On the west coast, the agriculture of the farms consists in tittle more than the culture of a few potatoes or a patch of barley, on such small spots as can be dug with the spade; nor would the moisture of the climate admit of the secure harvesting of large crops of grain, what is raised being generally housed in great covered barns, having air holes through them. The riches of this part of the county, de pend on the immense flocks of sheep covering the many hills, now required to constitute the large farms of indivi duals. 20001. or 30001. a-year, is not an uncommon rent for a single farm, the extent of which may be many miles. The hills on this side of the island are all beautifully green, and this fresh hue is manifestly increasing, by the constant pasturing of sheep. It must, therefore, be admitted, that, however harsh maybe the measures leading to a commence ment of this system, it is unquestionably the mode of em ploying the estates in the western part of the country point ed out by nature as the best.
The salmon fishings on the river Ness let for 12001. per annum, and those of the other rivers in a ratio equal to their comparative value : the fish are mostly sent to supply the London market. The herring fishery, particularly where the fish are cured and exported, also affords a considera ble branch of commerce.
Fort George is situated at the northern extremity of the county, on a low point stretching into the Moray Firth, the passage of which it commands. It was begun to be built under the direction of Gtneral Skinner, by the orders of the Duke of Cumberland, in 1747, and cost 160 0001. in the completion. The citadel occupies fifteen English acres. The ramparts are washed by the sea on three sides, and the ditch surrounding the remainder can be filled at plea sure. It is well supplied with water, has four bastions, 80 cannon, and contains barracks for 3000 men. Though a beautiful specimen of fortification, it is considered defective as to position ; and is particularly assailable from the east along the shore, under cover of a sandy bank. Fort Augustus, situated at the western end of Loch Ness, was built in 1730. It has the lake on the north, the river Tarr on the sonth-east, and the Erish on its north west side. It has four bastions, and barracks for 400 soldiers. It was taken by the rebels in 1746, but was afterwards deserted by them. Fort William stands at the
eastern extremity of Loch Linnhe. It was originally built clueing Cromwell's usurpation, when it occupied much more ground than it does now. It was rebuilt by King William on its present reduced scale, and is now of a tri angular form, having two bastions, 15 twelve pounders, and some mortars. In 1746 it stood a siege of five weeks, which was as last raised, with the loss to the garrison of only six men killed and four wounded. These two last fur is were adapted for nothing else but keeping the undisciplined Highlanders in awe. They may now, how ever, be of some use as stations, for those who are to look after the Caledonian Canal, and to collect its imposts. (For an account of this great national work, see INLAND Navigation ) By the late exertions of the parliamentary commissioners for Higland roads and bridges, numerous and convenient communications have been opened between the different parts of this county. The roads are all carried on excel lent lines, and executed in the most superior and substan tial manner. The road up the north side of Loch Ness, cut through solid rock, is a grand example of what human industry can accomplish in overcoming natural difficulties.
It is for the most part carried along the face of perpendi cular precip,ces hanging over the lake. An enumeration of all the roads made in Inverness-shire under the direction of this body would exceed our limits ; we must, there fore, refer to the map, accompanying their last report to parliament on this subject : suffice it to say, that the total length of line, without including Sky, does not amount to less than 282 miles The employment of such a number of hands as have been required to execute these roads has tended in some measure to raise the price of labour ; but it has also given a degree of dexterity to the workmen of the Highlands not formerly possessed by them, which will be of great future benefit to the country.
We intended, under the present article, to have given an account of the island of Haatnis, and the other smaller islands which belong to the county of Inverness ; but we have thought it better to include the whole of these islands under the heads of LEWIS, and the islands connected with it, (including HARRIS) SKY and Ulm (T. L. D.)