Glass

   GLASS, a parish, chiefly in the district of Strathbogie, county of Aberdeen, but partly in Banffshire, 5 miles (W.) from Huntly; containing 886 inhabitants, of whom 321 are in the county of Banff. This parish, of which the name, in the Gaelic language, signifying "grey," is descriptive of the uncultivated portion of its surface, is about eight miles in extreme length, and five miles in extreme breadth, comprising an area of nearly 19,000 acres, of which 4500 are arable, and the remainder meadow, pasture, and waste. The surface is diversified with hills, which, towards the west, increase in elevation, forming its boundary in that direction; and it is also bounded on the south by a range of hills, which separate it from Gartly and Rhynie. The vale of Strathbogie forms part of the eastern portion; and there are several other fertile straths between the hills, of which the vale of the Doveran is the most important, and is inclosed by hills on each side, which vary from 1200 to 2000 feet in height above the level of the sea. The river Doveran, which has its source in the hills of Cabrach, flows in a serpentine course through this vale, and, leaving the parish, eventually falls into the Moray Frith at Banff. From the hills issue numerous springs, of which those near the summit are frequently dry during the summer, while those at the base flow without interruption through the lower grounds.

   The soil generally is a light loam, yielding chiefly oats and bear, with potatoes and turnips; wheat has been sown, but has not been productive of remunerating crops. The system of husbandry is improved; the farms are of moderate extent, not many exceeding 150 acres; and the farm-buildings, usually of stone, with thatched roofs, are substantial and commodious. Considerable numbers of sheep were formerly reared in the pastures; but, from great losses frequently sustained during severe seasons, a few hundreds only, of, the Highland black-faced breed, are now kept; and the pastures are more profitably stocked with cattle. There are a few acres of natural wood; and 100 acres of land have recently been planted with pine, larch, and forest trees, to which very large additions are in contemplation. The rateable annual value of the parish is £1877. The ecclesiastical affairs are under the superintendence of the presbytery of Strathbogie and synod of Moray. The minister's stipend is £197. 17., with a manse, and a glebe valued at £20 per annum; patron, the Duke of Richmond. The church, situated in a green, near the river, is a neat plain structure containing 550 sittings; it was built in 1782, and is in good repair. The members of the Free Church have a place of worship. The parochial school is well attended; the master has a salary of £34, with a house, and an allowance in money in lieu of garden, and the fees average about £28 annually.