Surrey

Surrey, an inland southern county of England having the Thames on the N., Sussex on the S., Kent and London on the E., and Hampshire on the W. The surface is for the most part varied, and is traversed from E. to W. by the North Downs, which rise in the outlying spur of Leith Hill to a height of 965 feet. The N.W. consists of heath and moorland overlying the London clay. The Downs are chalky, while the S. is greensand and wealden. With the exception of the Arun and the Upper Medway, the rivers drain into the Thames. Other rivers are the Mole, which flows through a picturesque valley, the Wey, and the Wandle. The Basingstoke Canal is fed by the Wey. The Grand Surrey Canal leads from Camberwell to the Thames at Rotherhithe. The nearness of London and the fitness of Surrey as an abode for London toilers causes the county to be well served with railways. The soil is very varied, and the crops vary accordingly. In the neighbourhood of London are kitchen and market gardens, while farther out are medical, herbal, and perfumery gardens. Good hops are grown in the Farnham district. Except in Southwark and other London districts, there is no important manufacture. Chief towns, Guildford, Croydon, Kingston-on-Thames, Godalming, Reigate, and Dorking, noted for the fine scenery in the neighbourhood. The county is divided into six Parliamentary districts, with one member each.