A Guide . . . . TO p asquaney ^Ke (Newfound) and the Towns upon its Borders. New Hampshire's Most Beautiful Lake A GUIDE TO Pasquaney Lake (or Newfound Lake) AND The Towns upon its Borders. BY R. W. MUSGROVE, Author of History of Bristol, etc. BRISTOL, N. H.: MusGBovE Printing House. 1910 ^' \^' Copyright, 1910 By R. W. MasGROVK ©C!,A268724 PREFACE The object of this book is to briug to the knowledge of summer visitors the natural beauties and points of interest in this region, and also to compile a few facts and data which may be useful and of interest to the residents of this vicinity and to those who have never visited its shores. This lake and its surroundings form one of the most beautiful spots in picturesque New Hampshire. This is conceded by every one who looks for the first time on its charms, aud this charm grows the longer one lingers with- in its enchantments. It is one of the few spots where lake and mountain scenes mingle. Its many beauties deserve to be better known. CONTENTS Introduction PAGE. The Scenery — Nomenclature — Elevations . . . i Pasquaney or Newfound Lake Origin of Name — Size — Scenery — Sugar Loaf — Its Ledges — Its Islands — Fish — Indians — Indian Point — Poem 3 Bristol Historical — Descriptive — Newfound River — North Bristol — Silver and Plumbago Mines — Profile Falls — Drives — To the lake — Luther Ladd— To Hill village — Round the Mountain — Hannah Dustin— High Bridge — To Alex- andria village — Burns Burying Ground — Poem — Around the Lake — To New Hampton — Robinson Falls — Over Bridgewater Hills — A Fight with the Indians — IMurray Hill — Mountains and Mountain Views — New Chester Mountain — Sugar Hill— Bristol Peak — Fishing — Eleva- tions of Prominent Points ..... 10 Hebron Distances — Historical — Summer Schools — Wades Hill — Kemps Mill— Bear Mountain — Teuney Hill — Crosby Mountain — The Notch— Cockermouth river — Grove Hill —The Hillside Inn 32 Bridgewater Historical — Old Meeting House — Mayhew Pike — McClure Tavern — Hoyt's Tavern — Elm Lawn — Poem — Bridge- water Peak — Fifield's Spruce Hill • • • 37 Alexandria Distances — Historical and Descriptive — Fowlers river — Alexandria Village — Foster Pond — Goose Pond — The Meadows — Sugar Loaf Mountain — The Ledges — Weltons Falls — Pulpit Sounding Board — Mt. Cardigan — How to Ascend — Its View 43 i8 day we travelled 14 milds and that day we crost two great streams that runs into Meremock one of them comes out of a great pond which some indens say it is 3 days jour- ney round it. The land is very full of great hills and moun- tains and very rocky. Abundance of spruce and hemlock and far and some brch and mapols and we Camp". — Extract from Capt. White's Journal, 1725. INTRODUCTION The area treated in this work includes those towns that border on Newfound lake and some of its contiguous terri- tory. The Scenery in this section is of a decidedly moun- tainous and attractive character. Its chief lake is remark- able for its beauty. The brooks are rich in cascades and rapids. Fertile mead.ovvs and rugged hills alike abound, and the mountains here attain greater altitude than in any other section of the state 50uth of the Francouia mountains. The variety of the scenery is one of its greatest charms. It will thus be seen, that whether a person likes high land or low land, mountains or valleys, grand views or pretty views, he cannot fail to find something to his mind in this region. Nomenclature. The question of nomenclature in this region is peculiarly complicated. Some fine summits are wholly unnamed, notably the one in the Cardigan range a short distance south of Baldface, while many others are blessed with a dozen different cognomens, any one of which is known only to a select few. In all cases where it is pos- sible the writer has used the geographical titles, and in cases where there are none he has adopted the most popular and euphonious of the local names. Of the Elevations given below, a part are as computed by the U. S. Coast Survey, the others being measured by an aneroid barometer. The correctness of these latter results has been proven by measuring heights previously determined by the Coast Survey, there being in no case a difference of 2 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY I.AKE more than a few feet. In most cases also the work of the barometer has been verified by repeated measurements. The list below includes the principal mountains in this vicinity, or seen from the territory embraced in this Guide ; their height, and distance from Bristol village. Bristol Peak, Bristol, 1,785 feet ; 2 1-2 miles Bald Head, Groton, 2,200 feet ; 14 miles Bear, Hebron, 1,846 feet; 6 miles Beech hill, New Hampton, 1,300 feet; 10 miles Bridgewater Peak, Bridgewater, 1,700 feet; 5 miles Burleigh, New Hampton, 1,700 feet; 3 miles Cardigan, Orange (S. Pk.), 3,156 feet; 10 miles Cardigan, Orange (N. Pk.), 3060 feet ; 10 miles. Cannon (or Profile), Francouia, 3,850 feet; 39 miles Chocorua, Albany, 3,540 feet ; 33 miles Clement hiH, Bridgewater, 1,300 feet ; 6 miles Crosby, Hebron, 1,600 feet ; 9 miles Eagle Cliff, Franconia, 3,446 feet ; 40 miles Forbes, Orange, 2,200 feet ; 8 miles Flume, Lincoln, 4,340 feet ; 36 miles Gunstock, Gilford, 2,394 feet; 18 miles Israel, Sandwich, 2,880 feet ; 22 miles Keasarge, Warner, 2,943 feet; 16 miles Kimball hill, Groton, 2,200 feet ; 13 miles Lafayette, Franconia, 5,259 feet ; 39 miles Lincoln, Franconia, 5,101 feet; 39 miles Moosilauke, Benton, 4,811 miles; 32 miles Pine, Alexandria, 2,150 feet; 5 miles Pinnacle hill, New Hampton, 1,500 feet; 5 miles Plymouth, Plymouth, 1,900 feet; 8 miles Page Mountain, Hill, 1,750 feet; 7 miles Ragged, Wilmot, 2,265 feet ; 9 miles Sanbornton, Sanbornton, 2,300 feet; 2 miles Stinson, Rumney, 2,707 feet ; 18 miles Sunapee, Newbury, 2,683 f^^t ; 26 miles Tenney hill, Hebron, 1,900 feet ; 9 miles Wilson, Hill, 1,900 feet ; 8 mile Wades hill, Hebron, 1,650 feet ; 8 miles Washington, unincorporated, 6,293 feet; 52 miles Whiteface, Albany, 4,007 feet ; 30 miles Wonalancet, Albany, 2,000 feet; 31 miles PASQUANEY OR NEWFOUND LAKE This beautiful sheet of water, one of the finest of all the lakes of New Hampshire, has, till recently, been known only by the uncouth and meaningless name of "Newfound." The author of this Guide, when at work on the History of Bristol, learned by an uncertain tradition that the Indians knew this lake by the name of "Pasquaney," "the place where birch-bark for canoes is found." After having searched for years to substantiate this, without avail, he ventured to speak of it as such in the columns of his local paper and gave this name to Prof. F. L. Pattee, who soon after wrote of it in verse as Pasquaney. The name was received with great favor by many and it looked for a time as though it would be generally adopted at once ; but there were others who mourned this departure with keen regrets, and clung to the old name with great tenacity. The name "Pasquaney," once spoken, can never be re- called, and this fact calls to mind the words of Will Carle- ton : — "Boys flying kites haul in their white-winged birds. You can't do that way when you 're flying words." That the name will be a favorite one with succeeding gener- ations seems more than probable. Old acquaintances very generally cling to the old name, but new friends almost in- variably choose the more musical and poetical name of Pasquaney. 4 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE Previous to the settlement of this section this lake was known as Baker's pond or New Found pond. In 175 1, Jonathan Farwell and John Kendall assisted in running the line marking the westerly bound of the lands of the Masonian proprietors. In their report they speak of coming to the west shore of New Found or Baker's pond. After the grant- ing of the township of New Chester it became known as New Chester pond, and Rev. Jeremy Belknap speaks of it in his history as such, as late as 1791. It was however gener- ally known as New Found pond by the first settlers and is thus spoken of in the first records of the town in 1766. New Found pond finally gave way to Newfound lake, and the name is now properly written as one word. This lake contains about eight square miles. It is 7 miles long and 2 1-2 miles wide at its widest point, and is consequently the fourth in size in the state, Winnepesaukee, Squam and Sunapee alone being larger, and the latter by only a fraction of a square mile. It lies 590 feet above the sea and is almost wholly within the limits of Bristol and Hebron. The base of Sugar Loaf, including the ledge road and a short stretch of the highway north and south of this point, is in Alexandria. The line between Bristol and Hebron extends from a point on the west shore, just north of Nuttings beach, to a point directly opposite on the east shore, and the line