LINTON, or WEST-LINTON, a parish, in the county of Peebles; containing, with the village of Carlops, 1515 inhabitants, of whom 550 are in the village of Linton, 11 miles (N. E. by N.) from Biggar. This parish, whose name is derived from the river Lyne, comprises 25,400 acres, of which 4000 are arable, 400 woodland and plantations, and the remainder hilly moor, aCFording excellent pasturage for sheep. Its surface is pleasingly varied, and the lands have a general elevation of about 600 feet above the level of the sea; the scenery is diversified with wood and water, and from the higher grounds are obtained some interesting and extensive prospects over the adjacent country. The Lyne has its source in the hills to the north; it traverses the parish, and flows into the Tweed. In the same range rise the smaller rivers Esk and Medwin, the former of which constitutes the eastern, and the latter the western, boundary of the parish. There are every where springs of excellent water, yielding an abundant supply. On the lands of Rutherford is a spring called Heaven-Aqua, the properties of which are similar to those of the water at Tonbridge-Wells, in England; it has been rendered easy of access by the new line of turnpike-road which passes close by the spring, and an elegant and commodious hotel has been erected for the accommodation of persons who visit the spot. Near Slipperfield is a fine lake, about a mile and a half in circumference, and of great depth, which abounds with pike and perch, and is frequented by almost every variety of aquatic fowl. It is situated in the centre of a wide tract of barren heath, for the improvement of which considerable efforts have been lately made. The SOIL in the upper part of the parish is much interspersed with patches of heath and moss of various kinds, and of different degrees of depth. In the lower parts is a rich loam, occasionally intermixed with sand; in some places, a light dry soil well adapted for the growth of turnips; and in others, a sandy loam mixed with clay and moss. The chief crops are oats, turnips, and potatoes; the system of agriculture is highly advanced, and all the more recent improvements in the construction of agricultural implements have been extensively adopted. The farm houses and offices are substantially built, and well arranged; and on all the farms threshing-mills have been erected. Considerable attention is paid to the management of the dairy and the rearing of live stock. About 350 milch-cows are l^ept on the several farms, of the Ayrshire and Teeswater breeds, with an occasional cross of the two; 450 young cattle are pastured, and some of them sold off annually to the butcher. The number of sheep on the various pastures is 9700, of which 3700 are of the Cheviot, and the remainder of the black-faced, breed; and about 180 horses are kept for agricultural uses. There are very few remains of the ancient woods that abounded in the parish, which is situated in the immediate vicinity of Ettrick forest; the plantations are generally well managed, and in a very flourishing condition. The substrata are mainly limestone and coal, both of which have been worked to a considerable extent. There is a very extensive limestonequarry, and lime-works are carried on at Carlops and at Whitfield; the average quantity of lime is estimated at 20,000 bolls annually. The coal is wrought at Carlops, and also at Harlamuir and Coalyburn. Freestone is quarried at Deepsykelicad; and near the village is a hill called Leadlaw from a supposition that it contained leadore, frequent attempts to obtain which have been made without success. Pebbles of great beauty are frequently found, closely resembling, and in some instances nearly equal to, the Cairngorum. The annual value of real property in the parish is £7696. The village of Linton is pleasantly situated on the > liM banks of the river Lyne; the place is irregularly built, and many of the houses are of antique appearance. It is inhabited by persons employed in hand-loom weaving for the manufacturers of Glasgow, and in the various trades requisite for the supply of the neighbourhood. A I fair is held on the last Tuesday in June, for sheep, and is well attended from the neighbouring districts. Fairs are also held on the Friday before the first Monday in April, and the Friday before the 25th of September, for the sale of live stock, and the hiring of farm servants. There ' is a public show of stock annually in August; and in the winter a ploughing-match takes place, when prizes are awarded to the successful competitors. The approach to the village has been greatly improved by a nevv line of road lately formed, which has also facilitated the intercourse of the inhabitants with the market-town and other places in the vicinity. Ecclesiastically the parish is in the presbytery of Peebles, synod of Lothian and Tvveeddale, and in the patronage of the Earl of Wemyss; the minister's stipend averages £233, with a manse, and a glebe valued at £20 per annum. Linton church is a neat and substantial edifice, erected in 1776- There is also a place of worship for the members of the United Presbyterian Church. The parochial school is well conducted; the master has a salary of £34, with about £35 fees, and a house and garden. A parochial library has been established some years, and forms a collection of more than 500 volumes of standard works in the general branches of literature. Cairns are to be seen in several parts of the parish; and in one on the lands of Temple, near Linton village, was discovered a stone coffin of very rude formation, containing human bones: in another, which is still remaining on Garvaldfoot moor, a Roman urn is said to have been found. Stone coffins have at various times been dug up in the parish.