Augyleshire, Or Argyllshire, a western county of Scotland, including several islands near the coast, and bounded on the land side by the counties of Inverness, Perth, and Dumbarton; area, 3,255 sq. m.; 'pop. in 1871, 75,635. it is remarkable tor its picturesque character rather than for cultivation. The population is perhaps the lowest in the British isles, about 24 to the square mile, and still on the decrease, owing to the policy of the great land owners, which has been to remove the tenantry, and to create extensive sheep walks. In 40 years the loss of population has been 25 per cent. The mountain district of Argyleshire contains Cruachan Ben, rising to the height of 3,(500 feet, with many other lofty hills, celebrated in Scottish poetry. The largest of the inland lakes is Loch Awe. The mountains are chiefly of granitic formation. Of the islands, Mull, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Jura, lona or lcolmkill, and Staffa are chiefly noteworthy. Argyleshire is not rich in mineral resources. Lead, copper, and coal are worked, but not in very great quantities. The raising of cattle and sheep is carried on with great success. The moors yield abundance of game, grouse, ptarmigan, and blackcock; the red deer is also found.

The proprietorship of this large county, which comprises more than one tenth of the area of Scotland, is in few hands. The duke of Argyll, the marquis of Tweeddale, and the marquis of Breadalbane are the chief land owners. There are various natural curiosities, the most remarkable of which are the columns and cave of Staffa. Gaelic is still generally spoken, although of late years the English language has begun to supersede it. The county is popularly divided into the districts of Argyle, Cowal, Kintyre, Lorn, Appin, Islay, and Mull. Capital, Inverary.