between Bristol and Bridgewater extends from this last-named point down the east shore of the lake at high water mark to a point just south of Raymond Cavis's cottage. It will thus be seen that though Bridgewater borders on the lake no part of its waters are within the limits of that town. The scenery about this lake is of great beauty and loveliness. On the west, close to the water's edge, towers the almost perpendicular side of Sugar Loaf, above the nar- row road that winds at its base, close to the water and but a few feet above it. To the east is an unobstructed view of THE LEDGES. SUGAR LOAF RGAD ! ■ - UMi i ^^^^MiflK m '-jWp W' PASQUANEY OR NEWFOUND LAKE 5 the lake at its widest part to the beautiful slopes of the Bridgewater hills beyond, while the deepest water of the lake, 135 feet, is at one's feet. The road at this point was made by blasting away the ledges above the water and building up from beneath the water, and is prevented from sliding into the lake by iron pins inserted into the ledges beneath the surface, above which logs were placed as a foundation for the road. This spot is a favorite resort for driving parties from all points, and should be visited in the afternoon when the mountain shadow is thrown upon the lake, and the contrast between the rugged cliffs and the placid water is more strongly marked. Just north of Sugar Ivoaf , and a little distance from the shore, are the Bear mountains, whose sides in view are equally precipitous. On the north, still farther from the shore, is Crosby mountain, with the long mass of Tenney hill more to the right. Still farther to the right is Wards hill, while between the two latter, in the distance, may be seen the Franconia mountains. On the east are the Bridgewater hills. There are four islands in this lake. The largest, May- hew, is located in the southern part ; Belle island lies about a mile east of Sugar Loaf, and between Belle island and Sugar IvOaf lies an island that is generally called Cliff Is- land. Loon island is in the north part of the lake and of very small extent. Half way between Belle island and Sugar Loaf is a point where a very distinct echo may be obtained; and another at the foot of the lake. The water of this lake is exceptionally pure. Its chief tributaries are Fowlers river, which drains the country be- tween. Cardigan mountain and the lake, and Cockermouth river, which drains the country north of the lake. Num- erous trout brooks also flow into the lake and never-failing springs at various points on the bottom are constant feeders. This lake has been famous from the first settlements on 6 A GUIDE TO PASOUANEY I.AKE its shores for the large quantity of lake trout of great size in its waters. For many years these were chiefly taken by spearing in the fall, when vast numbers congregated on the spawning beds near the shore. At such times they were taken so easily that barrels of these fish were salted down by the farmers for use during the year. (See also Fishing.) In 1886, it became known that these fish could be caught by trolling, and a large number of fishermen visited this lake each year, and more fish were taken from its waters lawfully by trolling than were formerly taken by spearing, contrary to law. As many as 400 pounds of the fish, of the average weight of ten pounds, were sometimes taken from this lake in a day during the open season, and ere a decade of such slaughter had passed a lessened catch showed the supply was being exhausted. The largest lake trout from these waters was caught through the ice in February, 1901, and weighed 25 pounds. About 1874, a quantity of the fry of the land-locked salmon was placed in Cockermouth river by the fish and game commissioners, and this has been done several times since that date. In 1890, 15,000 of the land-locked salmon were placed in Fowlers river, and, in 1898, 40,000 fry of Lake Superior white fish were added, and later fry of the Pacific salmon. About as many land-locked salmon are now caught as lake trout, and some have been taken weigh- ing from 10 to 13 pounds. Of the Pacific salmon, one has been taken which weighed four pounds, thus showing that these fish are doing well in the waters of this lake. Cusks, pickerel, perch, and horned pout are also indigenous to these waters and at times large quantities are taken. The Indians lingered about this lake long after they had left the southern part of the state. In 1756, Ezekiel Flanders and Edward Emery of Boscawen, who were trap- ping near the Cockermouth river in Hebron, were both PASQUANEY OR NEWFOUND LAKE 7 killed by the Indians, and ten years later the red men were still on the shores of the lake. The esthetic nature of the Indian is shown in the selec- tion of his camping grounds, usually the most beautiful spots to be found. The point of land on the west shore, known for some years as Rogers Point, was a favorite spot. In 1901, the author of this Guide discovered on this point a veritable Indian workshop, where, perhaps for many years, Indian squaws had made stone and flint arrow-heads aud other implements. Here within the space of one square rod he found nearly a thousand flint chips, broken aud im- perfect arrow-heads evidently spoiled in the making and thrown away, and fraghients of pottery. On account of this discovery, which without doubt indicates an abiding place of the Indians, this point he appropriatel}^ calls Indian Point. The author has also found Indian fire-places near the shores of the lake and in other places. On the hillside some rods south of the stream that drains Foster pond into Fowlers river, are the remains of a score of these fire-places. Their presence is discovered by stones protruding from the ground in a circle, perhaps ten feet in diameter. Removing from four to six inches of accumulated earth within this circle, invariably a layer of flat stones is uncovered, on which is found charcoal, the remains of fires that burned 200 years ago or more. Indian arrow-heads, spear-heads, stone axes, gouges, pestles, aud other stone implements have been found at various points around the lake. These Indians were a part of the great Algouquin race. Those living in the interior were called Nipmucks, meaning fresh water Indians, in distinction from those living near the seacoast. This lake usually freezes over, in the main part, from the first to the eighth of January, and opens from the 15th to the 25th of April. In 1882, the lake closed on the night of Dec. 20, and in 1886 not till Jan. 10. In 1902 the ice went out April 10 ; in 1889, not till May 12. 8 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE Newfound lake is not surpassed by any body of water in the state for the beauty of its setting, its sandy beaches, wooded shores, and fine fishing. Thousands resort to its shores every season for rest and recreation, for fishing or hunting. The following beautiful poem was written by Prof. Fred Lewis Pattee : PASQUANEY LAKE Ah Loch Katrine, Th)' beauties have the bards of Scotia sung From days untold ; And every clime has seen Thy crystal pool by mountains overhung. Thy tints of gold,— But not for me thy charms fair Loch Katrine, For I will dream my summer days away Where on the beach the lazy ripples play Of that sweet lake unsung and half unknown, — Pasquaney, 'mid the forest dells alone. Why cross the sea. To view the Trossachs wild in Scotia's land ? For mile on mile The rugged mountains free About my lake are piled on every hand, And Ellen's Isle Beneath a beetling cliff here one may see. And bare and lone against the western skies Behold the sentry peak Ben Ledi rise. O that another "Wizzard of the North" Might rise to sound their modest praises forth. And bright Lemain, The sad-souled Byron found delight in thee, And every clime PASOUANEY OR NEWFOUND LAKE Has joined in rapturous strain To praise fair Como, gem of Italy, But no dark crime Has dyed Pasquaney with unseemly stain, For on my lake there stands no dark Chillon, With dungeon towers to dim the rays of morn, No haughty Rome has ever ruled by thee, Thy streams are fetterless, thy waves are free. O mountain lake, Would I could free thee from a name uncouth. And could restore The name that thou didst take From that dark race that loved thy lonely youth In days of yore, The name that hints of breezes half awake. The voice of wild ducks sporting in the flags. The trout's bold leap, the rustling birches' rags, The honk of wild geese on an autumn noon. The wild, unearthly laughter of the loon. BRISTOL Historical. Nov. 7, 1629, Johu Mason, a merchant of London, was granted an immense tract of land extending from the Merrimack river in Massachusetts on the south to the center of Newfound lake on the north. Six months previous to this grant, Rev. Peter Wheelright had purchased of the Indians much of this same land and the validity of