Westmeath

Westmeath, an inland county of Leinster, Ireland, between Meath and Roscommon; greatest length NE. and SW., 45 miles; greatest breadth, 25 miles; area, 453,468 acres. The surface is for the most part level, the hilly district in the north not reaching a higher elevation than 710 feet. Geologically, Westmeath belongs to the great central limestone series. Of the numerous lakes which diversify the surface one chain belongs to the basin of the Shannon, which river, with its lakes, forms the western boundary; the other, towards the east, flows into the basin of the Boyne. The Royal Canal traverses the county. The climate is mild and not very moist. The soil is a deep loam, producing herbage especially suited to the fattening of cattle, which are largely fed. There is little tillage, and almost the only cereal crop is oats. The chief towns are the assize town and capital, Mullingar, and Athlone, which is partly