Argyle

Argyle, or Argyll, the name of a large county on the west coast of Scotland, comprising a considerable tract of the mainland, together with a number of the Hebrides or Western Isles. The total area is 3,255 square miles. The long indented coast-line affords great facilities for fishing, and many inhabitants live by this industry. Much of the surface is occupied by mountains and moorland, which provide picturesque scenery and abundant sport. The loftiest summits are Ben Cruachan (3,689 ft,), Ben More (3,172 ft.), Ben Ima (3,318 ft.), and Buchael Etive (3,345 ft.). The fresh-water lakes, of which Loch Awe is the largest, cover 25,000 acres. The rivers are small, the chief being the Orchy and the Aire. Among the islands included in the county are Iona, Staffa, Mull, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Lismore, Tiree, Coll, Gigha, Mack, Rum, and Canna. Inverary, the capital, is on Loch Fyne, and other important towns are Campbeltown, Dunoon, Tobermory, and Oban. The rearing of cattle and sheep and the distilling of whisky are the most profitable of the local industries. Agriculture succeeds in the south, but there are no valuable manufactures. Gaelic is still the language of the native population in the north and in the islands. Argyleshire returns one member to Parliament,