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 , below Inverary, belonging to English companies, who bring the ore thither, chiefly for the sake of the charcoal which the woods afford; and near Campbelltown, the formation of salt from sea water has been lately carried on to some extent. The manufacture of kelp from sea weed, to the extent of 600 tons annually, is none of the least profitable branches of industry; and that of their scanty crops of grain into ardent spirits, certainly the most pernicious.

The commerce of Argyleshire is also very limited, its exports consisting chiefly of raw produce; sheep and cattle, and fish, form at least two thirds of the whole: The imports are almost confined to the supply of necessaries, including only such articles of luxury, as habit has rendered scarcely less indispensable.

But, though such is the present state of this extensive territory, there is reason to anticipate a great increase of its wealth, of its industry, and of its population, as soon as a revisal of the revenue laws shall have removed the present obstacles to the prosecution of the fisheries. It is upon this species of industry, that the prosperity of the County must be founded; and it is only after wealth has flowed in from this source, that the inhabitants can be expected to succeed in manufactures or in commerce. To its natural advantages, a very important addition has been made by the Crinan Canal, cut across the peninsula of Kintyre, at an expence of L. 140,000; which shortens the voyage from the West Highland and Hebridian ports, to the river Clyde, about 200 miles. The Caledonian Canal, from the access it will give the County to the German Ocean, and still more, from the frequent intercourse of which it will be the channel, must contribute, in an eminent degree, to the prosperity of Argyleshire.

The population of the whole County, as taken under the Acts 1800 and 1811, will be seen from the following Tables: