DENBIGHSHIEE— CAENAEVONSHIEE. 61 



immisration of Welsli labourers. Above Euabon the Dee flows tbrougli the 

 romantic Va/e of Llangollen, where limestone quarrying and burning, slate quarry- 

 ing, and the weaving of flannel are carried on extensively. Near the small 

 town of Llangollen stand the remains of Valle Crucis Ahhey, the most picturesque 

 ruin of the kind in North "Wales. 



The Vale of Clicyd, which opens out upon the Irish Sea between Rhyl and 

 Abergele, is inferior to that of Llangollen in picturesque features, but far surpasses 

 it in fruitfulness. Denbigh, the capital of the county, rises in its midst on a steep 

 limestone hill crowned b}' a ruined castle. It was formerly noted for its glovers, 

 tanners, and shoemakers, but not lying on a natural high-road of commerce, it has 

 not become very populous, though of some importance as the centre of a fine 

 agricultural district. It is nevertheless one of the most pleasant towns to visit. 

 The prospect from its castle over the wide valley is magnificent, and the town 

 abounds in quaint timbered buildings, with overhanging stories and gabled roofs. 

 Higher up the valley stands Ruthin, a picturesque town, known for its artificial 

 mineral waters. 



Llanrwst is the only place of note on the river Conway, which forms the 

 western boundary of Denbighshire, and is navigable to within a short distance of 

 the village. Gwydyr Castle and the chalybeate springs of Trefrew lie within 

 Carnarvonshire. 



Carnarvonshire (Arfon) is one of the most mountainous counties of AYales, 

 for within its borders rise the ranges of Snowdon, the fastnesses of which afibrded 

 a last refuge to the "Welsh when struggling for their independence. The south- 

 western portion of the county, terminating in the bold promontory of Braich-y- 

 PwU, ofi" which lies Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli), is less elevated. Sheep-fiirming 

 and slate quarrying constitute the principal occupations of the inhabitants. 



The district of Creuddyn, with the bold promontory of Orme's Head, though 

 lying to the east of the Conway, forms a part of Carnarvonshire. Llandudno, 

 one of the most attractive seaside resorts in Great Britain, is situate within that 

 detached portion of the county. The copper mines of Great Orme's Head have 

 been worked from time immemorial, and were formerly exceedingly productive. 



Comvay, an ancient city enclosed within a lofty wall, formerly defended the 

 difiicult road along the coast, and the estuary of the river upon the left bank of 

 which it has been built. The construction of the railway embankments and of 

 the bridges over the river proved very costly. The tubular railway bridge is built 

 in the massive architectural style of the caslle which commands it. Bangor, 

 at the northern entrance of Menai Strait, is for the most part of modern 

 origin. Near it the railway bifurcates, one branch conducting the traveller 

 across the strait to Holyhead, and the other carrying him to Carnarvon. Bangor 

 is a favourite resort of tourists, affording unusual facilities for exjaloring 

 delightful valleys, climbing lofty mountains, and visiting interesting castles 

 perched upon capes or the spurs of the hills. The town is largely indebted to 

 the neighbouring slate quarries for its prosperity. Port Ptnrhyn, whence the 

 slate of the famous Penrhyn quarries is exported, lies close to it. Proceeding up 



