BLACKWATER

blackwater, the name of a number of rivers and streams in england, scotland and ireland. the blackwater in essex, which rises near saffron walden, has a course of about 40 m. to the north sea. the most important river of the name is in southern ireland, rising in the hills on the borders of the counties cork and kerry, and flowing nearly due east for the greater part of its course, as far as cappoquin, where it turns abruptly southward, and discharges through an estuary into youghal bay. the length of its valley (excluding the lesser windings of the river) is about 90 m., and the drainage area about 1300 sq. m. it is navigable only for a few miles above the mouth, but its salmon fisheries are both attractive to sportsmen and of considerable commercial value. the scenery of its banks is at many points very beautiful.