The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-23
OUR WATERING PLACE CORRESPONDENCE,
Fashionable Society at tho White Noun
tains, Cape ElizaDeth. Saratoga,
Newport, Lake Dunmore,
Lake Michigan and
Fire Island.
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS.

GoRnAM, n, H., August IL. 1853.
On the Route from Montreal TO Portiand-islano
Pond Gorham- Bey lin Falls The Whife Noun
tains-7He Glen-M Washington, SC,
A most delightful ride is that from Montreal tc
this place by the Grand Trunk Railroad From the
time that the traveller reaches Island Pond on the
frontier lire between Canada and Vermont until he
reaches the giant mountain groups of New Hamp-
shire the route lies through billy and richly wool
ed country, presenting succession Of charming
views Island Pond is itself one OF the most pic
turesque spots that can be imagined. Although
only sort of half way resting place its natural
beauties entitle it to place amongst the summer
resorts. Those who love retirement, coupled with
the enjoyment of fine scenery and an atmosphere
that fills ones lungs with bracing heathful ele-
ments, will find il there A series of small lakes
and woods, swsrmng with game will provide them
with plenty of amusement In other respects the
place offers the vsiter all his usual comforts There
are couple of good hotels close to the railroad
station and the facilities afforded by the latter keep
their tables wholesomely and abundantly supplied.
| reached the Gorham station at three in the
afternoon, and was pleased to find that the AL
pine House, my place of destination, was at the
opposite side OF the road. Hungry and tired l
was, felt no inclination to toll through the deep
ruts and difficult road of the glen at that hour of the
n
which all the principal features of this romantic re-
gion can be visited whilst at the time it is in
close proximity with the railroad, no house can
be more conveniently situated. The view IRON it,
WINDOWS is exceedingly fine, Carter Mountain,
Mount Moriah and the Imp, being all within clear
range Of the eve. AT the rear wnos pcturesquely
through the valley the Androscoggin river, its
waters here again subsidng into a silent but IA Did
current, after their turbulent descent down the
Berlin Falls, six miles above
After resting a short while, took one of Mr..
Hitchcocks wagons and drove to the Falls, over q
tolerably good road running parallel 60 the river
the whole way The evening was rather threatening,
but its unsettled character impaired to the noun
famous features of the landscape additional points
of interest. Scenery OF this character must be
viewed in variety of aspects to be thoroughly
enjoyed, and can truly say that in the course Of
this six miles ride / saw more striking
subjects for the pencil of an artist than could have
been picked out in the most cloudless summer day.
The Berlin Falls, from the point at the bridge
where the vister is usually taken to view them,
have very much the character and proportions of
those Of Trenton. but are wanting in some of the
grand and awe inspiring features which distinguish
the latter. The descent is great, if not greater
being little short of two hundred feet, but this is
spread over distance of nearly two miles. Still,
at the bridge, their narrowest point Of confinement
the waters Of the Androscoggin thunder through the
rocks with velocity and force which stun the spec
tator by the loudness OF their reverbera,ion, and
render the scene highly picturesque and exciting
On the following morning joined party setting
out TO explore the glen and visit Mount Washington.
They were principally Boston people, aud, being
persons Of high cultivation and intelligence, the trip
was mot agreeable Some of the ladies' Of the
party, who bad a passionate taste for botanical
pursuits, amused me by the explanations Of almost
childish delight with which each wild flower
set leaf was hailed. And truly that beautiful
mountain road, winding at times through the
forest glade, along the banks Of beau.
tifu stream, with the hills rising on each
side thousands Of feet above US, was sufficient
to I'LL all hearts with sensations of enjoyment and
happiness. The Glen House, which formed our
pciDt OF destination, is situated in a small valley,
completely hemmed in by hills and stands directly
at the base Of Mount Washington The bride road
by which the mountain is ascended can be traced
by the naked eye from its windows almost to the
summit. The ascent Is now 30 easily made, owing
to the Improvements effected 10 the path, that it has
become quite tame aud prosaic affair. From fifty
to hundred ladies ride up there daily, without any
great trial of their powers of endurance. An acct
rarely or ever occurs, and beyond the usual in
cidents OF q rough mountain road the tourist has
nothing now TO boast OF in the way Of adventure 1t
Is quite common thing for persons who make the
ascent TO stop over night sn the summit to watch
the effects of sunrise on the following morning
There are q couple Of roughly constructed habita
tons on the highest peak, IN which a good dinner
ard comfortable bed can be procuerd-thst is,
provided the demand be not greater than the means
OF accommodation, circumstance Of not unfre
None of cur party feeling disposed to undergo
the fatigue Of the ascent under the glare
of searching sun, We contented ourselves
scenery. which was sufficiently grand and imposing
in itee TO compensate for the loss of the more
tensive prospect above Viewed from the glen the
highest peak Of Mount Washington appears ouy Of
secondary altitude 10 that nearest the spectator.
This Illusion is Of course dispeled In proportion
the distance Is increased but II Il difficult 20 make
those standing Immediately beneath comprehend
that the dearest peak Ii not the highest
Connected by spurs with this Colossus OF the New
Hampshire Alps the northern peaks Of Mounts Adams
and Jefferson appear 10 the spectator a, this point TO
vie with II in elevation. From Mount Clay the ridge
descenos precptously into what is called the Great
Gulf-a chasm Of stupendous and fearful proportions
Viewed, ss we had the good fortune 20 view this
scene, on bright. clear day. uninterrupted by
passing cloud, the effect was magnificent beyond
description.
have not attempted 20 point out 70 the attention
Of The tourist the many other pons OF interest to be
visited in these and the Francona Mountains My
object IN the present letter is TO dspel the prejudice
which exists as 20 the fatigue and Danger attending
explorations In this romantic region. by sho wing
how, without even quitting carriage some of the
subinest and most picturesque sceSery in the world
can lie enjoyed. By stopping ov< a night at the
Alpine House, on the way from Portland to Montreal
all that j have described may be comprised by even
valetudinarian OF limited strength
CAPE ELIZABETH.