Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-07-21
The Editorial Excursion.

Our readers saw the party embarked for
the White Mountains last week Thursday
morning. Accompanied by w. II. Bryant,
Esq, general agent of the Vermont division
of the p. 4 D. railroad, the happy forty
proceeded to the Twin Mountain House, cee-
brated as being the summer resort Of Beech.
err. Here, with that best sauce, hunger, they
marched to orchestral music into the dining
hall where a splendid banquet awaited them.
The process of samping, not in its literal mean
ing, Immediately began and when one after
another withdrew it was with deep convic-
ton that there was nothing barren about those
tables. Dinner completed, and the fixtures
ready, three stages, drawn by four and six
horses, came to the door to take the party
to the base of Mt. Washington. The dis
lance between the two points is said to be
ten. miles. The road, however, running
through country where at every turn
new picture of beauty or grandeur rises from
Natures infinite combinations, was neither
long nor tedious. In due season we were all
at the foot Of Mt Washington eager for the
ascent. The mountain railroad which liter
ally climbs over a ridge Of the highest peak
in New England, is three miles long and
constructed on plan that almost precludes
the possibility Of accident. Besides the Or
binary wheels there are three cog wheels,
two for the passenger car and one for the
engine, which are so arranged that in case Of
q reverse motion clamps instantly fall, fas-
tening the train on the spot. If by any
contingency this security should be vitiated,
an additional brace under the locomotive
sezes the axles Of the wheels, thus making
assurance doubly sure. Two engines are
used, respectively named Hercules and At
las, each having but one passenger car. But
Notwithstanding tho complete safety Of the
ascent, one could not help imagining at first
how terrible would be the consequences Of
an accident AT several points the grade is
at an angle of SOC. The car moved slowly
as if the engine struggled with its load.
Meantime the passengers were on the plat
form or standing at the windows, anxious to
see everything. As we kept creeping up the
mountain side, the temperature began to
change until at Jacobs Ladder (so-called
from the steep declivity at that point,) there
arose demand for more shawls and over
coats than the party had brought The OK
IRENE summit was reached in about an hour
and quarter after the start. Here, over
5000 feet above the sea.level, one can count
mountain peaks by the hundreds,and only here
in New England are there no traces Of the
glacial or drift period. From that fact those
lofty SUBMITS seemed invested with a su.
perior dignity. But after surrendering to
the inspiration Of the place for an hour or
80, the party were glad enough to partake
OF the refreshments prepared for them in the
dining room Of the Summit House. After
iupper a meeting was held at which rosou-
tions Of respect were offered 10 the memory
of j. w. Wheelock, late editor Of the Mont.
pelier Freeman, In tho evening some be-
took themselves to games, some to dancing
while others strOlled out among the rocks to
gaze moonward. Later there were songs
and by twelve o'clock not sound was heard
All retired with the understanding that at
half past three the next morning, every eye