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SITUATION. EXTENT. POPULATION.

TnE many natural advantages the county of Berks possesses, in its situation, soil, and rivers, justly rank it, among the most distinguished counties in the kingdom.

Bounded on the north and east sides, by that pre-eminent river, the Thames, in a meandering line for upwards of 5o miles; and by the Isis in like manner for nearly forty: having another navi- gable river(the Kennet), running from the south-west towards the east, through a rich tract of land for nearly z0 miles, before it joins the Thames at Reading; and also having the smaller rivers, Loddon, Ock, Auborn, Kennell, and Lambourn, in different parts; which, though not navigable, are well calculated for mills and flooding of meadows; BERKSHIRE may be considered as a county, highly favoured by Nature, for the encouragement and extension of its agricultural produce. Its ready communication with the Metropolis, and the midland parts of England; its ex- cellent Roads, dry Soil, and salubrious Air, all contribute to make it a county, alike beneficial to the cultivator, the manufacturer, and mechanic.

Nor are its picturesque beauties to pass unnoticed: the di- versified scene of hill, and dale, woods and cultivated land, that embellish the greatest part of the county, and which are in- creased in their effect, by the grand residences of many persons of rank, and opulence, which present themselves in all parts, fully evince the high estimation, in which its rural excellences have at all times been held.

The predominant soil of Berks, is a kind and fruitful loam, in some parts mixed with gravel, and in others with sand; plea- sant to work, and grateful in its produce.

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For remarks,&c.