LLANGATHEN (LLAN-GATHAN), a parish, in the union of LLANDILO-VAWR, lower division of the hundred of CATHINOG, county of CARMARTHEN, SOUTH WALES, 4 miles (W. by S.) from Llandilo-Vawr; containing 1108 in abitants. This parish is delightfully situated in a fertile district of considerable extent, celebrated for the richness and the diversity of its scenery; and is bounded on the north by the parish of Llanvihangel-Cilvargen, on the east by those of Llandeveyson and Llandilo-Vawr, on the west by that of Lanegwad, and on the south by Llanvihangel-Aberbythic, from which it is separated by the river Towy, which winds gracefully through the beautiful vale of the same name. It comprises by admeasurement 5513 acres, of which 1873 are amble, 3400 meadow and pasture, and, by computation, 240 woodland and roads; the soil is in general clayey, and the cultivation of wheat, barley, and oats, with the rearing of cattle, forms the principal employment of the farmers. The parish, the surface of which is undulated, derives its chief attraction from the enchanting Vale of the Tow which extends for upwards of thirty miles in len comprehending every variety of scenery, and embracing some of the most interesting and magnificent views to be found in the principality. The village, situated on the turnpike-road from Carmarthen through Aberguilly to Llandilo-Vawr, has a cheerful appearance, and is much enlivened by the number of travellers passing through it; and the environs abound with richly wooded eminences and luxuriant plantations, belonging to numerous elegant villas and noble mansions, which derive from their situation a pleasingly picturesque appearance. Near the margin of the Towy, the finest river in South Wales, is Grongar Hill, celebrated by the poet Dyer, and one of the most interesting objects in the vale, out of which it rises to a very considerable elevation: under the shelter of a black thorn, which is still remaining on its summit, Dyer is said to have composed his beautifully descriptive poem. From this spot is obtained the most enchanting prospect over the whole vale, through which the river is sometimes seen boldly sweeping round the base of some of the abrupt eminences for which the scenery is distinguished, and at others intercepted from the view by the projection of similar elevations, which rise in various parts of the vale. The hills on both sides are richly clothed with thriving plantations, chiefly of oak and fir, ornamented with stately mansions, and pleasingly varied with scattered villages of rural and picturesque appearance. This beautiful spot comprises two valuable farms, the property of Walter Philipps, Esq., of Abergldsney, one of the most ancient and spacious seats in this part of the principality, and memorable as the early residence, if not the birthplace, of the poet, who, in his poem of the " Country Walk," alludes to its pleasant situation beneath "Grongar Hill." Sir Rice Rudd, Bart., formerly proprietor of this estate, conveyed by deed to the proprietor of AberglAsney £25 per annum, in trust for a charity founded in the town of Carmarthen by Bishop Rudd and his widow; and in the event of the proprietor of AberglAsney refusing to act, the owner of the Golden Grove estate, the Bishop and Chancellor of the diocese of St. David's, and the mayor and recorder of Carmarthen, are appointed trustees. In this parish also is Court Henry, the property and residence of the Rev. George Wade Green, who has enlarged and greatly improved the mansion; and on the elevated ground immediately behind, commanding one of the most beautiful prospects in the county, has at his own expense erected for the accommodation of his family and the surrounding neighbourhood, a church, consisting of a nave, capable of holding 150 persons, and a gallery, in which is placed an excellent organ. Court Henry is supposed to have derived its name, according to some writers, from its having been the residence of Henry Vii., who, while Earl of Richmond, is said to have occasionally held his court here, but with greater probability from Henry ab Gwilym, whose daughter married Sir R115% ab Thomas. It is pleasantly situated, the adjacent grounds partaking of the general character of the scenery which prevails throughout this highly interesting part of South Wales. The present proprietor of Aberglasney has recently erected a neat and comfortable inn for the accommodation of visiters, who are attracted by the luxuriant and magnificent prospects for which the situation is celebrated, or by the remains of antiquity found in the vicinity. The other seats are, Havodnethyn, Br-nhavod, and Bridshill. Limestone exists in great abundance, and lead-ore is frequently obtained in small quantities. Fairs are held on April 16th and September 22nd, and at Dryslwyn on July 1st and August 13th. The living is a discharged vicarage, rated in the king's books at £6. 13. 4., and endowed with £200 parliamentary grant; patron and appropriator, Bishop of Chester: the tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £390, of which £260 are payable to the Bishop, subject to rates, averaging £5. 6. 8., and £130 to the vicar, also subject to rates, amounting to £2. 13. 4. per annum. The church, dedicated to St. Cathan, and standing on a lofty eminence, accommodating 400 persons with sittings, of which the larger part are free, contains a stately monument to the memory of Bishop Rudd and his lady, whose effigies are finely sculptured. There are two places of worship in the parish for Calvinistic Methodists, who support two Sunday schools, in which 50 children are instructed gratuitously; and about 20 are educated in a day school at the expense of their parents. Upwards of 100 children are taught in Sunday schools connected with the Establishment; and the Rev. Mr. Green maintains a Sunday school in Court Henry church, attended by about 60 children, and also a weekly school of industry, at his own cost. In 1777, Diones, widow of the Rev. Thomas Lloyd, rector of Hornsea, bequeathed £400, or sufficient to produce £12 per annum, in the 3 per cent. reduced annuities, which she directed to be distributed among ten poor persons; and the vicar accordingly receives and divides it in May and November. On Grongar Hill is a very perfect encampment, comprising about eight acres, within a quadrilateral area, having two entrances in the shorter side of the parallelogram; and not far from it to the west, are the ruins of Dryslwyn Castle, crowning the summit of an abrupt hill in the vale; the remains of this castle, which was erected by the ancient princes of South Wales, and derived its name from its difficulty of access, are very inconsiderable, but nevertheless form an interesting and picturesque feature in the landscape. Near the church are some very slight vestiges of the ancient Cappel Pen Arw; and within a short distance is a spring, the water of which was formerly in high reputation for its efficacy in the cure of rheumatism and diseases of the eye.