The daily morning journal and courier., 1900-09-03
IN THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN.

Flambeau writes the Norwich Bulle- tin: Tn the Courier of June 2sth ap- peared a good description and picture of the Dragons Hole in Franklin. Per haps some of the traditions connected with that cave may be of interest at this time. In the days when the coun- try thereab bouts was being cleared by the settlers, and the Indians still lin- gered, the settlers took 1t into their heads to find out something of what was within the case; but, none of them possessing the courage to enter, a squaw was hired to explore the subter- nanean mystery, as payment for which she was to receive & pint of rum. She went into the cave, and reported pas sages branching off on each side. and at the request of her employers, count ed the passages, going further. calling back the number when. at the elev- enth passage, a fearful scream echoed through the cavern and the woman was seen nevermore.
 A SECOND LEGEND.
 Another version Is that there was In the cave a pit "A vast unbottomed, boundless, pit" perhaps, into which the Indian was lowered by rope, A pro digious length of rope had been paid but, when the attendants noticed that it became suddenly light, as though the squaw had fallen, they pulled up the rope at once when, To, and behold, the end looked as though It had been cut off with knife. Az before, the Indian never reappeared.
 The danger from dragons In the cave Is, at the present day. very slight, They can often be seen clinging to the roof of the cavern by their hind claws, hanging heads downward, wrapped In their wings. When persons enter with lights test, snaring and hi.sing, but they nev- CT devour any intruders as did the ono which St. George slew. The writer once entered the cave with party of explorers, one of whom captured a dra- gon alive, and carried 1t from it's lair; but it died before reaching civiliza ton, which Is greatly to be regretted, as 1t would have been valuable addition to any menagerie
 A SERIES OF CLIFFS.
 Near the cave Is cliff of consldera- ble height, eighty feet perhaps, from the top of which an extensive view of the surrounding country is to be had The top of Ayers Mountain is covered with laurel, making travelling difficult. On the northeast slope total height of about two hundred feet; at the base of the mountain on that side is plain on which formerly stood the John Aver house, the earliest built in the town of Franklin: the mountain taking its name from John Aver, the first settler. All that now remains of the house is the cellar and crumbling chimney. Nearby Is Baileys Ravine, too well known to need any description.
 AYERS GAP.
 North of Ayers Mountain is Ayers Gap, a gorge through which a small branch of Beaver Brook runs, the car- riage road following up the line of the brook, and along the bank of small, narrow mill pond, shut in by hills. The pond formerly furnished power to n grist mill, the ruins of which still stand at the lower end of the gap. The mill was built by the early settlers, per haps two hundred years back, and was in use until about twenty years ago, since then it has been falling to decay It Is known US the Aver grist mill.
 The country about the mountain is in the extreme, and being bicycle from Norwich, is well worthy If the notice Of those who are fond of a short trip into the country"