AISKIJCUNWV. ^ 87 



formerly for Merionethshire also, were held here 

 alternately with Caernarvon ; but, as Aberconwy 

 is at the extremity of the county, the more central 

 situation of Caernarvon has now obtained the pri- 

 vilege exclusively. The town however will again 

 obtain importance; since the opening the bridge in 

 1826, there is an evident improvement in the mar- 

 ket, and occasionally great quantities of corn are 

 sold. The opening of the slate quarries in the 

 Caernarvonshire hills is also of great advantage, 

 and this branch of commerce is gradually increas- 

 ing ; a few great capitalists are all that are want- 

 ing to ensure important benefits to the town. The 

 slates are brought to Trefriw in carts, and thence 

 to Aberconwy in sailing boats, where they are put 

 into large vessels, and exported to different parts 

 of the kingdom. The harbour is now made ex- 

 tremely commodious by a very fine quay of excel- 

 lent masonry and great extent, w^hich was under- 

 taken by the corporation, and completed, at an 

 expense to them of thirteen hundred pounds, in 

 1833. The entrance to the harbour is directed by 

 three black buoys and a red one, and a perch. 

 There is water over all the banks for small sloops 

 at four hours flood ; but vessels that draw ten feet 

 water, must keep the channel. 



