Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-01-07

A Trip Eas,ward-The Aroostook and Its
Resources.
A tourist, in passing over the Maine Central
Railroad, from the beautiful Kennebec and its
rich valley to the Penobscot, sees but very little
to interest in the face of the country.
The European & North American Railroad,
from Bangor to Passadumkeag, presents no more
pleasing prospect. The face Of the country is
like that from Clinton to Bangor on the Maine
Central, if we except Piusfcld, Benton, Newport,
Etna and possibly two or three other villages and
their vicinity. Ga the European & North Ameri-
can road we pass through some busy places, as
Orono, Oldtown, VIM and Lincoln. when we
come TO Mattawamkeag, where are the extensive
works of the E. & N. A. r. X. This town takes
its name from the river which empties into the
Penobscot at this place. From Mattawamkeag to
Vance boro we pass through several call villages,
which are built up chiefly by the numbering and
tanning interests.
We were informed, but we will not vouch for
the truth Of it, that at KDgman is the largest tar
merry in the world.
Danforth, on the Baskahcgan, is pretty place,
aud the resort Of huntsmen and fishing parties.
We left quite company Of such here. AT Lam
bert Lake we passed large lemon and orange box
factory. This lake is very beautiful, and may
well he called the Lake OF the Woods
We diued at Vanceboro', and the Custom
House officials paid their best respects to all ex-
cepting those checked through. who received
more attention at their journeys end. This is the
border town between Maine and New Brunswick.
short distance just over the river, we come to
From here to Houlton, about fifty miles, there is
little worthy of note. The land is poor and unin-
vi,ipg. The few villages along the line Of the
railroad present very poor and shabby appear
ance far inferior 10 those similarly situated this
side OF the line.
ohn fye n'clnck m,
Here we find large, and a very beautiful and
thrifty village. The branch railroad from the St.
Andrews & c. r. r. terminates here, and has
added much TO the prosperity and convenience Of
II. A branch of the same road is now being
built to ort Fairfield, somewhat TO the disgust OF
the good people Of Houlton, as it will divert much
Of the business Of interior Arcostook in that
direction.
From Eoulton to Presque Isle is journey Of
forty-two miles by stage: By stage now, but
Fairfield, which will be 10 few weeks, the better
wav TO Presque Isle from the western part Of
Maine will be BY Fort Fairfield.
Presque Isle is one Of the coming places Of
Aroostook. 1t has grown very rapidly for few
wears past 1t has at present three houses Of
worship, two of which aie new, and one nearly SO,
a beautiful building for the High School, town
hail. an excellent teur and grist mill, two hotels,
steam saw mill, and another driven by water
power two large starch factories, stocking fac
tory and one cheese factory.
The country around Pressure Isle is unsurpassed
in fertility OF soil and beauty OF landscape, so
we conclude its prosperity has just commenced.
The principal source Of thrift must be farming
In this direction its resources are so grea: that the
obstacles in its way, short seasons and distance
from market, cannot much hinder it, But
must not forget the two newspapers published
here-the Sunrise and the Star, both conducted,
should judge, with a very fair share of
ability. No one need feel home-sick while living
in Pressure Isle.
Any one visiting this place, WILL Of course, call
at Foit Fairfield and Lyndon, hour hing towns
Presque Isle they do not lag far behind, and will
not when each shall have railroad to The pretty
end houtishng village of Caribou.
that will excel this part of its territory. The land
now needs no ferilizng; it may in the future.
For the production of hay, oats, barley, back
wheat potatoes. ETC., it would be better with less
richness of soil. The past season demonstrates
what we have just remarked, the wet summer
having caused nature 10 pour forth her treasures
most 1avshly. Fruit raising has just commenced
in Aroostook, and promises rich reward. In
this respect 1t will some day compete with kenne-
bee.