Mason's grant was in the courts for more than a hundred years. Finally, John Tufton Mason, a merchant in Boston, an heir, and sixth in descent from John Mason, succeeded in having his title affirmed, and he sold to a syndicate, known as the Masonian proprietors, that portion of his grant lying within the bounds of New Hampshire. Sept. 14, 1753, the Masonian proprietors sold to a syn- dicate residing in or near Chester, the territory now em- braced in the present towns of Hill, Bristol, and Bridge- water, which was called New Chester. This tract lay next south of the line between the lands of the state and the lands owned by the Masonian proprietors, and extended from the Pemigewasset river on the east to Alexandria on the west ; from Cockermouth (now Hebron and Groton) and Plymouth on the north to New Breton (now Franklin) on the south, and included the larger part of Newfound lake. It embraced, exclusive of ponds, 30,000 acres. This territory was organized under the name of New Chester in 1773, and incorporated Nov. 20, 1778. Feb. 12, 1788, this territory was divided and that portion lying north and east of Newfound river and Newfound lake at high water mark was incorporated as Bridgewater. Bristol was incorporated June 24, 1819. It included that portion of New Chester lying north of Smiths river BRISTOL II and the southerly part of Bridgewater. Two thirds of the lake, which before this was within the limits of New Chester, now became a part of Bristol. The name of the town of New Chester was changed in 1835 to Hill in honor of Gov. Hill. The first settlement within the limits of Bristol was made in the summer of 1767 by Lieut. Benj. Emmons, on the farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J. M. V. B. Dalton, on the road to New Hampton, three miles from Bristol vil- lage. The farm is still owned and occupied by his descen- dants, while the farmhouse on this place is the oldest dwel- ling in town, being erected in 1788 by Lieut. Emmons. The Distance from Bristol village to Newfound lake is 2 1-2 miles; to Alexandria village, 5 miles; Bridgewater post- ofhce, 4 miles; East Hebron, 8 miles; Grove Hill Farm, 9 miles; Hebron village, via east side of lake, 10 miles; Sugar Loaf, 5 miles; Hebron, via Sugar Loaf, 8 miles; Plymouth, 19 miles; New Hampton, 5 miles; Profile Falls, 2 miles; Hill village, 5 miles; Danliury village, 9 miles; Bristol Peak, 2 1-2 miles ; Cardigan mountain, 12 miles. DESCRIPTIVE Bristol is situated in the southeast corner of Grafton county. Territorially it is one of the smallest towns in the county, but in wealth, population and enterprise it is one of the first. Bristol at its incorporation had a population of 675 ; by the census of 1900 it numbered 1600. Bristol village, which contains perhaps 1200 of its total population, is situ- ated on Newfound river, the outlet of Newfound or Pas- quaney lake. This village is one of the prettiest in the state. . It has about 225 dwellings distributed along five miles of fine streets, while its stores, manufactories and public buildings number about 50 more. The village is sup- plied with aqueduct water from the lake for fire and domestic purposes, its streets are lighted with electricity and 12 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE have fine concrete sidewalks, and the highway from the village to the lake is macadamized. Its residences denote thrift, taste and comfort. It has four churches — Congre- gational, Methodist, Free Baptist, and Roman Catholic, a free public library, good schools, good hotels, a well con- ducted and liberally supported newspaper, a woolen-mill giving employment to about 150 hands, two large paper- mills, two pulp-mills, two grain-mills, machine shops, and various woodworking establishments, including the largest crutch manufactory in the United States, whose products go to all parts of the world. Its 25 stores and markets of various kinds draw their custom from many miles in all directions, this village being the natural center for trade for this section. It ha^s also a prosperous Savings bank, incor- porated in 1868 and which erected in 1892 an elegant and commodious bank building; and a National bank incorpor- ated in 1S98. This village numbers among its secret socie- ties, a Post of the Grand Army, Relief Corps, Lodges of Odd Fellows, Masons, Knights of Pythias, a Grange, Rebekahs and various other organizations. Bristol is connected with the outside world by three trains each way daily on the Bristol branch, Boston & Maine railroad, connecting at Franklin with the main line of the Concord Division, and has daily mails, telegraph and telephone lines. Newfound River. This river, the outlet of the lake which bears the same name, lies wholly in Bristol and has a course of two and one-half miles. It has a fall of 235 feet and affords power for the various manufacturing establish- ments upon its banks. From Central square to its junction with the Pemigewasset, a distance of a quarter of a mile or less, it has a fall of 105 feet, and though broken by numer- ous dams, when its banks are full, it presents a magnificent scene. North Bristol is a small hamlet two miles north of BRISTOL 13 Central square. It was formerly known as "Slab City," from the large number of slabs made at the saw-mill once located there. It once boasted of a saw-mill, grist-mill and a small woolen-mill, where woolen cloth was made, and where cloth woven by the farmers' wives and daughters was fulled, and other industries; but fires and the changed con- ditions of society have wiped them out and now but a few buildings remain of what was once a prosperous village. The Bristol Silver Mine is located on a hill west of No. Bristol. In 1875-85 a tunnel was bored 300 feet into the solid rock in search of the precious metal and one can walk in the entire length if provided with a lantern and rubbers. Ar- gentiferous galena and gold bearing quartz were found here as well as beautiful specimens of quartz crystals, but more gold and silver were put into the hill than ever taken out, and consequently the mine was abandoned. Plambago nine. On the Samuel Hilands farm east of the southern extremity of the lake is a plumbago or graphite mine of considerable extent. This farm is reached by tak- ing the Wicom road that branches to the east and ascends the hillside from the main road a half mile or less from the foot of the lake. This mine was spoken of in Farmer and Leavitt's Gazateer for 1820 as the largest and best body of plumbago in the country. It was worked for commercial purposes soon after, and a high grade of lead pencils was made from its product. John Atwood, a laborer, lost both eyes here by a premature explosion of a blast. In 1875 argentiferous galena was discovered on the Isaac C. Tilton farm in Bridgewater on the east shore of the lake a short distance from the plumbago mine. The vein was supposed to be a continuation of that at North Bristol, and a shaft was sunk near the highway to the depth of 75 feet. A tunnel was also commenced near the lake shore and extended into the hill some distance. The debris from this tunnel was dumped into the lake and now makes a 14 A GUIDE TO PASOUANEY LAKE convenient landing place for boats near Cottage city. If any money was made in the development of this mine it was by the sale of stock to credulous victims. One prospectus sent out stated that ore to the value of jjao.ooo lay on the dumps. Profile Falls. The small hamlet of six or eight dwell- ings, an excelsior mill and schoolhouse, two miles south of Bristol village on Smiths river, the dividing line between Bristol and Hill, was formerly known as "The foot of the mountain," more recently as South Bristol, and now called Profile Falls. This name is suggested by the beautiful falls or cascade at this point and a very sharply defined profile on a ledge at the foot of the falls. In the early days of Bristol there were a saw-mill, grist-mill, fulling-mill and a tannery here, and here was set in operation the first carding mill in Bristol for making wool into rolls for the farmers' wives to spin. In later years a saw-mill, only, was operated here, and this was still later changed to an excelsior mill. This hamlet has a very pretty setting. On the south of the stream tower the two peaks of Periwig, sometimes called Tri-Peak, and on the west the sun sets early behind the towering form of New Chester mountain, or Round Top. The Falls are easily reached by a path from the excel- sior mill. The water glides down over a ledge about forty feet making a beautiful cascade, and falls into a very pretty basin. The Profile is on the ledge on the north bank whose base is washed by the water of the basin, but at this close proximity no profile is distinguishable. The best view of the profile is obtained by crossing the river on the bridge and