Berwick

Berwick, a county of Scotland, lying N. of Roxburghshire and S. of Haddington, with the German Ocean as its boundary on the E. It has an area of 464 square miles, and is roughly divided into three districts: Lauderdale, the valley of the Leader; Lammermuir, a bleak hilly tract having an average elevation of 1,000 feet; and the Merse, a level reach to the S. and E. of these hills. It is well watered by the Tweed and its tributaries, the Whiteadder, the Leader, the Eden, the Leet, etc., and by the Eye, which falls into the sea. Owing to the varying geological characteristics the soil is much diversified, but the industry of the people and the system of long leases have greatly enhanced the agricultural wealth of the county. Minerals are not worked profitably, and there are no important manufactures. The coast is rugged and inaccessible save at Eyemouth, an indifferent harbour, so that little external commerce exists. Its salmon-fishery, however, yields a good return, and a considerable quantity of sea fish is taken by the littoral population. Berwickshire boasts many places of romantic or historical interest, such as Dryburgh Abbey, Coldingham Priory, Fast Castle, home of the Bride of Lammermoor, the Rhymer's Castle, Hume Castle, Pict's House, Dunse Castle, and Ladykirk. Greenlaw is the county town.