The surface in general is bare and hilly. The dales of the Nith, Annan, and Esk, however, are rich in beauty, and contain fine holms for pasture and some good arable land. The rivers are numerous, and yield splendid salmon and trout fishing. The Lowther or Lead Hills along the N. boundary are upwards of 2000 ft. in height, and abound in lead ore. These and the other hills round the borders are mostly smooth in outline, and afford excellent pasturage.
Red sandstone is a prevailing rock, and limestone.
Parishes The Dumfriesshire Parish Map shows the locations of the various parishes, and repeats the links to the various parish pages. Some sources and places of interest for local and family history. It gives information on libraries, museums, and places of interest. Publishers located in Wigtown also have material relating to the county. A portrait of a lead mining village in 19th century Scotland by by H Gilbert Nicol contains a history of this Dumfriesshire village and information on the families who lived there in the 19th century.