following a well-beaten path up the south bank about 75 rods to "Indian Rock" from which a fine view of the falls is obtained and the profile at the right is very clearly outlined on the rock. PHOFILE FALLS. SMITHS KIVKK BRISTOL 15 DRIVES Few places surpass Bristol in the number and variety of its drives. Perhaps the most popular drive is To the Lake. About a mile from Central square on Lake street, on the south side of the river one passes the mill of the Dodge-Davis Manf. Co., its large proportions not being readily seen from the street. Here are made some of the finest flannels in the United States; just north of here on the east side of the highway is the large paper-mill, till recently known as the Train-Smith Co. mill. Col. Train, its head, died in 1905 and it is now owned and operated by the Mason-Perkins Paper company, which also owns and operates the long brick paper-mill on the east side of the river just above this point. Next above this latter paper- mill is the power plant of the Bristol Electric Light com- pany, while a half mile or more farther north is North Bristol, with its abandoned silver mine on the hillside to the west. A half mile farther brings one to the foot of the lake. Continuing along the south shore, a ride of one fourth of a mile, affords a most enchanting view of the lake and moun- tains beyond, and brings one to the old Mayhew turnpike. Should the desire be to return to the village from this point it may be over this once faijious pike. After a short ride through the woods, one emerges on high ground which gives a still more extended view of the lake than that last mentioned, and as one nears the village a fine view of New- found river valley and of the region to the west towards Danbury is obtained. If, on reaching the foot of the lake, a more extended ride is desired, the drive should be extended two and one half miles to the "ledges" on the west side of the lake. After crossing Newfound river, at the outlet of the lake, for nearly a mile the road extends along the shore with enchant- l6 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE ing lake views all the way ; then the road leaves the shore, affording a fine view of Cardigan in the distance and Sugar Loaf and the Bear mountains nearer at hand on the right. After passing over the only piece of plank road that exists in town, one reaches Adamsville. Here at the east end of a short road running at right angles with the main highway and extending nearly to the lake shore, is an his- toric spot, for here was born, Dec. 22, 1843, Luther C. Ladd, the first man who fell in the Union army in the Civil war. He was a member of the famous 6th Mass. regiment that was attacked by a mob when passing through Balitmore, Apr. 19, 1861, and there he fell. His remains now rest under the Ladd monument at Lowell, Mass., from which city he entered the service. The fact that young Ladd was a resi- dent of Alexandria at the time he went to Lowell to work, and that his remains were first interred in Alexandria gave rise to the newspaper report" that he was a native of that town. He resided in Bristol till he was ten years old when his father, John Ladd, removed to Alexandria. The Ladd farm is now owned by Mr. A. W. Carr of Boston. His summer home, the Ladd farmhouse, where Ladd was born, was destroyed by an incendiary firein 1902. Continuing the drive a mile farther on the road towards Hebron the Sugar Loaf ledges are reached. This is the most interesting spot about the lake, and is more fully de- scribed in the chapter on Pasquaney. To mil Village, on the east side of the Pemigewasset, crossing Central bridge ; returning on the west side — 10 miles. On the east side the road is up hill and down, most of the way ; on the west comparatively level. On this drive, after having reached the most southern point on the east bank of the Pemigewasset, this river is crossed on Belknap bridge. At this point Tilton Bennett had a ferry in 1794. The first bridge here was constructed about 1808. This was carried off by a great freshet in 1824, and its successor in > f *%* LUTHER C. LADD (Tliv first mail wlio fell in tlic Union Army.) BRISTOI< 17 i860 was lifted from its foundations by the water of an ice dam, and carried down stream. On the west side of the Pemigewasset at this point is Hill village. This is a pretty, wide awake and enterprising village with a Congregational and a Christian church and a modern schoolhouse. Half way between Hill and Bristol one passes the spot where- Capt. Cutting Favor made the first settlement in the old town of New Chester in the summer of 1765. His log cabin stood on the east side of the highway on what is now the lawn between the two farmhouses on the Wilson Foster farm. This ride also passes Profile Falls, already de- scribed in this chapter. •♦Round the riountaln." To Profile Falls, South Alex- andria, to Bristol — 5 miles. Soon after leaving the village a fine view is had down the Pemigewasset valley. Here may be seen on its west bank a half mile distant a famous camping-ground, where Capt. Baker and party encamped in the spring of 1712 when returning from an expedition against the Indians. Having attacked the Indians and inflicted great loss upon them at Bakers river in Plymouth, and repulsed them on the Webster farm in Bridgewater on the retreat, they rested at this camping-ground and prepared food, and here they resorted to a ruse and deceived their pursuers as to their numbers by each man using several forked sticks in roasting his pork. After Baker had con- tinued his retreat the Indians came up, counted the sticks, and concluded the whites were too many for them to cope with and gave up the pursuit. Here also Capt. Powers' ex- pedition to the "Cohos" county encamped in 1754. This was also a favorite camping-ground for the Indians, it being at the foot of the "Long Carrying Place" on the east side of the Pemigewasset, past Bristol falls, then known as the Sawhegenit falls. Here probably many a captive passed the night on the way north from the settlements below. It was this route that the captors of Hannah Dustin were l8 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY I.AKE taking, and she, too, would probabl}' have stopped here had she not dispatched her captors at Penacook Island. At Profile Falls after turning to the South Alexandria road, one passes the remains of a cellar where once stood the house where lived John Smith, one of the early settlers of Bris- tol. Nearl)' opposite his house, on the bank of the stream, once stood a grist-mill and saw-mill, and the first carding and fulling-mill in town. Here, too, at the head of the falls, was the first bridge over Smiths river, on the first road into this country from the south. From here the road extends along the river's bank and a fine view is obtained of the wild, mad stream as it leaps from ledge to ledge or foams over the many boulders that impede its way. The narrowness of the defile, the height of the falls, and the fury of the stream combine to make this a picture of rare beauty. A fine spot to view the rapids is from the high bridge that spans the stream at the head of the falls. In nearing Bristol village from the west, on this drive, one passes the large and well-kept cemetery of the Bristol Cemetery association on Pleasant street. To South Alexandria 3 miles ; to Alexandria village via New road 4 miles ; via Crawford's Corner and lake shore to Bristol 5 — 12 miles. This ride includes level roads nearly the entire way. From South to North Alexandria the road lies nearly the entire distance — 4 miles through the dense forest with not a house, and on a hot summer day this ride is most delightful. From the meadows at Crawford's Cor- ner a fine view of Cardigan is obtained. To Alexandria Village via Lake Shore, 5 1-2 miles, thence to Bristol over Alexandria hill, 3 1-2 — 9 miles. This ride takes one over the same road to the lake and along its ■west shore as before described. While climbing the west side of the hill, between Alexandria village and Bristol, on the return a fine view is obtained of Cardigan and other mountains. On reaching the highest point on the road to BRISTOL 19 Bristol one arrives at a level stretch of road but a short dis- tance in extent. In the woods on the south side of thi=; road, sixty years and more ago, was held each year, by the Metho- dists, one of the largest camp meetings in New England, tent companies coming from the large cities as far dis- tant as Boston. At this point is a road which branches square to the right. An extremely sharp pitch of this road is in sight, but if one has not had enough of climbing to satisfy man and beast or even an automobile he should ascend this steep hill to the four corners, which are nearly in sight. At the summit is located the old Burns burying=ground, immortalized