Formerly, this county was united with Forfarshire, from which it was disjoined by Kenneth II. about the year 838 ; and, according to traditionary history, was given to his brother Mernia, from whom it takes the name of Mearns. But it is observable that it is always denominated The Mearns, and is considered as deriving this designation from the ancient inhabitants, the Vernicones of Ptolemy. In the Gaelic language, it is still called Mhearn, pronounced Yearn. It is divided into 18 entire parishes, and contains also part of Nether Banchory, Drumoak, and Edzel. Thir teen of these parishes, composing the whole of the districts to the south of the Grampians, form the presbytery of Fordoun, which is comprehended in the synod of Angus and Mearns. On the north of the Grampians, the two western parishes are attached to the presbytery of Kin cardine O'Neil, and the more easterly to that of Aber deen. In what regards the administration of justice, the whole county is considered as one district, of which the county town is Stonehaven ; and is classed in one jus ticiary circuit with Aberdeen and Banffshire. But, in maritime matters, it is divided into two districts, one of which, north from Stonehaven, and inclusive of that town, is connected with the seaport of Aberdeen, and the other to the south with that of Montrose.
The principal antiquities observable in this county are, a small artificial island, founded on oak piles, in the loch of Leys, on which are the ruins of an ancient edifice ; tumuli raised over the slain in the battle of Corrichie, near the estate of Glassil ; Fenella's castle, about a mile and a half west from Fettercairn ; Green, or Queen castle, on the end of the hill of Strathfenella ; Kame of Mothers, about six miles north from Montrose ; Whistleberry castle, about two miles north from Berrie; and Dunnotar castle, about a mile south from Stonehaven, all placed on the summits of lofty insulated rocks on the sea shore ; a Roman camp, remarkably entire, near the mansion house of Fordour, and similar vestiges near Stonehaven and Ury, supposed to have been the encampments of Agricola and Gaigacus.
The number of freeholders is about 75. There is only one royal burgh in the county, namely, Berrie, which unites with 'Montrose, Brechin, Arbroath, and Aberdeen, in send ing a representative to parliament ; but Stonehaven, a burgh of regality, and Laurencckirk, a burgh of barony, are more populous and flourishing towns ; and there are also many thriving villages in the county, particularly Fettercairn, Auchinblac, Drumlithie, and Johnshaven.
Of these, about one half are engaged in agriculture, and the other half in manufactures, fisheries, &c.
The manufactures of Kincardineshire arc extremely limited ; and it is chiefly in the towns upon the coast that any articles are produced beyond what the wants of the vicinity require. In Stonehaven, B-rvie, and Johns haven, about one half of the population is supposed to be occupied in the manufacture of osnaburgs, sacking, canvas, and coarse linens ; and there are a few spinning mills and bleachfields on a small scale. At Laurencekirk is an ele gant manufacture of beautifully varnished snuffboxes; but the art is carefully kept concealed, and the few hands cm• ployed in it are not able to supply the demand for these articles. See Robertson's Agricultural Survey of Kincar dineshire ; Description of the Strata which occur in the Eastern District of the Grampians, by Lieutenant Colonel Imrie ; Trans. Royal Soc. Edinburgh ; and Statistical Ac count of Scotland (q)