Cardiganshire

Cardiganshire, a sea-coast county of S. Wales, is situated on Cardigan Bay. It covers an area of nearly 700 square miles, quite a half of which is waste land. Towards the coast the surface becomes level, but the interior is mountainous, interspersed with fertile valleys. In the N.E. is Plinlimmon, the chief height, with an elevation of 2,469 ft., and in the S.E. Tregaron mountain, 1,778 ft. Among its rivers are the Teifi, Dovey, Ystwith, and Rheidol. Its lakes are numerous, and a favourite resort of anglers. The county having an extensive coast-line, many of the inhabitants engage in fishing and become seamen, agriculture, however, being its main industry. Besides Cardigan, the capital, other towns are Aberystwith, Aberaeron, Lampeter, and Adpar. Some curious marriage customs still survive in Cardiganshire, among them being the practice of putting up to auction the presents received by a bride on her wedding.