NAIRNSHIRE is bounded on the n. by the Moray firth, and on its other sides by the counties of Inverness and Moray, of the latter of which it anciently formed a part. It extends n. and s. 22 m., and 15 In. from e. to west. Its area is 215 sq.m„ or 137,500 acres, of which about 26,000 are under cultivation. Pop. '71, 10,225, including the bdrglt of Nairn. Along with Elginshire, it returns one member to parliament. Constituency (1879-80). 2S0: rental, £35,729. Nairn is the only royal burgh in the county, but there are time villages of Cawdor and Auldearn. The soil is for the most part light and sandy. There is, however, considerable agricultural activity, though the county is, perhaps, better known for its eattle-breeding. An important cattle " tryst " is held at Cawdor once a month during the greater part of the year. The climate of this county is distin guished for its salubrity, and the is remarkably equable. The thermometer in the shade has not risen above 78° 3'. or fallen below 11° 2', during the last 20 years.
According to the latest observations, the yearly rainfall did not amount to more than 26 in.. the greatest fall being in October, and the least. in April. At Brackla which belongs to Robert Fraser. esq., from 40,000 to 50,000 mrallons of spirits are mann fact tired' annually. The river Nairn runs through the county in a beautiful valley,which presents particularly attractive and romantic ale scenery in the neighborhood of Cawdor castle, one of the residences of the earl of Cawdor, This castle is of uncertain antiquity, and Is in an excellent state of preservation. It was the residence of the ancient thanes of Cawdor, one of -NV il.'31aCifeik, • Ab011 t the ycfmat 1510'the estates belong ing to the earldord marriage from the old family of Calder into the hands of a on of the duke of Ary1e, and are still in the possession of his descendants. Not a few other objects of antiquarian interest are to be found in the county of Nairn.