Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-02-27
SOMERSET EXTENSION.
New Section Of Timber and Game
Opened Up.

one OF the projects now on foot
Whlct is of vital Importance TO the lum-
her interests OF the State, is the eyten-
sion OF the line Of the Somerset Rail-
way beyond Bingham into the wild and
unbroken timber lands of the Moose
head region. Henry r. Hill. who is
chief engineer and superintendent of
construction on the new line said To a
journal man, yesterday. that crews are
now busy clearing the right of WAY
building camps and making general
preparations for the construction work
during the coming season. About nine
miles of an 1S-mile contract have AL
| ready been constructed. and the total
| survey is about 80 miles in length. with
| the ultimate terminus at Birch point
on Moosehead lake. opposite Mount
kineO.
The capital stock of the Somerset
hallway is largely owned in kenncbcc
county. Ex-Governor J. +. Hill, w. NJ.
Aver of Oakland, ". Z. Haines Of MI
terville. and WaSton Lewis of Gardiner
having large holdings. The timber OF
the region which the road penetratcs Is
owned by the Great Northern Paper
- tiiV NoJuIIl lltilS. y. MdnCnGSter
Haynes, and Bradstrect & Appleton
Although but 4 short section of the
proposed road has been built. they are
already hauling out 10000 ieet of logs
daily. and contract has been signed
to deliver 100000 yearly for the next
five years.
The bulk of the timber is spruce with
Il slight mixture OF pine. but there is
also good percentage of white and
yellow birch. which is nearly as valu-
able property as the soft woods. and
which cannot be driven down stream as
the soft wood can, but requires the ser
vice which is being given by the new
extension. In addition to the rich lum-
Der country which is being opened up
inc section is also a fine resort for the
sportslnen. Not day passes but the
workmen see deer and moose while in
summer the streams are most excellent
fishing grounds.
Some of the peculiar features of the
| new road were mentioned by Mr.. Hill.
one OF which is the long, steady grade
for eight miles out of Bingham i'm
when a climb of $50 feet is made I'm
| case Il car should break loose at Austin
stream, and should meet no obstruc-
ton on the way, it would never stop
until it reached Oakland" Another
thing worthy Of mention is steel tres
tie. which Is probably the largest in the
state. being 500 feet long and 12O feet
high spanning what is locally known
rs the Gulf Stream" There are also
i've temporary treStlcS. from 80 to so
feet in height, built from round timber
cut on tie spot. These will later be
Gonc away with by grading.
Tho completion Of the extension will
mean saving Of several hours in
travelling time between Portland and
kinco. tn" popular summer resort
Moreover. the scenery through which
the road passes is second to none In
the State. in fact. q man who has
Travelled in this country and abroad
has declared that nowhere has he seen
anything to surpass the series of short
falls i'll Austin stream, which makes Il
descent of 200 feet down the mountain
side. 1t is quite evident that much OF
Names wealth and beauty still re-
mains to be found out. and the aim
of this new road is to further that end.