in song -by Prof. Fred L. Pattee. A most beautiful view is had from this point extending to nearly all points of the compass, including the Franconia and White mountains. The burying-ground is a reminder of early days and before you leave this sacred spot, read the following beautiful lines referred to above. BURNS HILL There is a legend old. By aged grandsires told On winter nights when fire and lamps are dim, That years and years ago, Ere had been struck a blow Within the woods about Pasquaney's brim, A hardy little band Sought out this forest land From Londonderry, in the month of June, And slowly day by day Toiled o'er the tangled way. By babbling streams and meadows blossom strewn ; And just as evening fell, — I've heard my grandsire tell, — A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE They came one day upon this little hill ; The purple western skies Had tints of Paradise That filled with mellow light the valleys still. The towering mountains grand Arose on every hand, Beneath their feet, asleep, Pasquaney lay; And to the little band The place seemed fairyland. And one, a maiden weary of the way, Desired, if she should die. In this sweet spot to He In blissfvil rest, above the sleepy wave ; And ere fell winter's snows. Ere faded summer's rose, With loving hands they made her here her grave. The years have flown since then, The busy hands of men Have torn the woods and fettered all the streams ; Yet still in the sunset's glow The lake smiles from below. And in the west the mountain monarch gleams. The churchyard now is old ; Its sacred bounds now hold The dust of all that little band of yore ; Its stones are black with moss. The tangled bushes cross Above the maiden's grave and block the door. Yet in this northern land Amid these mountains grand, I know no spot more beautiful, more bright ; No spot more fit to keep SilAi.E!) i;i.'AL), M:.AK SL'OAK jAiAi' BRISTOL 21 The dead in their long sleep 'Till Resurrection morn shall banish night. Having returned to the level stretch of road referred to above, a ride of a few rods brings one to a road that turns to the north. From this point a ride of a few rods brings one to the height of the land, where another fine view is to be had, including lake Pasquaney and Mount Washington. Around the Lake, going up one side and down the other — 20 miles. This ride includes the Ivcdges, described elsewhere, Hebron village, which once boasted one of the largest and best seminaries in the state, the building still standing; Grove Hill Farm, where a halt should be taken lp_.g enough to visit the grove on the crest of the hill, which offers what many call the finest and most extensive view of "Fair Pasquaney." The East Hebron post-office is located at the old McClure tavern stand, which did a thriv- ing business before the advent of railroads. At this point you reach what was once the old Mayhew turnpike, one of the main thoroughfares from northern New Hampshire and northern Vermont to Boston. Continuing south one passes a succession of farmhouses, grown into large proportions and peopled, often to the utmost, during the summer season by those who are seeking health and recreation on the shores of Pasquaney. To New Hampton, on north side of Pemigewasset and returning by same road or on south side — 10 miles round trip. Both roads offer fine views of the Pemigewasset river and valley. About three miles from Bristol on the highway on west side is the farm where J. M. V. B. Dalton resides. Here the first settlement in Bristol was made. The stumps of two immense willow trees near the highway a little west of the dwelling were the two posts of Benj. Emmons's tent when he first camped there. The house now standing is the oldest in town, having been erected in 1788. New 22 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE Hampton is a very pretty village, the seat of the New Hampton Literary Institution, a very flourishing school of the Free Baptist denomination established in 1821. It boasts of one of the finest libraries in the state, the gift of Judge Stephen Gordon Nash. By his munificence it has about 7,000 volumes and an endowment of $55,000. In going to New Hampton by the north route and re- turning by the south, one crosses two of the old-time covered toll bridges of the state (now free). That near New Hamp- ton village, Pemigewasset bridge, was erected in 1806, and succeeded a ferry which previous to that time had been operated for about two years by Daniel Burley. Near Bris- tol village is Central bridge erected in 1823. Robinson Falls is not the least pleasurable drive which this section affords. From Bristol village take Central street through the covered bridge to New Hampton ; thence along the right hand road which soon leads into a pretty stretch of shaded roadway along the Pemigewasset river. A mile, or thereabouts, brings one to the bridge across Blake brook, and a road turning to the left over a hill. Continue along this road to the Oliver Blake place, where are two red farmhouses near a bridge over the Blake brook. For a view of the falls the carriage should be left here, and a walk of about three-quarters of a mile, along the north bank of the brook, will bring one to the sparkling waters which tumble into a rock basin many feet below. A few rods farther on is a second and an equally good fall, both known as Robinson falls. The ride may be continued along the south road through a magnificently wooded section. After a distance of about one mile is the main road, where a turn to the right brings one to the home stretch. The round trip is about 8 miles. After the walk to the falls, the ride may be continued along the north, instead of the south road. This is somewhat shorter than the other route, and leads to the old Fisk meeting house, or schoolhouse, where ROBINSON FALLS No. 1 > ROBIXSOX FALLS No BRISTOL 23 a sharp turn to the right brings the traveler to the straight road oti the return to the covered bridge. Over Bridgewater hills. To Bridgewater post-office, up the west side of the hill, down the east side to the Pemi- gewasset, down Pemigewasset valley to Bristol — 20 miles. This ride gives one an opportunity to ascend and descend some of the steepest hill roads in the state and enjoy some of its finest scenery. From a point nearly opposite the summer home of Edward A. Marsh, formerly the farmhouse of J. E. S. Fifield, on the summit, is a view of Mt. Washing- . ton. A mile or so distant from this place is the Bridge- water town house. This building is a part of the old meeting house erected in 1803-5. The original structure was 38x49 feet, two stories high, with the old-fashiotied box pews, a gallery on three sides, and a sounding board over the high pulpit. Here worshipped an organized Congrega- tional church and a Free Baptist church. The building was cut down to its present dimensions in 1881, when the old sounding board was placed above the entrance. After entering the Pemigewasset valley, on the west side of the highway south of the Webster farmhouse, is the place where Capt. Baker and party had a fight with the In- dians on his retreat from Plymouth in 1712. Capt. Baker with 34 men and a friendly Indian as guide had scouted up the Connecticut river as far as Haverhill, thence up the Oliverian brook and down the Asquamchumauke river, now Bakers river, to Plymouth. Here they found an Indian encampment, and a large quantity of beaver skins, but most of the Indian warriors were absent hunting. Some of those in camp were killed and the rest dispersed, upon which Capt.. Baker and his party took as many beaver skins as they could carry and started towards home going down the Pemi- gewasset valley. The Indians rallied, called in their hun- ters and gave persuit. It was near the Webster farmhouse, spoken of above, that the Indians overtook Baker's party and 24 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE gave battle, aud it was here that Capt. Baker killed the In- dian chief, Waternomee. Both fired at each other at the same instant. The bullet from Waternomee's musket grazed Baker's cheek as the Indian chief dropped dead. Murray HUl. — A ride from Bristol village to Cass's mills; thence to Murray Hill, to Hill Center, Hill village and back to Bristol comprises a ride of 20 miles and is one of the most delightful in this section. Murray hill lies at an elevation of about 1200 feet above the sea and is becom- ing quite famous as a summer resort. Its chief attraction is the magnificent view to be obtained, including the White and Franconia mountains and the nearer views of Dickerson hill, Wilson and Page mountains, with Newfound lake a few miles to the north. These drives may be extended almost indefinitely, es- pecially if one likes to travel over some of the back roads, and each one possesses attractions and views peculiar