Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1840-01-30

CHAPTER III.
Preparations for a voyage up The Penobscot
-.Manner Of Loe0motion-Shetch of The
party.
Having finished the necessary arrange
ments at Odtown, we pushed our boats
into the stream, and commenced our toll
some ascent up the river. But before TAX
ing my reader along with me, 1 must de-
scribe to him our conveyance, the manner
Of "locomotion, and make him acquaint-
ed with our company. Our conveyance
consisted Of what they call batteau, and
birch canoe. The batteau, is about 90
feet long, and three or four wide in the
middle, tapering towards each end, so that
the ends turn up much like the toes of the
old fashioned peaked toed Shoes 1t is
made of boards. as light as possible, for
it often has TO be carried by the boatmen
around the falls that occur on the river
The bottom is fiat, so as easily to 90 over
shallow water. The birch canoe is made
of the bark of the birch tree, about fifteen
feet long, and two wide, round as the tree
from which it was taken, supported by small
light braces, or knees in technical language,
and, like the batteau, peaked at both ends.
In these frail vessels our baggage, consist
ing of camping apparatus, mathematical
instruments, and provisions sufficient to last
ten or twelve days, was closely packed and
then we packed in ourselves, sitting after
the example of the Indian Governor whom
we had just visited, fiat on the bottom. To
sit in any other way would manifesty be
liable to disturb the centre of gravity of
our frall vessel. The manner of propel-
ling the boats is as follows. To manage
the batteau requires two skilful, athletic
men. One stands on the bow, and the 9TH
er in the stern. Each has long pole with
spike in the end. This is called set
ting-pole. Keeping time with their poles,
they thrust them aginst the rocks, or on the
bottom of the stream, and pushing with
great force, urge the boat rapidly up against
the current. The birch is managed in a
similar way, only it requires but one to
manage it.
Our company we must describe one by
one. First and chief, DR. Charles J. Jack
son. He is gentleman rather less than
the middle size, of very active, nervous
temperament, about 80 years old He is
a man, for one of his age-deeply and ex-
tensively learned, especially in natural
science. AS geologist it is doubtful
whether his equal can be found in Ameri-
ca, or his superior in any other country.
He converses auently, readily, and almost
necessarily on his favorite subjects, natur-
al science, especially geology. He is I'M
firing in energy, unremitting in exerton,
and unsparing of expense, to advance his
favorite science He is extremely kind
hearted and benevolent. one of the most
companionable men that ever breathed the
air of Heaven.
One of his assistants is James |. Hodge,
of Plymouth Mass, grandson of the distin-
gushed Dr. James Thacher. Mr.. Hodge
is young man of about 90 years old,
a graduate of Harvard University, and is
well skilled in chemistry, mineralogy and
geology. He is gentleman of very quick
moral susceptiblites. He is plain and
blunt, speaks right out just what he thinks
is fond of taking the opposite side in ar.
gument, is utterly reckless Of personal
danger and hazard running down ptec
pice, or leaping out of the boat into the
water, at the maifest danger of drowning
or breaking his neck, with his dog and hi
gun, if he sees duck, or partridge, or
squirrel.
The assistant on the part of Maine,
will not describe, as it would be considere,
egotism to say any thing good, and | shoul'