Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-08-08

dulged in many pleasing anticipations OF
the wonders to be developed in this
journey among the clouds. Monday
morning, 18th inst. after partaking OF a
substantial breakfast Mt the Twin Noun
tain House, the stage drove up and we
were soon bowling along toward the
Mecca Of our hopes, drinking in each
breath of cool air from the mountain, and
icasting the eye on the beautiful panora-
mic scenes nature has so bountiully pro-
vided, and which impart such glorious
forctaste of what is to follow, higher up.
We arrived ut the base OF the mountain
with half an hour TO spare ere the train
took its departure. Here is "a convenient
depot and all necessary accommodations
for n station house.
THE RAILROAD.
We had read of this road. had heard 1t
talked of, but was never satisfied, because
we wanted to sec 70. ourselves, rs 1t was
n subject of wonderment To US how
railroad with its engine, ears and track
could he constructed to climb up such IN
ascent. and ut the same time be safe Tor
human life. Upon orr arrival the tram
was on its passage down. Slowly but
surely it slipped over the track and lands
its passengers. who are jubIlant over
their trip. Then we examine the train.
The engine is built expressly for such
road. There is nothing new in The prin-
ciples which govern it. only they are
ADAPTED 10 meet The requirements oi
this particular branch of service. In
stead of going ahead it pushes behind.
The car seats are So arranged rs 10 give
ease and comfort rs the different grades
are met. In addition TO The regular track
for the wheels. there is one in the centre
so adapted rs to iit the conlIc cos wheels
OF the car. By peculiar arrangement
these wheels grapplc and hold each time
the car is pushed ahead, and The passage
up is continual pushing ahead and hold
ing on. There are also ratchets connect
cd with the other ear wheels which holds
them securely To the track. and the pas
sage is rendered safe and comfortable.
Tho road was commenced in 1866 and
finished in 1869. It is three miles IN
length and it, greatest elevation i b3oo
feet above tho level of the sea. The
sharpcst grade Is two thousand ie't 10
the mile. or thirteen and one hall inches
to the ward II cost $50, 900 The idea
was conceived by Mr. Marsh; the cnSi-
ncer who has charge Of The important
road. Dir. Sylvester Prescott. n man ev.
cry way qualified for the work; Capt ).
W. Dodge, is the Conductor, and u more
courteous gentleman wc have never met
with. lie is always rcadg To answer
questions. and by his genllemanlY de-
portment does much toward making The
trip agreeable.
THE PASSAGE VI.
With some misgivings, 1--WE here con
TESS it, caused by the steepncss OF The
mountain before MS. up whose side lay
the railway track, visible ~ far u the
eve could follow its course. while above
lay dense, black clouds, completely en-
yeloping the mountain top. rendering all
above uncertain. wierd-likc and filled
with mystery. We were not afraid -
that is not tho word which would express
the feeling but there WAS something
we cannot lully explain-which occasion
ally made itself manifest. Tho passen'
gers are all on board the steam valve IS
opened, the driving whec moves and up
we go Slowly we leave behind us The
station house higher up we climb ana
the motiou is so steady, the arrangements
so perfect that we feel - safe rs II ut
home in oar easy chair. That leeilng
spoken OF above is all gone now. We
look out OF the car windows and lar be-
low sec the tall trees. whose tops ale not
en- bioh as The trestle work on which The
road is built; farther on the huge trees
in the valley; below look no larger than
berry bushes. There are flowers IN
bloom. and rs the engine stops II moment
to take water. the passengers get out ana
nick specimens which are peculiar TO the
month of May, but in this bleak region
have lust come to maturity. Higher ana
higher we make our way. the scenery be-
coming more and more varied rs we
make the ascent. When about midway
il commences to rain, then it halls. and
finally we are greeted with regular
snow storm-think of il, u snow storm,
July 18th But there it is, and to salts
~ ourselves that we are not laboring I'm.
der dcusion, we gather sufficient to
make a SNOWFALL. 1t is cold now and
oyercoats and shawls arc really comfort.
able. An hour and half filled with
most delightful experiences. such rs will
cause pleasant memories Tor years to
come. and the ride is over We reach
the station amid q driving wind, gong
at the rate, rs the thermometer signiied'
of thirty. nine miles an hour. we had
in an hour and half come out oil sum
mer into winter. With teeth cliatterlhg
as they chatter sometimes in early win
ter we made the best of our way TO the
TIP TOP HOUSE,
n story anil 4 half structure, the lower
norton of which is built OF rocks, upon
which is placed pitched roof. across