Descriptive account of the principal towns in Scotland

43
George Smith, late of the island of Grenada, (besides es-
tablishing an academy at Fordyce, and endowing it with 16
Bursaries of £20» each,) by his will, dated 29th November
1789, bequeathed " One thousand pounds Sterling, or its
equivalent in stock, to be deposited in the hands of the ma-
gistracy of Banff, to be by them applied towards endowing
an hospital, or infirmary, to be erected in any convenient
place they shall be able to attain, either near Fordyce or
Banff." This bequest has not yet been applied to its ori-
ginal destination.
Another very large sum bequeathed by the late James
Wilson, by his will, dated 16th December 1799, for the
benefit of the poor of Banff, also under the charge of the
magistrates ; but which it is said has not yet been drawn by
them, being life rented by the sister of the testator.
The harbour of Banff is unsafe when strong northerly
winds prevail, and is often choked up with sand banks
which are constantly shifting in stormy weather. About
the year 1817 or 1818, a new pier and bason was project-
ed by the magistrates, which has turned out to be totally
useless as a place of safety, after having expended upon it
upwards of £22,000. — Last year (1826) several new ves-
sels were wrecked in its bason while unloading, and the re-
mainder of their cargoes either lost or destroyed.
The trade and shipping interest of the burgh, have long
been in a declining state, and both would be annihilated,
but for the triffling commodities necessary for the use of
the inhabitants and near neighbourhood ; and a few cargoes
of corn and herrings annually exported from this port. To
F