The Somerset reporter., 1899-08-17


err to the upper region of country.
We pass by Parsons hotel on around
the eastern and northern base of old
Bigelow, crossing Dead river at Flag
staff Here we found Bro. and sister
II. f. Spear, members of Skowhegan
Grange, who have management of one
of the hotels at this place, and are most
cordially greeted by them. But we are
bearing our objective point and some
six or eight miles of splendid road a
part of it through pine woods, brings
us on to the BURBERRY plains who're we
pitch tents procure baled hay for the
horses, purchased at a reasonable price
near by, and are prepared for the blue
berries, which grow plentifully all
around us We are here from Thursday
noon to Saturday at the same hour,
when having gathered in tweDty-four
bushels, all that we cared to have, we
strike tents, pack up the wagons and
unanimously vote to return by way of
Stratton, Kingteld, and West New
Portland.
We venture to say without fear of
contradiction that no where within the
boundaries of our favored state can be
found more delightful drive than the
one from the BURBERRY plains above
Flagstaff by the way we came to North
Anson; the grand mountain sceneries,
the beautiful Carrabassett whirlng and
eddying and tumbling over its rocky
bed, the blending colors of sky and
forest, with roads emerging from wood
land to the beautiful villages of STRAIT
ton and Kingfield, together with the
well cultivated farms along the way.
A n ,alx a
this time of year. one of the most
charming drives that can be imagined.
And we had the pleasure of passing
over this route, reaching sometime be-
fore nightfall the Carrabassett mineral
spring and farm owned by Mr.. G. g..
Smith. of Boston. The farm contains
800 acres of field and timber land. Mr..
smith has enclosed park of 20 acres
with Page wire fence and within this
enclosure he has two young bears that
came from Canada, four deer, two elks,
and two buffalo, that he purchased in
Michigan, two jackabin pigeons and
two Belgium hares. Mr.. Smith kindly
gave us permission to camp in beauti-
full spot near the park, where at leisure
we could see the animals, and drink
our fiji of the famous spring water so
soft and brilliant, and containing medi.
cinal properties of the highest excel
lence; Prof Sharples of Boston after
Analysing this water pronounced it of
exceptional purity, and the equal OF
any found in New England. AS our
party as a whole, did not propose to
travel on the Sabbath we concluded to
remain at this beautiful place until
Monday, passing the Sabbath in quiet
rest Before leaving, Mr.. smith visited
our encampment making known to us
how he came to open up this splendid
home, and by what means he proposes
to make it one of the charming places
for rest and recreation so often found
in Maine. Mr.. smith is now shipping
large quantities of the spring water to
other points. He is also about to erect
other buildings in addition to these
already erected, and to improve this
property to the fullest extent. In
future years one may expect to see here
large park of animals, as well as find
n home as picturesque and healthful
as any country on the earth affords
Mr.. smith has ample means 10 do this
as well as the push and good judgment
necessary. His foreman, Mr.. II. f..
White and wife, also paid us pleasant
visit and an acquaintance formed that
we trust will be renewed again in the
future.
Early Monday morning we strike
tents and pack tor the homeward drive.
Soon after leaving the Spring farm We
cross the baby railroad, in other words
the n row guage, running from Strong
to Carrabassett. 1t was interesting TO
see the spiteful and hustling little en-
CINE go past with its load of freight
seemingly putting on all the airs of a
wide gauge road. On down through
West New Portland, and across to
North Arson where we separate, each
family seeking their respective homes,
sorry to separate, but glad that we
had such pleasant and delightful trip.
Before separating it was unanimous
vote to be ready Providence permitting,
about August l 1900 to join the grange
party for the 1900 outing. All members
of the order have the privilege of
joining us, and will learn all particulars
as to how, when and where, by consult
ing the writer 5, +. EMERSON.