Page:Rivers, Canals, Railways of Great Britain.djvu/178

 and branches severally extend; and to afford a cheaper mode of conveyance to a place where the minerals can be conveniently shipped for exportation.

CLYDE RIVER.
32 Geo. II. C. 62, R. A. 2nd June, 1759.

8 Geo. III. C. 16, R. A. 24th Feb. 1768.

10 Geo. III. C. 104, R. A. 12th April, 1770.

14 Geo. III. C. 103, R. A. 5th May, 1774.

49 Geo. III.C. 74, R. A. 20th May, 1809.

6 Geo. IV. C. 117, R. A. l0th June, l825.

THIS noble river has its source on the northern side of Queensberry Hill, situate among that lofty range of mountains which separate the southerly point of the county of Lanark from Dumfrieshire. Its course is northerly, and very circuitous, passing Crawford and between the mountains of Tinto and Culter Fell, to near Pettinain, where, after changing to a south-westerly course for a few miles, it pursues a north-westerly course by Lanark and Hamilton, its stream being considerably augmented by the water of Avon, which here falls into it. Its course, which is now very crooked, continues by Bothwell and Rutherglen, to the city of Glasgow, where it becomes navigable; and hence by Govan and Renfrew, a little below which town it joins the navigable River Cart. From this point it gradually widens, and becomes a noble estuary, which at Port Glasgow is above two miles in width. From Gorbells Bridge, in Glasgow, the course of the Clyde to the Cart River is about seven miles; from thence to Port Dundas, where the Forth and Clyde Canal communicates with it, is nearly four miles and a half; from that place to Dumbarton Harbour, three miles; and thence, to Port Glasgow, five miles. The total length of the navigable part of this river, to where it falls into the Firth of Clyde, opposite the point of land on which is situate Roseneath, (the beautiful seat of the Duke of Argyle) is about twenty-five miles. This river was, originally, navigable at high water, spring tides, as far as Glasgow, but when trade and manufactures increased, the necessity of having a better navigation became so manifest, that the magistrates and city council of Glasgow, in 1759, obtained an act to enable them to improve it, which is entitled, 'An Act for improving the Navigation of the River Clyde to the city of Glasgow; and for building a Bridge cross the said