Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-08-14
For the Democrat.
A TRIP TO MEGUIRE'S ISLAND.
BY A. WARD, JR.

| IN n. NAkD, Jk
Under the skillful management OF that
bold and experienced navigator, Captain
A. l.. Fsunce, the new and commodous
steamship Island Belle" moved from
Lake Street Landing so easily and steadily
half the passengers knew not when the
movement began. We passed through
some OF the most lovely scenery it has
ever been our fortune to behold. On one
side graceful trees and shrubbery rose so
close that the calm, cool waters mirrored
back their shadows with such vivdness
that the trees and shrubs in the depths
below seemed more bright and beautiful
than those on the earth above; behind
them the great red brick walls of the Rob-
inson Manufacturing Company rosa
spot OF glowing color in the brilliant land
scape; while, farther away, the stateliest
in the MONDAY sun. The other side CLOVIS
with the more quiet but still attractive
colors Of cultivation: the meadows, and
the little brooks are green with the richest
grasses; woodland and cultivated fields
are tremendously blended; the birds OF
summer find their delight in trim orchards
and blossoming gardens; all variegated by
| farm-houses of many colors, some standing
bold and defiant on the hill-topS, others
costly nestled amidst protecting groves.
The surface is gradually risiug-meadows,
plains, hills, heights, and In the far dis
tance the hsZy blue of the mountains can
be seen.
The steamer advanced, slowly al first,
through a narrow and rather intricate
channel, INSTRUCTED by sand-bars, and
pierced by innumerable stumps, black and
kuotty, but still in harmony with a rural
landscape, and more pleasant to the eyes
of the jaded city man than monuments of
shining marble or columns Of enduring
stone. Right among them the pond-lily,
larger here than elsewhere, sends up its
pure, white virgin blossoms, filling the
cool air with rich fragrance no other
flower can match. Now the darker hue OF
the water shows greater depth beloy, aud
the steamer rocks and reels for moment,
in unison with the quickening strokes OF
one of Penney's splendid engines, and then
rides the yielding waters like a bird upon
the wing. Every moment new psnoramas
OF beauty open before the enchanted sight.
Tourists, who have visited many times
Msine, say, that among them all this little
gem of crystal water hath no peer for ro-
mantle and beauteOus scenes. Ia outline
aud appearance IL closely resembles, though
on a smaller scale, Lake WinuipesogeeG-
that matchleSs jewel which flashes and
sparkles at the entrance 10 the Crystal
Hills" The same small islands, gemminS
the crystal waters like an emerald on
beauty's breast the same irregularity OF
shore line, breaking into thousand little
coves, from whose low shores great trees
rise, as il were from the very waters,
which are swarming with black bass-a
veritable sportsmsn's paradise. The arm
or bay which runs up to Oxford Village is
a perfect photograph OF that which runs
up 10 Centre Harbor, excepting that II
shows more OF the beauties OF nature, and
less OF what in this connection are the re-
pulsive works OF art. Hersey's Hill, Ike
Red Hill. overlooks wide stretch OF wa
ter, plain, hill, mountain and village.
We are In the precincts OF large, busy
manufacturing village, and yet along the
shores sombre forests rise Ia melancholy
grandeur. and hide in their deep shades
the rich soil the sun has never warmed
No axe has leveled the giant progeny or
OF the crowded groves. In which the fan.
tAstic forms OF wlthered limbs, that have
been blasted and riveu by lightning, cou.
trss, strangely With the younger growth
OF oYarehea eres, trees rear tae!r suart
arms A. II laughing to seoFa the cyclones
puuy power others are breaking from
their roots in the yielding soil, and threat.
az 20 fall with the first rude gust; while
the ground Is stJevn With ruins or former
forests, over which . psosas!on CT wild
nowers waste ;hoir fragrance IS II In mock
ery OF the gloom. No sound breaks the
silence, save the laughter OF the passengers,
the flight OF birds, or the occasional leap
OF a hungry nsh. u
Meyulre's Island contains from 30 to 70
acres, aud Is covered for the greater part
by dense growth OF LOFTY trees. On
rocky aud commanding eminence-con.
tanning some OF the finest granite We ever
saw-r!ses the Island House. II Is three
stories high, shingled on the sides, instead
OF being clsphoarded, Is painted DARK
red with darklsh brown trimmings, and
ornameuted with artistic lines OF diamonds
Of many colored paints. A broad, cool,
breezy Vsrands runs nearly around the
house. The surrounding forest has been
trimmed and cleared up into cool, shay
and beauteous grove. A hundred bright
co,ored hammocks are swung in the lowest
branches, while many swings hang from
the more lofty branches. An elegant pa
villon 75x3i, and numerous small out
houses complete the outside picture. To-
side. the f,oor of the commodious Office Is
laid with ash, polished until II shines Ike
a mirrors face. The desk and counters
ara a curious mosaic of rare and precious
woods. The doors OF most or the other
..o-,s ana coyarad with rich carpets. The