Milnathort

   MILNATHORT, or Mills of Forth, a village, in the parish of Orwell, county of Kinross, 1 mile (N.) from Kinross; containing 1605 inhabitants. This is a considerable village, pleasantly seated in the south-eastern part of the parish, and on the high-road between Kinross and Perth; it is of very neat appearance, and is lighted with gas. Its inhabitants are partly engaged in weaving for the Glasgow merchants, who have regular agents here. The chief manufacture, however, is that of tartan shawls and plaids, which has in a great measure superseded that of cotton goods wrought by the hand-loom; and spacious works have been erected, adapted to the use of larger looms, and the more constant employment of a greater number of persons. A market is held weekly, and is well attended by the agents of distilleries in distant places for the purchase of grain, this being the only grain-market in the county: an attempt was made to establish also a market for cheese, butter, and poultry, but without success. Fairs for cattle are held on the Thursday before Christmas, and the second Thursday in February; and for cattle, sheep, and horses in the beginning of May, July, and November, and the end of August. This place has latterly much increased in population, and has now, among other institutions, a post-office; a public library, supported by subscription, under the management of a proprietary of forty members, and having a collection of 1500 volumes; a parochial library of about 500 volumes, in connexion with the Established Church; and two others, in connexion with dissenting congregations. A constabulary force, also, is maintained by assessment of the landowners, and the chief officer resides in the village. The members of the Free Church have a place of worship.