Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-11-27

leads to sort of half amphitheatre in
which the solid rock of the ledge forms
the half circle. The owner of Ganeston
has improved this natural structure by
having some Of the large rocks moved
into more regular position, and 1ean-to
effect has been produced by the building
Of balcony Of cedar with a tight floor,
over the top of the little natural cave In
the rocks. and under the shelter afforded
by this rain-tight roof. Mi. Gannett has
built seats and tables for the accommoda-
ton Of picnic parties, who find this one
Of the most delightful places In the world
to bring their lunches. At one end Of the
lean-to is little oaken gate which closes
the entrance to a real little cave in the
rocks. which extends back several feet.
and is large enough to permit Of ones en-
terng it.
The Cave and q Story.
An old story which concerns this little
cave, adds touch of romance to its nat
ural interest. The story goes that when
Maine was still in a very unsettled con-
dition, woman and her two little chill
dren were captured near the old block
house fort at Richmond by tribe OF In
dams who were then On the war-path,
and brought up the Kennebec to a point
nearly opposite the place where the State
Insane Asylum now stands. 1t goes or
that in some manner she broke away
from her captors, and with her children
found refuge in the cave in the rocks.
where she died from exhaustion and ex-
posture, the children being found by a
rescue party short time after the death
of their heroic mother. Whether or not
this is the cave referred to in the story
is not definitely known, but as there are
no other caves Of any size in that vicini-
ty the little story can be used in connec-
ton with it.
Large natural seats and chairbacks
have been made out Of tree roots and
other material which Dame Nature left
ready to hand. and In the rocks which
surround the little amphitheatre are to be
found all sorts of strange faces and
shapes which by a slight use of the mag
ination can readily be made to correspond
with animals and creatures of several
Sorts In the center Of the amphitheatre
is novel little stone fireplace, with a
chimney also constructed Of stone, and IN
it the fire can be built SO as to be away
from the wind, no matter what direction
it comes from. for there are individual
openings on all sides.
The birds water bowl is a rounded nat
ural bowl which rests on the top of
heavy boulder. and this is full of water
after every shower. affording pretty
drinking place for the songbirds which
frequent these woods during the sulfimer
months.
Quaint little stairways and balconies of
rustic cedar lead to the attractive points
about the lean-to. and one of the recent
finds is a great stone in the shape of a
highpacked Giants Chair" which will
require horses to set it in position to be
used as chair, but will be very attrac-
tive when in position.
Literally tons of rock have been moved
to make the surroundings Of the am
phitheatrc the wonderful little place
which it now is. and the work done has
resulted in the production of place
which it would be very hard to equal for
scenic beauty or artistic worth anywhere
in this part of the country. The pictures
which accompany this article will give
some idea of the immense amount of
work which has been put forth to produce
the results attained, especially in the case
Of THE House in the Trees" or ''crow's
nest" which was erected in the early
spring. when ice and snow made the
climbing very perilous. and the heavy
timbers which had to be used in order %
render the structure absolutely safe were
difficult to handle under the conditions
The house as it now stands will. in all
probability. remain in its present shape