LINCOLN, a co. in s. Maine, having numerous inlets of the Atlantic ocean, which lies on its s. boundary, has the Kennebec river, navigable 44 m. from its mouth, for its s.w. border; 500 sq.m. ; pop. '80, 24,809-24,330 of American birth, 46 colored. It is -drained by the Sheepscot river, flowing through it from n. to s., emptying into the ocean not far from Bath. It has also Damariscotta lake, smaller lakes in the extreme n., Damariscotta river, the outlet of the lake, navigable by the largest ships, and the bays of its southern border. Its surface rises into long, high hills that sink into deep valleys. It is thinly tirnbered, and the soil under cultivation is very fertile, producing every variety of grain, wool, dairy products, honey, and maple sugar. Cattle, sheep, and swine are raised. Its comimercial facilities are unsurpassed, its harbors being spacious, safe, and accessible. Much attention is paid to fishing, steamboats being used, with
which large quantities of fish are taken with the seine, and pressed into oil in establish ments for that purpose. It has also curing and packing establishments. Among its industries are ship-building and repairing, the manufacture of machinery, bricks, matches, lumber, sails, and wool; it has also wool-carding and cloth-dressing mills, and steam saw and flour mills. Cash value of farms in '70, $4,488,419, numbering 3,197. It had in '70, 309 manufacturing establishments, employing 1332 hands, with a capital of $587,280, and an annual product of $1,018,705. It is traversed near the coast by the Knox and Lincoln railroad from Rockland to Bath. It has an active coast trade, and ice is largely exported to southern ports. Seat of justice, Wiscassett.