Year: 1866

for the road to their questions and give all
the instructions necessary before starting but all this
the two guides accomplished in good humored and oil
hand manner and at last the cavacade set We pro-
ceeded In single le the horses moving at slow pace
which found dull enough work long the path lay
through the woods but as soon as fairly began TO
ascend Mount Clinton the aspect OF things changed the
road or rather path became steep and precptous and
excitement succeeded TO the previous feeling OF ind-
ference Here and there we got fine view lasting only
for second, however for the heat intense and the
black flies became very troublesome. Tho guides COM
fored by the assurance that would be half
frozen and would wish ourselves back In present
temperature but this did reconcile anything
more TO It, AT last emerged from the woods into
open space at the summit OF Mount Clinton and made
halt for the guides to examine the horses feet Ono
two needed shoeing, operation which was performed
the spot. The scene just then became exceedingly
picturesque wished myself artist In order that I
might preserve sketch OF IL fuller and more saisfac
tory than the pen and ink one am now attempting.
The party in the first place looked like group of gypses
about TO encamp. The ladies had borrowed or
hired old calico skirts at the hotel TO put over
their dresses and had fastened them down at the knees
with cords which gave them baggy appearance.
Others who had wisely consulted the chambermsids
the subject had provided themselves with country
straw hats which tied down at the sides with
strips Of red flannel The ornamental had evidently not
been studied but the effect sufficiently picturesque.
The horses were pitiable looking objects, and 1t was
PLAN, did not appreciate the fun OF the thing In
short time made fresh start and feeling invigorated
by the clear bracng atmosphere, | went ahead. The
path along level line Mount Pleasant for
distance and tried 10 have trot but the poor beast on
which | was mounted could neither be coaxed nor
driven out OF walk If he was not fast however, he
safe, and his good qualities shone out when be-
gan 10 ascend Mount Franklin The path became fear
fully steep and the horses ascending the rocks
times stood almost upright; again they would plunge
down steep descents, even to look down which was
enough to make the most courageous rcmbe. 30 great
the excitement, however, bracing the
atmosphere and 50 keen the enjoyment OF the
scenery that the most timid seemed devoid of fear
watched the different members Of the party with curl
osity under these influences The dull had become gay
aud the most stupid made brilliant sallcs
The atmosphere had by this time intensely cold
tho wind had risen and the pctticoats and
head gear which were supposed 70 have been
were waited about at the mercy Of the breeze These
little accidents, however were dsregarded, and each
fresh mishap became a subject for fresh burst OF
iIerriment. We pressed vigorously on passing
sionay through clouds which descended the mountain
like dense fog drenching and binding us as IL with
shower, and again emerging into bright sunlight. For
tunately the horses needed no guiding mine
blind Of one eye yet never made false step occa
sonay al some iearfully steep spot II would halt and
examine the ground carefully then down would 70 one
foot and the other, held for few seconds in the air.
would at last descend upon the first. and cronchng
down. the hind feet would be brought 50 close 20 the
fore ones that the animal would appear TO be sitting up
night, Ike cat-a comparison more correct than cle
CANT AS we approached the summit OF Mount
Washington, we entered heavy black cloud
Tho horses toiled steadily in the darkness
up the steep ascent and tho atmosphere be.
came so rarihed that could scarcely breathe
At last reached the top and for minutes could
only gasp but after while this unpleasant sensation
passed OF, and | climbed the rocks TO the summit
House, eager for my dinner, my appetite having been
shapened TO degree that only such toll can ensure The


summit IS log building OF native rock with nearly


fiat roof securely fastened by heavy iron CHAINS passed
over the top 10 protect IL from the winds. We had
scarcely taken for the meal when the Of


ccar clear caused every to rush from the house,
but in instant the view again became couded and we
returned TO the table, where need not say we did fun
justice to the viands such they In about half
an hour the clouds dispersed and we had an unnerapt
ed Wow for hours OF wide extent OF country including
Portland. Bartlett Conway, Mount Mansfield, Cemel's
Hump, &C. II would be impossible 10 imagine anything
surprising In grandeur the thus presented to
view Words would fail to describe il even had com.
mand OF them. II is only from the works OF such ar
lists Gignoux, Church and Blerstsdt that idea
be formed of it, but they fail 10 convey 90 the
mind any adequate notion OF the sublty Of the spec
tacle 1t must be 10 be properly appreciated, and
seen the impressions that leaves never be
efaced