Somersetshire
a county of S. W.
England, forming parts of the S. and E. shores of the Bristol Channel. Area, 1,615 square miles. Pop. about 425,000.
The surface of the county is diversified.
There are lofty hills, rich valleys, barren moors, and vast stretches of marsh lands, much of the latter being below high water and protected by sea banks and sluices.
The wild district of Exmoor in the western part of the county, is well known. The principal river is the Bristol Avon.
The principal agricultural products are wheat and barley, the quality of which is especially famous in the neighborhood of Bridgewater. Cattle-breeding is also carried on extensively, and the dairy products of the county, especially cheddar cheese, have been noted for a long time. The rich mineral products, consisting chiefly of iron, are not worked extensively. The principal manufactures are woolens, coarse linens, gloves, silk, and lace. Capital, Taunton (pop. about 23,000). a