Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1875-09-15
For the Freeman.
AuSable ChaSm.

DEAR FREEMAN: In our last, we had
Just reached the upper earth after three
hours in Ausable Chlsm. We have not
yet seen all of this wonderful place. Leav-
ING the Pool, we proceed down the river
halfa mile further, passing on our way
two foaming rapids, and at the Basin"
we come into the open, flat country, al
the rocky walls o: the Chasm ending here
At this point and other places along the
river we can see the propriety of the name
given to this river by the early French set
tiers. " AUsable, pronounced O'Subl." or
{. to the Sands" by the sandy beach
Having seen the "Chasm" proper, two
miles in length. we return by a shady path
through the woods to the Lake View
House " to dinner. After dinner We again
start out, rs We must make the most of our
short STAY rs we leave for home tomorrow
Passing down the winding stairway lead
inc to the river. We cross Birmingham
Bridge. and gazing a few minutes at the
rapids by the bridge. directly reach a
grassy lane, passing up which. and through
the gate, we are at once at 4 charming lit
tie pond Minor" Keeping on with it to
the left, along pathway we'll shaded by
cvergreen>. we soon reach a fine sandy
beach. This is surrounded by juttng
rocks, forming 4 cool. shaded pool. u capi-
tai bathing place. much frequented by the
juveniles. Returning a short distance by
the same path. we pass 4 gurgling spring.
shooting out from the rock, near by which
some one, having the good of the public
in view. has hunga cup. Taking refresh
ing draught, a path to the left leads up the
hill into Il shady wood of stately pines
Here, seats are arranged for picnic pur-
poses. Passing through the wood and
cl;imbcrng over Il wall, we skirt along the
woods for about two hundred yards, when
turning short to the left through the trees
we descend half dozen stone steps, and
at once we see Alice Falls thirty fee,
perpendicular. They are very charming
every drop Of water disposed of to the
best advantage. One of the great charms
of this fall is its coming on you SO unex-
pectedly.
A short distance from us,as we return, q
country graveyard is seen. Here, former.
lv, on tomb stone, was this curious
epitaph, and rs suppose the immediate
family thought people should not make
LIGHT of a grave subject, about a year age
it was removed:
"iIere S-T- lies, and that's enough.
The candle Is out, also the suuf
Her soul is with God, never fear,
And what remain ie inferred here"
In the evening. we again go through
the "Old Brown Lodge" to see the grand
est sight of all. Passing down the stairs
and across the bridge below Horse Sho.
Falls. we assemble on the rocks Soon, b,
the light Of torches in their hands, we sc,
men hurrying along the rocks close up t.
the base Of Birmingham Falls. and in AZ
instant, the Fall "pours over, as it were
mass of molten fire. Nothing can equa
the scene now witnessed by us. Soon tn,
crimson is succeeded by yellow. then green
white and blue greet our astonished vison
as all the different cOlored Greek fires ar,
started After this, enormous bonfire
light up the entire chambers. the ligh
wood being made more inflammable b,
kerosene. But we have not yet seen all
An energetic, ambitious youth is seen hur
rying along the rocks on the west side
with torch in hand, and when he reaches
nearly to the base of the falls, almost il
its spray, suddenly the bright Greek fir'
shows brightly over the fall. His position
| is the best chosen Of ALL but his ambition
is not yet satisfied, for soon he lights &
new bonfire and adds new glory to tn,
scene. This is the last of this wonderful
display. With tired bodies, but happ,
hearts and great thanks to our enterpris
ing friends for affording US this great ant
magnificent spectacle, we very reluctant,
leave the chasm. and wend our way bacl
to the 8 Lake View," feeling our dut,
will not be properly done, till we tell al
our friends, relations and acquaintance
to fully explore this marvellous place.
r. NJ. MCINTOsH.