The Portland daily press., 1865-04-28
BANGOR. Anril 26. la65

BANGOR, April 70, 1860.
To the Editor of the Press:
1t becomes all persons to speak well of the
bridge that carries them safely over. Under
ordinary circumstances should not think Of
writing about railroads in a letter Intended to
give some account OF the great Musical Fes-
tival that is going on in this City Of the East;
butt was so well pleased with the Maine Gen.
trail railway leading from Danville Junction to
this place, that must say few words in its
praise. never passed over it before, and was
not expecting to find it very smooth, especi-
al at this season Of the year, but it is In most
excellent repair and remarkably smooth
Riding In cars over uneven rails is shocking
mode of conveyance, and worse than seasick-
ness, and not half SO health giving an opera
ton. ~ az sFe Rr N
There is some scenery on this route that is
truly romantic and picturesque. Crossing the
bridge just above Lewiston Falls affords a
sublime land and water prospect; and the
running on the margins of Winthrop and Bel
grade lakes, II do not call them ponds, for
some consider that rather vulgar,) gives the
passenger fine view of these beautiful sheets
Of water and the surrounding landscape. Win
throp is six miles long. and Belgrade nine, and
{ lie track runs near the water most of the way.
In coursing along by these lakes, he who has a
penchant for angling, is remindedo his favorite
SPORT and longs to "throw bis line )" for in these
waters are some magnificent trout, such as
would have stirred the blood of the good old
Isaak Walton. The road passes through ma
ny pleasant and thrifty villages; but this
beautiful picture has, like all other good ones,
its dark back ground. Railroad enterprise
goes straight ahead, and II it builds railway
over highly cultivated grounds and through
rich river valleys, it is well, but this is not
often done. And on this route there Is some
of thu most sterile, rocky land to be found in
Maine, or elsewhere in New England. Low
ground, cedar stumps and rocks, SO thick that
one can hardly place his foot between them,
or a sheep poke her nose, are passed over, but
all is smooth on the rails, and the passenger
don't know but he lis passing through beau
tifu country unless he happens to look out of
the car windows. Now love the landscape
SO well that even these sterile spots are pie g.
ant; besides, what do we know of good or
evil, except by contrast? But will not stop
to moralize.
Bangor is now full of excitement and the
very air is resonant of musical sounds. Nor
embega Hall is crowded with the lovers OF
Sweet music" The musical Convention is
destined to be a splendid affair. Morning
noon, and evening there are concerts and re-
hearsals. There are some five hundred sing
ers present from various parts of the State
But will not attempt description of this
festival now, but reserve it for another letter.
Haydn's Creation is to be performed, and 9th
er pieces. The concert this evening drew a
crowded house, and all went well. The Mem
delssotn Quintette Club are here, and furnish
the accompaniment, and most admirably do
they perform their parts. ssssrrs
Before close this hastily written letter, let
me say word about the Bangor ladies'. al
ways thought Portland was famous for beauti-
full women, and so it is, but Bangor is full up
to the Portland standard. Il suppose there are
many ladies here now who do not live in this
city, but come from the towns adjacent. No
matter; they are here in oil their freshness,
health and beauty. The young ladies' are In
full feather, and the saucy hats they wear teach
young men to beware. Their hair, too, how
it is crimped and frizzled, until 1t is full of
",crinkledums cum crankledumsi' Female
Ingenuity is truly wonderful. But it began
with mother Eve, and has been handed down
without any loss or deterioration.