WEMYSS, a parish, in the district of Kirkcaldy, county of Fife; containing, with the villages of Buckhaven, East and West Coal-Town, Kirkland, Methill, East Wemyss, and the burgh of West Wemyss, 5403 inhabitants, of whom 859 are in the village of East Wemyss, 3 miles (N. E.) from Dysart, and 947 in the burgh of West Wemyss, 2 miles (N. E. by E.) from Dysart, and 4 (N. E.) from Kirkcaldy. This parish appears to have derived its name, which in the Gaelic language signifies " a cave", from the number of caverns in the rocks that form its boundary towards the coast. It extends about six miles in length, and about one and a half in average breadth, comprehending an area of nearly nine square miles. The parish is washed on the south-east by the Firth of Forth, and comprises 5000 acres, of which 3556 are arable, 600 woodland and plantations, and the remainder rough pasture and waste. Its surface is varied; the sea-shore is strongly defended by abrupt rocks stretching boldly into the firth, and the land rises gradually towards the northern and western portions of the parish. The scenery is ornamented with thriving plantations of modern date, and with some natural woods in which are many trees of stately and majestic growth. The soil, also, is generally fertile, and the system of husbandry improved; but the parish has more of a manufacturing than of aa agricultural character. The substratum forms part of the great coal formation of the district, and consists also of sandstone, clay-slate. and argillaceous ironstone, with boulders of green or whin stone. Numerous fossils are found in the shale above the seams of coal, including some very fine specimens of forest-trees. The coal is extensively wrought; four pits have been opened, and are still in operation. The Werayss coal-work is on the principal seam, which is nine feet in thickness, and has been wrought to a depth of 300 feet below the level of the sea; the annual produce is about 40,000 tons, and several powerful steamengines have been erected for draining off the water, and expediting the working of the mine, in which more than 200 persons are employed. A pit for the parrot or gas coal is worked without the assistance of machinery, and employs twenty men. The two other coal-works, the produce of which is principally for the supply of the neighbourhood, employ together about eighty persons. The ironstone has also been wrought with success, and affords occupation to about forty persons. A vein of yellow ochre has lately been discovered, and brought under operation. The annual value of real property in the parish is £7S0'2. The weaving of linen employs a great portion of the population, and works have been established at several places. A very extensive salt-manufacture was carried on at Methill, and at West Wemyss; which, since the removal of the duty, has been altogether discontinued at the former place, and at the latter very greatly diminished. The whole quantity made at both places was formerly 50,000 bushels annually. The quantity now made at the latter is about 6000 bushels, of the total average value of £500; the salt is of excellent quality, and finds a ready sale in the neighbouring markets. A fishery is carried on at Buckhaven, a place long celebrated as one of the most important fishing-stations on this coast; and at West Wemyss, a very convenient harbour has been constructed for the accommodation of the vessels employed in the coal-trade. West Wemyss, which stands pleasantly on the seashore, about a mile distant from East Wemyss, is a burgh of barony under the government of two bailies, a treasurer, and council. It is chiefly inhabited by persons employed in the coal-trade and the manufacture of salt. A subscription library has been established, which is well supported, forming a good collection of volumes; and a savings' bank has also been opened. The village of East Wemyss is likewise situated on the coast, and is principally inhabited by persons engaged in the weaving of linen, for which it has been long distinguished. Four extensive factories are established here, which, including one at Buckhaven, consume nearly 'i.'iO.OOO spindles of yarn. The chief articles manufactured are ducks, dowlas, ,ind sheeting, and the annual |)roduce on the average is more than 1,'200,000 yards, partly for home consumption, and the remainder exported; the amount of wages paid annually to weavers and winders exceeds £10,000. The church and the parochial school are situated in this village: the former, a venerabh,' and ancient structure, forms an interesting feature in the scenery. A subscription library has been established more than thirty or forty years; it contains about .'{00 volumes, and is well supported. A savings' bank lias also been long establishe