DORSETSHIRE, or Dorset, a maritime county; bounded, on the NW,
by Somerset; on the NE, by Wilts; on the E, by Hants; on the S,
by the English channel; on the W, by Devon. Its outline is very
irregular. Its greatest length, from east to west, is 52 miles;
its greatest breadth, 37 miles; its circuit, about 180 miles;
its area 632, 258 acres. The surface, in a main degree, is hilly
and bleak, consisting of chalk downs and sandy heaths; yet
possesses the charms of wild scenery, extensive prospects, and
beautiful shores. The loftiest points are Swyre-hill, Black-
down, and Pillesdon-Pen, respectively 669, 813, and 934 feet
high. The coast is about 75 miles long; presents much diversity;
and includes the singular promontory, called the Isle of
Portland. The chief rivers are the Stour, the Frome, the Piddle,
the Ivel, the Cerne, and the Brit. Mineral springs are at
Sherborne, Chilcombe, Nottington, and some other places. Lias
rocks, chiefly dark blue clays, studded with ammonites and the
bones of vast reptiles, are i