon as they come there.