Nahe

Nahe, a river of Germany, one of the affluents of the Rhine. It rises on the confines of Rhenish Prussia and the detached portion of Oldenburg enclosed by that province, and after a tortuous course, first N. E. and then E., of about 60 m., 25 m. of which is navigable, it empties through a portal formed by the Ro-chusberg on the right and the Rupertsberg on the left into the Rhine at Bingen. There is some fine scenery in the vicinity of Creuznach and Oberstein.

Nahum

Nahum, the seventh of the Hebrew minor prophets in order of arrangement. He is designated the Elkoshite, probably from the place of his birth, the location of which is however unknown, contradictory traditions placing it in Galilee and on the banks of the Tigris. He prophesied probably in Judah toward the close of the reign of Hezekiah (about 700 B. C), after the deportation of the ten tribes, and predicted the destruction of Nineveh and the relief of Judah. His pictures of the wickedness and fall of Nineveh are vivid and powerful, and his diction clear and sonorous. Recent explorations in the East have given fresh interest to the study of this book. There are many commentaries upon it and works illustrating its connections with history. See especially O. Strauss, Nahumi de Nino Vaticinium (1853); M. von Niebuhr, GeschicJite Assur's unci Babels (1857); Vance Smith, "The Prophecies relating to Nineveh" (1857); and Paul Kleinert in Lange's Bibehcerk, part xix. (1868).

Naiads

Naiads (Gr., to swim), in Grecian and Roman mythology, nymphs who presided over fresh waters, and were supposed to inspire those who drank of them with oracular powers and the gift of poetry. They could also restore sick persons to health. They are represented in works of art as beautiful maidens, half draped, and with long hair.

Nain

Nain, a town of Palestine, in Galilee, mentioned in the New Testament (Luke vii.) as the place where Jesus raised the widow's son to life. It was situated between the Little Iler-mon and Mt. Tabor, about 6 m. S. E. of Nazareth, and 60 m. N. of Jerusalem. It is now an insignificant hamlet, and is called Nein. The rock near by is full of sepulchral caves.

Nairnshire

Nairnshire, a maritime county of Scotland, bordering on the Moray frith, Elginshire, and Inverness-shire; area, 215 sq. m.; pop. in 1871, 10,225. The coast, about 10 m. in extent, is low, sandy, and dangerous. The inland districts are hilly and wooded; those on the sea are well cultivated and productive. The chief rivers are the Nairn and Findhorn. The climate is severe hut healthful. Nairn, the capital (pop. in 1871, 4,207), is a favorite watering place. About 5 m. distant are the remains of Cawdor castle, where Macbeth is said to have murdered Duncan. The room which was pointed out as the scene of the deed was destroyed by fire in 1815; but no part of the castle is really older than the 15th century.