Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-09-21
For the journal.
vi VIZ Y ''''
JAC4TiON.

GoRHAA, n. H., Sept. II, 1872.
The drive from Bethel through Gilead and
Shelburn to this place is one of the most
beautiful that can be imagined. Although
the day was wet, yet fortunately there was
not so mGeh fog accompanying the rain as
usual, and we had good view of all the
scenery which was not too distant. The
White Mountains were entirely shrouded in
mist. The road was mostly good, and not
very billy. The farms along the river are
evidently under high cultivation, and the
houses and other buildings indicate prosperi-
ty and good living. The road follows the An
droscoggin river nearly the whole distance,
with smooth and verdant interyale land
stretching between the ROAD and river. The
background, on either side of the river, con-
sists of high hills. bare mountain peaks, pre-
cipitous cliffs and dense forests rising up the
steep activities.
We noticed several very large and costly
residences, built undoubtedly by men OF
wealth who have retired from active business,
and captivated by the fine scenery amongst
these mountains have selected this locality
in which to live and spend their money. In
some instances, they have INDUCED their taste
in ornamentng their buildings and grounds
without regard to expense, and, as some
might judge, rather Enthusiastically.
We see this beautiful scenery under some
what unfayorable circumstances. The clouds
darken the horizon, and fogs and mists OBJ
oFtba ba;r
But we can imagine that in bright summer
day, Emerson's lines would be very appro-
pirate.
"Aronnd this lovely valley rise
The purple hills of Paradise.
BecaImed along the azure sky,
The argosies OF cloudlanu lie.
Whose shores, with many shining rift,
Far of their pea. Lwhite peaks uphtt'
To-day the ''azure sky is altogether in
visible But without this, and without the
bright and cheerful sunshine, which Won
derfully Eliminates a landscape, so much of
beauty and freshness remains, tina; it is still
charming and delightful.
| Gorham is small but handsome village
shut in amongst the mountains, with more
hotels than churches, and certainly more
costly ones. The Alpine house is the home
of the aristocracy in the White Mountain sea-
son, and is truly magnificent pile of build
ings. Six dollars a day is said to be the reg
ular charge for board. 1t reminds US of what
,ome traveller in this region reported on his
, return home, that he found "the hotel charges
} higher than the mountains" We, however,
? Jared very well at a less expensive house.
: This morning the rain has suspended its
n fall for time at least, but fair weather has
not made its appearance. The fog still rests
on the mountain tops, and the sun still hides
g itself behind its cloudy veil. At present, We
If cannot even see the tops of Mount Washing
II ton and its surrounding peaks. 1t may vel
ia be imagined, that. the past season, with it.
;, frequent rains, and dog day mists, has no,
!, been favorable for White Mountain travel.
Such is the fact, at least on this side of the
u, mountains. But if we cannot see the noun.
tains, there is fortunately other scenery that
we can view, Notwithstanding the clouds.
SENIOR.