Glamorganshire

Glamorganshire, a southern county of Wales, having the Bristol Channel on the S. and S.W., Brecknockshire on the N., Caermarthen on the N.W., and Monmouthshire on the E. Its area is 855 square miles. The northern part of the county is hilly, and is a rich coal-field. The southern is composed of fertile valleys, among them the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, and has a soil favourable for the growth of corn. The chief rivers are the Taff, the Neath, and the Tawe, and the largest towns Merthyr-Tydvil, Swansea, and Cardiff. Ironstone, anthracite, and limestone are among the minerals obtained from the soil. There is also good pasture-land, and much butter and cheese is made. The castles of Oystermouth and Caerphilly date from the Middle Ages, and Roman remains are to be seen. The county of Glamorgan is represented by five members of Parliament.