to itself that well repay for all the time and effort expended. MOUNTAINS AND HOUNTAIN VIEWS New Chester flountain or Round Top. By this designa- tion is meant the mountain south of Bristol village. It was for many years, previous to 1878, designated simply as "the Mountain." On the establishment of the local paper in Bristol the editor, needing to refer to this mountain by some name, spoke of it as "Round Top" from its resemblance to the famous Round Top on the battlefield of Gettysburg. This name was kindly received, and it became generally known as such. More recently, when gathering material for the "History of Bristol," the editor discovered that in the early records of New Chester it was spoken of as "New Chester Mountain." This name is so strikingly appropri- ate, tending as it does to preserve the name by which the old town was known, that it was so designated in the His- tory of Bristol, and should replace all other names. BRISTOL 25 The summit of this mountain is but an hour's easy walk from Central square. In reaching it one passes over a portion of South Main street, High street, and then up the steep road to near the summit, the whole being over a portion of the first road through this section, known as the "Concord and Plymouth road." For forty years after the settlement of this section a large amount of traffic passed over this mountain road going north and south and for many years a community of farmers prospered on this hill. Near the highest point of the highway on the southern slope is the old time neighborhood graveyard where repose the ashes of Tom Fuller, a Revolutionary soldier, who lived on the opposite side of the highway. By his side rest the remains of his wife, who died at the age of 102 years. The View is very fine, especially considering the ease with which the summit is reached. Looking very nearly south, following the Pemigewasset river, about five miles distant is seen Hill village. On the left in the distance are seen the hills of Franklin and Northfield. On the west side of the river the most distant elevations are the Andover mountains, on the summit of which is the line between Hill and Andover. A vein of gold-bearing quartz extends along these mountains and across the river, and sixty or seventy years ago work was commenced on this vein in the river channel, but a sudden rise of the water buried both vein and tools and work was never resumed. Immediately in front are the three peaks of Periwig, now sometimes called Tri-Peak. Between New Chester mountain and these peaks flows Smiths river, the division line between Bristol and Hill though unseen till near its junction with the Pemigewasset farther east. The summit at the extreme right on same range as Periwig and somewhat higher is Wilson mountain. To the left of Wilson in the distance is Kearsarge. Over the right side of Wilson is seen one or two peaks of the Ragged mountains. In the distance on the right are the 26 A GUIDE TO PASOUAXEY LAKE mountains of Wilmot and Springfield, while nearer and farther to the right is Pine with its long sloping sides, and Forbes at its right. In the distance to the right are the massive peaks of Cardigan. A seeming extension of Cardi- gan ends abruptly at Newfound lake, its most easterly sum- mit being Sugar Loaf, with Bear mountain on the north. Only a small portion of the lake is seen and that some dis- tance from Sugar Loaf. To the right of Sugar Loaf are Crosby mountain and Tenuy hill in Hebron and beyond is Moosilauke, 30 miles distant, in Benton, the hotel on its summit being plainly visible in a clear day. At the right and nearer are Wards hill and the Bridgewater hills, and still farther to the right is Bristol Peak. Between Bridge- water hills and Bristol Peak may be seen a group of moun- tains in the East Branch country — first the south peak of the Twin mountains, then the two pyramids of Guyot and Bond, which rise above the long whale-back of Scar Ridge. To the right of Bristol Peak in the distance is seen the Sand- wich mountains and next on the right Chocorua and, on a clear day, the Conway mountains beyond, To the right is the Copple Crown range of Belknap with New Hampton hills in the foreground, that in the immediate front being Whites hill. Sanbornton mountain is still farther to the right. Sugar Hill is the eminence rising abruptly close to the village. It is easily ascended on the west side and affords a fine view of the village, Mt. Cardigan and other points. By reading the view from New Chester mountain one can readily distinguish the various points to be seen from this elevation. Bristol Peak, or Peaked hill, as it is too often called, is the most southerly summit of the Bridgewater hills and the highest elevation in Bristol, being 1785 feet above the sea and over 1300 feet above the village, from which it is two and one half miles distant. The best way to reach the sum- BRISTOL 27 mit is to follow the New Hampton road about a mile and then take the left hand fork, this road going over the base of the peak. From the road it is half an hour's climb through open pasture lands to the top. The rock forming the summit is mica schist, often badly decomposed, but showing in places glacial striae pointing to the northwest. The eastern side of the peak is a sheer precipice of several hundred feet. The View is one of considerable extent and great beauty, Newfound lake and the splendid range of the Sandwich mountains being perhaps the most attractive features. On the north close at hand are the wooded summits of the Bridgewater range completely shutting out the view in that direction. Over the eastern slope of Bridgewater the heavy dome of Mt. Washington is visible 60 miles away, towering above the wooded ridge of Kancamagus. The imposing summits of the Sandwich range stretch away to the right in the following order : First Sandwich Dome, with its knob-crowned spur on the left, towers to the right of, and nearer than Washington. Then comes Flat Mt., connecting the Dome with Whiteface, which shows a bleached front, with Passaconaway peering over its eastern shoul- der. The low rocky bastion of Paugus is next on the right and the range culminates in the splendid peak of Chocorua. The low green cone to the south of Paugus is Mt. Wona- lancet. The low Squam range with the cone of Morgan mountain at its right extremity is nearer than the Sandwich mountains. Over the slope of a spur of the Bridgewater range the thriving village of Ashland can be seen in the valley. A glimpse of Squam lake is gained nearly in line with Chocorua. Over the right slope of Chocorua is the more distant Green Hill range in Conway. The double crested mass of Red Hill stands about northeast and be- yond it is Ossipee, which stretches along to the right in a long undulating ridge. The hills of New Hampton are 28 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE close at hand on the east, with glimpses of Winnipesaukee beyond, and Copple Crown mountain on its farther shore, a little south of east. On the right of and nearer than Copple Crown, is the double headed Mt. Belknap. In the fore- ground to the right of Belknap is New Hampton village with the Institution buildings prominent. More to the left and beyond is Pemigewasset pond, generally known as Kelley pond. Still further to the left and more distant is Wickwas (Nigger) pond and the village of Meredith Center. Across the valley on the southeast is the splendid forest- covered mass of the Sanbornton mountain. Over its left slope are very distant mountains, probably the Blue Hills in Strafford. Far away to the south on the right of Sanbornton, are the conspicuous twin domes of the Uncanoonucs, with the long curve of Joe English hill in New Boston farther to the right. Then comes the high lands in" Lyndeborough, and farther to the right, a collection of summits formed by Crotched mountain and the Pack Monadnock range. The distant view is now cut off by the spurs of Kearsarge, whose high pyramid towers over the hills beyond Bristol village. Just across the valley to the left of Bristol village is the precipitous and wooded Periwig range in Hill. The gradual slopes of the Wilson mountain with the lower sum- mit of Page mountain on its left rise over the right of Bris- tol, overtopped by the Ragged mountains, which extend to the right in three symmetrical summits. To the right of Ragged are the more distant domes of Mt. Sunapee. Then comes the bold conical hills of Wilmot and Danbury with the slope of Melviu hill in Springfield more to the right. In the valley, to the left of the low ridge which the Peak throws out to the west, the extreme end of Newfound lake can be seen with the water rippling on the beach, and to the right of the ridge the whole expanse of the lake is visible for six miles to the northward. Over the end of the lake is