The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-09-16

services as guide, and having slowed n large
box filled with "nid and comfort for the party,
in his carriage, led us of around the shore Of
the LIKE until passing the iron boundary post
which makes the division between the farms
OF Brother Jonathan and John Bull, the fine
road left the Lake and began to ascend some
long hills, which being crossed we struck of
north into n rough wood road and picking our
way for half hour among stumps, logs and
rocks, found ourselves with the mountain rs-
ing almost perpendic ulurly between us and the
Lake, we being directly under it Ohe noun
tain, not the Lake) upon the west side. Our
horses being hastily, though ,ccH cared for,we
discussed the contents of the box aiorcnamed,
when-except Two ladies who remained at
Owls Fcet-the whole party began the ascent
We have done some climbing in our day, hay
ing achieved Mt. Washington and other of tn"
White Mountains before horse path was
thought of, and to our experience the nscent
was mere pnstimc compared with owls Head
Before those of our party no lady had ever
attempted the ascent on this side, the usual
route being from the Lake on the east side the
mountain. Not vestige of track was to be
seen, and our only getupable way was by
climbing from one rock to another, often draw
ing ourselves up by the roots and shrubs
clinging in the crevces of the rock, and not
untrcquently after tugging up steep, mis-
step would send US sliding and rolling TO the
bottom when il was all TO do over again. To
have seen our route you would have venturcd
odds the ladies never would see the summit,
but you would have lost, for though it was n
game of "ench for himself and we could rem
der them but little assistance, the whole party
were upon the summit by one o'clock L. M,
and amply repaid for all fatigue by the mag
nificcnt view irum our eagle height. Far in
the north the valley ofthe st. Lawrence lin.
its the view, and with glass even the city
of Montreal is visible. The Green Mountains
sweep round the horizon TO the west and south
and broad deep gap in u light chain of noun
tains south east, marks the gorge of Willough-
by Lake, while directly beneath us Lake
MemphrcmngOg stretches away north and
south, every rod of its 50 miles in length, its
quiet islands, beautiful bays and inlets, the
villages of Stnnstead Derby, Georgevile sc.
&c. spread beneath our feet, and all distinctly
visible from our elevation. You may be as
surcd that we looked TO remember, each wish
ing TO dagucrreotypc and retain upon his mind
the impress of a picture in beauty unsurpass-
ed by any in New Englandj and when at last
we must descend, many look was sent back
as we turned from the summit, and the prom
Use registered by all that another sum.
mcr should find us there again, No matter
how we got down the mountain, or home, all
were too busy with new thoughts and emo
tons to meet the lower world too soon, and
both the ride returning, and our supper, were
discussed with less of conversation than of
bell brought all to the table, and not head.
ache or loss Of appetite--thc tel! tales OF ia
tiguc--could be found in the party. The lad
les seemed to have discovered new powers
of endurance and were the first ready for our
proposed excursion TO ''provincc island" which
rises from the middle of the Lake some seven
miles north of our bay With just wilma enough
to FL the sails we dropped quietly down the
Lake, reached the island and mooring the
boat under the rocky shore, landed, and were
soon scattered over its surface each according
to inncy seeking amusement Some ran otto
visit a French family. the only inhabitants of
the Island, others to build fire and roast corn,
while the majority were filling hats and hand.
kcrchic!s with the immense blackbcrrics which
here seemed to grow 50 large because they had
nothing else to do.
It's pity pleasant afternoons will have an
end, but they generally do, and seeing this was
not to make the exception, we returned to the
boat and pulled slowly from the island. The
wind had gone down, and as the sun threw n
warm light over the quiet water not a ripple
broke its silvcry surface, save when the wake
OF the boat like the trail of serpent glittered
in n long narrow line behind us. As we round
ed Indian Point and the hospitnble roof Of our
hotel was seen across the water, p. took his
buglc and leaning against the mast played
"HRppy ana light of heart TO warn the cook
mat keen appeNtes were approaching and
when ust upon the note applied to the word
repOSe the boat ran upon something which
stopped her Roadway for moment, and P's.
long figure was pitched from its perpendcu-
larity plump into the laps 1--WE beg pardon, ar d
so did he) of two ladies who were sitting be-.
low him. 1t may have been the Sea Serpent
we ran upon and it may MOTIVE could see no:h-
ing, and backing for n moment the boat re-
sumcd her course and p. his position and bu-
gle, and in a few moments al were laughing
over our adventures around the tempting ia
Bile of our merry landlord. Supper over, the
horses were driven to the door, and after n
pleasant drive to the Line we assembled again
before retiring and unanimously voted that our
host and hostess deserved something more
than the usual business equivalent for their
kindness and attention to our every conven-
fence and happiness. Our friend Page may
be sure that we regret to ave him; with his
good natured face, never heightened unless
when thinking of some new pleasure for us,
always accompanying and assisting he has
made himself with his jokes and stories n most
agreeable accompaniment to our party, while
his admirable wife, our lundlaGy, does achieve
the table and the internal arrangements of the
house IN manner which must be seen and
experienced to fully appreciate their perfec-
ton. And now would you do yoursefa kind
ness come and spend a week at Magog Lake.
Nature is everywhere generous of her magic,
but look New Engl land and Canada over and
nowhere is she more magnifcently lavish and
prodlgal other gifts than here; and we, living
in the midst Of beauties close our hearts againt
her pleasant memories, and shut ourselves up
in our hackneyed conventionalities lest, we
should exchange them for the reiuvenatng
luxuries she offers us, as if forsooth, we could
lose by the bargain. But Page has just mani
tested himself at my door with "horses all
ready sir, and in the words of another s'The
noise ana confusion parvading the assembly is
so great could not make myself unde rstood
II should attempt to write more.
So at last, good bye.
Yours Eb.