CA.RN ARVONSHIRE. 25

Bettwys-y-Coed stands at the confluence of the rivers Llugwy and Conway. Its situation and attractions are the means of bringing many visitors, who spend their time in fishing, sketching, and in enjoying the charming scenery. There are several waterfalls in the neighbour­ hood, notably Rhayadr-y-\Vennol, 2 miles off. Popula­ tion, 2923. Dolwyddelan, a village on the river Lledr, under 1\foel Siabod, has an ancient castle, built about the year 500, and is said to be the birthplace of Llewellyn the Great.

6. History and Antiquities. Carnarvonshire was part of the country of the Ordivices, and formed a portion of the division Brittania Secunda. It received after­ wards the name Arfon, whence we have the title Caer­ yn-Arvon (Caernarvon) or "the fort of Arvon." In the great struggles which took place when the Romans, Baxons, Norman, and English successively tried to conquer \Vales, it was the scene of desperate fighting. Its natural fortifications and strongholds made it the Briton's last resource ; and strengthened by the Castle of Diganwy (the fort of the Conway), Cacrhun fort (guarding Bwlch-y-ddanfan Pass), Penmaenmawr Camp (protecting the north), (guarding Pass), and Castles (protect­ ing the passage over Traeth-Mawr), with numerous other forts, made Snowdonia almost impregnable, only to be occupied through a siege. Among the antiquities are­ numerous cromlechs in different parts of the peninsula; several camps and forts, remains of which still exist; at Caerhun and Carnarvon were Roman stations, a branch of the great \Vatling Street joining the former place; remains of monasteries are to be found at Bangor, , Bardsey, Maenan, and . Car­ narvon and Criccieth Castles are two of the finest speci­ mens of the kind in the kingdom. Carnarvon was the seat of the \Velsh princes until 873, when they left it