BRISTOL 29 Pine mountain and on its right the twin ridge of Forbes mountain, both covered with dense forests. Mayhew island is visible in the lake near the foot, and farther up is Sugar Loaf mountain on the right, rising pre- cipitously from the lake. To the left of Sugar Loaf a por- tion of Alexandria village can be seen. The Bear hills with their sheer, forest-covered sides, stretch away to the right from Sugar Loaf. The Cardigan range, with the splendid dome in the center, fills the western horizon and is pro- longed to the right by the high hills of Groton, which show above the Bear hills. Smart's mountain with a sharp descent on the south, is visible farther to the right, over- topping everything in that direction, and slightly more to the right over the high land in Dorchester, is the top of Mt. Cube in Orford. Looking up the lake Hebron village is visible nearly in line with Smarts mountain. Beyond the village is Spec- tacle pond in Groton appearing high above the level of the lake. The cone of Crosby mountain is on the right of Heb- ron, with the tong swell of Tenney hill extending to the right. Plymouth mountain is close at hand showing over the west slope of the Bridgewater hills. Over the west spur of Plymouth mountain is the lofty mass of Mt. Carr, with the forest-covered peak of Stinson mountain slightly to the right over the main summit to Plymouth. Beyond Stinson is the lofty mass of Moosilauke, the house on the summit being easily distinguishable. Between Carr and Stinson is one of the distant summits in Benton. (See also "Bridge- water Peak." Fishing. Within a radius of a few miles there are inauy trout brooks, from which under suitable conditions fine strings of trout are taken. The trout is a whimsical and fastidious body and hence the water of the brooks must be the right height and the weather to his liking or the 30 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE most tempting bait will not entice him from the water to the fisherman's basket. Lake fishing for trout and land-locked salmon extends during the open season of each year. This season has ex- tended in the past from the opening of the lake in the spring till the early fall. Trolling is practiced almost en- tirely and the best results are obtained during the early morning hours and about sunset. (See under Newfound lake.) Pickerel are found to some extent in the coves of New- found lake and in Fowlers river and at its mouth, but im- mense numbers are taken from Kelley pond in New Hamp- ton, 8 miles distant, and from Danbury bog, 7 miles distant. Pickerel are also found in Foster pond and Goose pond, both in Alexandria. " (See Alexandria.) Horned pout are taken in large numbers from certain portions of Newfound lake, notably - near the mouth of Fowlers river, the best results being obtained at night. HEIGHTS OF PRINCIPAL POINTS We present here the heights of the principal points in Bristol. Of the elevations given, that of Bristol Peak was determined by the United States coast survey ; those marked G, by the state geological survey ; those marked B, by an aneroid barometer ; and others marked est, are estimated by competent persons. The figures are as reliable as any obtainable. Bristol Peak ijSS Eastern base of Bristol Peak B 1,249 Homans farmhouse B 1,300 Briar hill est 1,200 Summit of road at Heath farmhouse B 999 Schoolhouse in the Locke neighbor- hood B 838 Nelson farmhouse B 1,043 Site of Clay farm- house B 914 River at Pemigewasset bridge G 438 Pemigewasset bridge G 462 Mouth of Newfound river G 352 Bristol station G 369 Mouth of Smiths river G 320 Railroad bridge at Smiths river G Newfound river at Central square G Main street bridge G Newfound lake G Iron bridge at lake B Sugar hill B Summit of Sugar Hill range est New Chester Mt. B Little Round Top est Summit of old road on New Chester Mt. B J. W. Sanborn house B High bridge, 2-3 m, from mouth of Smiths river est Town line on hill road to Alexandria B Gales hill est Cross hill est 327 457 469 590 600 945 1,200 1,103 1,065 845 735 445 868 1,150 1,100 HEBRON Distances. — East Hebron, 2 1-2 miles ; Bridgewater post- office, 6 1-2 ; Bristol via east side, 10 miles ; via west side, 8 miles ; Sugar Loaf, 3 miles ; round the lake, 16 miles ; Ply- mouth, 10 miles ; North Groton mica mines, 8 miles, Rum- ney, via Brook road and North Groton mica mines, round trip, 22 miles ; Kemp mills, 2 1-2 miles ; Weltons Falls, 9 miles ; to base of Cardigan, via Groton, 7 miles. Historical. — Hebron was incorporated June 15, 1792, from portions of Plymouth and Cockermouth, now Groton. The first road to Hebron from the south was from Craw- ford's Corner in .Alexandria over the high land west of Sugar Loaf. The population in 1900 was 214. There are some excellent farms in this town but the town consists chiefly of hills and mountains, and the hill farms, which once supported a considerable population, are now largely deserted. Its scenery is superb and this place has risen greatly in popular favor within a few years as a summer re- sort, but unfortunately the number of houses as yet open for the entertainment of guests is so limited that the num- ber annually turned away is larger than those accommo- dated, Hebron village is situated very pleasantly on a plain near the northwest shore of the lake. It contains a church, town hall, schoolhouse, a store, and several dwellings. Th« building used as a schoolhouse was, a half centurj^ ago, the seat of a very flourishing academy, of which Prof. Hiram Orcott was at one time the principal. In addition to the school, this building also contains a small but well managed public library. This town has two mails daily from Bristol during the season of summer travel and one mail daily the balance of the year. It was in this village that Hon. N. S. Berry, the war HEBRON 33 governor of New Hampshire, resided when elected governor in March, 1861. His tannery, which was twice destroyed by fire, was the chief manufacturing industry the town ever enjoyed. Within the limits of the town are now located four sum- mer schools or camps. On the west shore of the lake Mrs. Laura H. Hassan of New York has a finely located school for girls called Pasquaney Nature Club. On the east shore, with Bridgewater as its post-office address, Dr. E. S. Wilson, of New York City, established in 1891 Camp Pasquaney. This is a camp for boys, finely located on the hillside of the Eastbourne estate. This camp has been phenomenally popular and successful. Originally limited to forty boys, the pressure of patronage has compelled the acceptance of fifty or more. The riowglis is a camp for boys, established in 1900 by Mrs. E. F. Holt of Boston. It is located on the east shore of the lake in Hebron in what is called the Jungle, an estate of 200 acres. Redcroft is a school for girls, established in 1899 by Mrs. Holt on the same estate as the Mowglis. Both schools have had a prosperous existence. Wades Hill is the high eminence to the east of Hebron village. From it a fine view is obtained of Newfound, Squam and Winnipesaukee lakes and an extended view of hills and mountains in all directions, including the Fran- coni.1 mouutains and Mt. Washington. Kemps Mill. This mill is situated in Groton on the Coci^ermouth river two and one-half miles from Hebron villat^e. The Cockermouth at this point has cut a passage for 1 -slf through the rocks 15 to 20 feet deep in places, and 100 tctt long, the walls being nearly perpendicular. Below the bed of the stream there are numberless pot holes, some being two or three feet deep This interesting place known as Cockermouth Canon, or Sculptured Rocks, is close to the highway and is worth many miles of travel to see. 34 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE Bear nountain is a series of bold and precipitous elevations that lie in the southwest section of the town and form a portion of the west wall of Newfound lake. The elevation is about 1500 feet. The hills are extremely pre- cipitous on this side and are covered with forests except in spots where the mountain side is too steep for trees to cling, and the massive ledges stand out in all their ruggedness. This mountain can be ascended by taking the road that forks to the west about two miles south of Hebron village and from there ascending its south slopes. Tenney Hill is a long, burly, broad-based elevation lying between Hebron and Plymouth, nearly 2000 feet high, covered with ledgy pasture lands and bits of forest. From various points along its broad sides excellent views can be obtained. The Pulpit is a rocky ledge on the east side of this hill, and commands an. exquisite view in that direction, including lakes Winnipesaukee and Squam, with the neighboring mountains. A half day will be required to make the round trip from Hebron village. The best way to reach it is by following