Howwood

   HOWWOOD, a village, in the parish of Lochwinnoch, Upper ward of the county of Renfrew, 2½ miles (S. W.) from Johnstone; containing 252 inhabitants. It is seated in the north-eastern part of the parish, and on the road from Lochwinnoch to Johnstone, which runs nearly parallel with the Ardrossan and Johnstone canal. The village is neatly built, though of small extent, and consists principally of detached houses and cottages inhabited by persons engaged in cotton-mills and in agriculture. A school has been established, the master of which has a good house and garden rent-free, and occasionally a donation, which is raised by voluntary contribution of the inhabitants: his principal income, however, arises from the fees. A friendly society, also, has long been formed, and has acquired ample funds.