Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-07-22

transported to some light abode of the
fairies. These hills can be seen at dis
of eighty or hundred miles at sea; and the
reason the sea cannot often be discerned from
the mountain is because the sky bends down
and kisses the sea, and the latter is often mis-
taken for the former. As you stand upon the
mountain, in a clear day, you see at the west
the Green Mountains of Vermont, Camefs
Hump and Mansfield Mountain; to the north
west are villages and hamlets and rivers at
your feet, the Connecticut winding along like
a thread; to the north and northeast, a few
miles distant, are the northeastern peaks of
the same range-Jefferson, Adams and Madi-
son. Eastward we turn towards our own
State, and see Mt. katahdin, the only noun
tain we are apt to brag much about. There
are mountains at the southeast, and here
another glimpse is got of Maine and Sebago
pond near Portland. Beautiful intervals
stretch tar to the southwark, and the SHIN
mering waters of the Winnipesaukee. spelled
quite differently in the spelling school of thir-
ty years ago. Tuckerman's ravine is on the
east side, and plainly discernablc from the
carriage road. 1t is long, deep, narrow hol-
low, with perpendicular, broken and craggy
walls. The SHOWS Of winter drift into this
ravne at great depth The place has about
it a weird interest from the fact that an ex-
plorer in that region, losing his f0othold, fell
into the ravine and lost his life amid the
SHOWS. Little Eta Bourne, the daughter of
the late Judge Bourne of Kennebuns, fell
weak and fainting while ascending the moan
tain, and died there in her fathers arms, and
the monumental pile of stones to her memory,
may be found near the summit An Indian
girl, grievously wronged by her lover, threw
herself from one of the frowning peaks, and
thus immortalized the place. Another maiden
vi m LOT bar
to seek fair maid across the ravine, fol-
lowed him on through the dreary days and
nights and at last her famshed and liteless
body was found sitting erect by the side of
huge boulder. Places are pointed cut to you
that have been consecrated by the blood of
victims, but none Of our party were self-sac-
rificing enough to render any particular por-
ton of the mountain memorable in the man
ner indicated.
The immense beds Of moss on the noun
tans serve as a sponge TO retain the moisture
brought by the clouds and vapors that are
rising constantly and gathering about the
mountains, making constant supply in the
assures of the rocks to issue forth in streams
or sprays; and from these come some of the
finest rivers in New England-the Saco,
Merrimac, Ellis, Peabody (trbutarv TO the
Androsccggn) and Ammonoosac (trbutarv
to the Connectcut).
Although there are mountains in every d.
rection, the scenes are different as viewed
from each mountain; it would be profitable
to spend several weeks in climbing each in
dividual mountain and taking in the view
from each. Many prefer to ascend on foot,
taking their own time to view the prospect
from various points.
The high wind that prevailed when the
party had reached an altitude of several hum
bred feet, increased to gale when the sum
nit was gained. Then was really and truly
appreciated the suggestion of the committee
of arrangements. that shawls and overcoats
would be more useful than silk dresses and
swallow tailed coats. Ladies with false teeth
and old men with wigs were fearful OF losing
their ornamental appendages. Scarcely could
q strong man stand the pressure of the high
wind blowing at the rate of fifty miles an
hour But oftentimes it increases to one
hundred miles an hour, accompanied by rain
snow and sleet. and then it is disagreeable in
deed. The party found themselves enwspt in
thick clouds that obscured the much coveted
view from the summit, and bottinG up their
disappointment and gathering few rocks,
for specimens, began the descent which was
if anything more interesting than the ascent
Descending into the valley we had the grim
satisfaction of looking back upon the summit
which was clearly in view to the naked eye,
while summer calm pervaded the whole at.
mosphere. Had We borne up against the
gale few hours longer, a sight would have
been spread ont before us rarely vouchsafed
to mOrtals.
We will rest here for the present, while our
editorial party are having a reunion at the
Glen Ii. O.