The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-06-10
Recent Publications.

GUIDE Book FOR MOUNT DESERT. BY Mrs. Clara
Barnes Martin. Published by Loriug Short &
Harmon, Portland.
To all lovers of this most beautiful of the
summer resorts Of Maine, this little book will
but to increase the interest which they al
ready feel in spot endeared by so many
pleasant recollections. The book is divided
ed into six chapters. First, "Routes to Mt.
Desert" which contains full and clear direc-
tions for reaching the island by the several
different routes from Portland and Boston,
describing the beautiful natural scenery and
points OF interest TO be found ON each. In
this chapter is also given condensed history
of the romantic old town of Castine, town
to-day so tranquil and commonplace, that it
seems almost incredible that it could ever
have been the scene of the stirring and trag-
ical events herein narrated.
Second, Topography and History" de-
scribing the numberless natural beauties of
the island, their relative positions, various
modes of access, etc. Here the authoress,
with her intense appreciation Of the beauti-
full in Nature, has imbued her descriptions
with the spirit of poetry, which more or less
pervades the entire work. In describing the
pond called Jordan's, she says, Approach
ing it on the south from the sea, one is i'm
pressed with the beauty of the scene. 1t is
the loveliest spot on the island. With the
Twins at its head, and the loftier ranges on
either side, the lake sparkles in its rugged
mountain setting-the Diamond of the For
est. The Twins themselves are of an ex-
quisite grace, suggesting the tenderest simile.
Vainly tried to sketch the sunset shadows
upon them, and the long light across the
lake, till the twilight gathered and the lone
trumpet of the loon sounded in the air." In
conclusion she says, "This catalogue of
points Of interest might, even now, be more
extended, and every year will add to the num-
Der; but enough has been said to justify the ad-
mration of returning tourists, and to give
some certain information to those to whom
MI. Desert is only name." --.
Then follows history of the island from
its first grant to De Monts, to the present;
describing.the struggles of its different pro-
prietors for its ownership, the old Jesuit mis-
sion etc., all of which add a subtle charm to
| the place, and cause one to wish to visit, and
| see for himself the theatre of these tragedies.
| Chapters three, four and five, are ON ''Ex-
cursions from Bar Harbor, Somerville and
| Southwest Harbor, and are full of accounts
of the most delightful excursions to be taken
both by land and water, and of hints of how
| to enhance the pleasure of these excursions
by deviating slightly from beaten routes,
stopping for picnic dinners, gipsey suppers,
etc. . .
Number five is "How to make the best use
of short VISIT" and tells how all that is
best worth seeing may be seen in four days.
The book is very neatly gotten up, illus
trated by five handsome photographs. and
contains two correct maps; one of Somes
| Sound, and one of the eastern section of the
Island; the first has been copied from the
chart issued by the coast survey, and the
other has been prepared from unpublished
drawings by the courtesy of Mr.. John W.
Dom of the coast survey. This invaluable
little book will be issued by the publishers,
Loring, Short and Harmon about the middle
| of the present month.