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written about 1791-1798, published 1799 - Transcribed by Linda Nisbet, New Zealand

Extent, Soil, Surface, &c.

The city of Glasgow, and the barony parish, till the year 1595, made but one parish. But population having so much increased, that it was inconvenient for the inhabitants of the town and country to meet in one place, they were at that time disjoined; and the landward part of the parish, as distinguished from the town, was called the barony. This parish is both large and populous, extending from 2 to 5 or 6 miles around the city of Glasgow, except on the south side. The soil is various. In some places it is a rich clay, in others a light sand: towards the N. and N.E., it is a cold clay, or spongy and moorish, but considerably improved by the attention paid to draining, liming, and a better mode of cultivation adopted by the farmers; still, however, there is much room for improvements, and these are carrying on with considerable spirit in different parts. Though there are no high hills in the parish, there are many beautiful swells, which greatly diversify the appearance, and add much to the beauty of the country. On the banks of Clyde, at Westthorn, and in many other places, the landscape is rich, various, and delightful. The river winding through richly cultivated fields, and frequently lost among the trees, which grow upon its banks; interspersed with many gentlemen's houses, and the large and populous city of Glasgow, with its numerous spires and venerable cathedral, present to the eye various striking views, and fill the mind with the pleasing ideas of industry, wealth, security, and happiness.

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