the Brook road to its termination and from there bearing up in a northeast direction through the pasture lands. Crosby Mountain is the symmetrical mountain south- west of Tenney hill and connected with it by a low saddle. From the summit of this mountain which is partially clear there is a most perfect view of Newfound lake, the eye scanning its expanse from end to end, the altitude being sufficient to show the islands and promontories to the best advantage. For hardy pedestrians a most enjoyable trip is to follow the Brook road to the Sargent farm and then, bearing to the left through the pastures, strike the Crosby mountain ridge just above the Notch. From this point follow the ridge over Crosby mountain across the ravine to Tenney hill to the pulpit, returning again through the pas- tures on Tenney hill to the Brook road. The climbing. COC'KKKMoUrH CAN VON OK SCULPTUKBD KOOKS HEBRON 35 especially on Crosby mountain, is of the most arduous character, and a whole day had better be given to the trip Excellent views are obtained at points all along the way> and the steep ledges and beetling crags of Crosby mountain will be found attractive to those who admire the wild in nature. The Notch is the name applied to a gap in the ridge of Crosby mountain, near the Groton line. It is reached by a sharp climb of one-half mile from the Sargent place on the Brook road. From the rocks above the Notch there is a wild view toward the west of the Groton hills with the high plateau of Cardigan rising over one extremity, and the bold mass of Smarts mountain over the other. Cube moun- tain is visible to the right of, and beyond. Smarts, while an excellent idea is also gained of Bear mountain, Newfound lake and the vast "scoop" between Crosby and Tenney hill. The descent through the Notch is very steep over piles of moss-covered boulders. There is a melancholy interest attaching to this spot from the fact that many years ago, Nehemiah Hardy, an aged citizen of Hebron, was killed while endeavoring to pass through here on horseback. He had been on the Groton side of the mountain salting his sheep, but toward night he was overtaken by fog, became bewildered, was thrown from his horse and fatally injured on the rocks below. Cockermouth brook, or river, is the main stream of the town. It rises among the hills in the southwestern part of Groton, not far from the Dorchester line. It reaches the low lands just west of the Groton post-office, and from thence flows through the meadow lands of Hebron to New- found .lake. The upper portion of this stream is noted for its fine brook trout ; its lower part as the spawning place for landlocked salmon. To the sand bars of this stream the salmon of the lake resort in great numbers in the fall to spawn, and here the eggs are hatched, the young remaining 36 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE until large enough to care for themselves in the waters of the lake. It is contrary to law to take or kill any salmon in this stream. In early days Cockermouth river was noted for its otter, beaver and mink, as well as trout, and hunters and trappers visited its banks when there were no settle- ments within fifty miles. It was on the banks of this stream that Ezekiel Flanders and Edward Emery of Boscawen were trapping in 1756 when they were killed by the Indians. In driving from Hebron village to the east, one crosses the Cockermouth not far from the village. About a mile distant one reaches Grove Hill farm, which has been for many years a popular boarding house owned and operated by John W. Sanborn. Directly opposite the house, and near the highway, is Qrove Hill, from which is a most enchanting view of the lake. From here the road extends down tne dug- way to East Hebron, where one reaches the old Mayhew turnpike. Here stands the old McClure tavern, which did a flourishing business when the pike was in its prime. Here is now the East Hebron post-office. A little south of this point on the west side of the pike is The Hillside Inn, owned and operated for years by Geo. S. Smith, and grown, by the summer boarding iudustr}^ from a farmhouse to a boarding house of large proportions. i BRIDGEWATER DISTANCES— See Bristol aud Hebron HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE The first settlement within the limits of Bridgewater was made by Col. Thomas Crawford in 1766, on the Sher- man S. Fletcher farm near the old meeting house on the hill. The town was set off from New Chester and incor- porated Feb. 12, 17S8. It is bounded on the north by He- bron and Plymouth, on the east by the Pemigewasset river, south and west by Bristol. The line between Bridgewater and Bristol on the west is the lake at high water mark. The Bridgewater hills extend north and south through the entire length of the town, and this is emphatically a hill town. The western slope commands a charming view of Newfound lake and the mountains on the west, while the view on its eastern slope commauds the picturesque Pemi- gewasset valley aud the Franconia aud White mountains on the north. The old meeting house on the hill was erected through the combined efforts of all the religious denominations in town. It was dedicated iu 1806. It was a two-story struc- ture after the style of that day, 38x49 feet, 22 feet posted. In the first story were 46 box pews. There was a gallery on three sides in which were 24 pews besides four for the singers and eight free seats. The pulpit on the north side was reached by a flight of stairs and had over it the usual sounding board. There were no provisious for warming the house. Here worshipped all denominations of the town, and for about four years this church boasted of a Congrega- tional pastor in the person of Rev. Charles Bowles, and here were held all town meetings. In 1881 this historic building was cut down to its present dimensions. The 38 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY I^AKE sounding board was preserved by giving it a place over the entrance. The building is still used as a town hall and for occasional religious meetings, and about this building have been held several very successful Old Home Day gatherings. Bridgewater post-office is 3 1-2 miles from Bristol and has two mails daily each way during the summer season, and one the rest of the year. The farmhouses that are being opened and enlarged, the boarding houses and cottages erected on this side of the lake attest the growing popularity of this section as a summer resort. Not one but commands charming views on which the eye may feast. The riayhew Turnpike. This once famous turnpike, alluded to briefly in the preceding chapter, extended from West Plymouth through East Hebron, Bridgewater, and Bristol to a point south of Smiths river in Hill, a distance of sixteen miles. The charter for its construction was granted Dec. 22, 1803, and it was opened for travel about two years later. Toll-gates were constructed at various points, and a toll exacted for each mile of travel over the road. Before the advent of the railroads a vast amount of travel passed over this turnpike from the northern part of New Hampshire and Vermont to Boston. It was laid out as a public highway in 1840. McClure tavern, in East He- bron, was one of the chief taverns on the pike, but the old Hoyt ta/ern in Bridgewater, where A. P. Hoyt was for many years the landlord, was the most prominent place in Bridgewater. Its reputation extended from Canada to Bos- ton, and its proprietor was widely known both as a landlord and a shrewd and prominent politician. This tavern still re- tains its original front, but is now a boarding house of enlarged proportion, known as Elm Lawn. It is well named. Its beautiful elms, now full grown on the lawn in front, are a living monument to the owner of the old tavern. Mrs. Eliza Nelson Blair makes this tavern figure promi- nently in the pages of " 'Lisbeth Wilson." BRIDGEWATER 39 Only a few rods south of Elm Lawn, is Elmwood, beau- tiful for situation, the most spacious of all the boarding houses about the lake. Prof. Fred Lewis Pattee has written of the old Mayhew pike in the following beautiful lines : — THE riAYHEW PIKE Roll back the years a century And ride with me the Mayhew pike. For far and wide no road it's like ; Through pathless woods for miles and miles, Through tangled swamps and deep defiles It ran, a pulsing artery Between the forest and the sea. And day by day what life and sound Went surging o'er the Mayhew road. With prancing four and merry load, With shout and din and crack of whip, The stage-coach made its weekly trip, And passed the ox-teams homeward bound, And peddler on his busy round. And o'er it rolled the heavy drays That all the week from Boston town Had slowly toiled, well laden down With varied load, that far had come, Of salt and fish, molasses, rum, — The few chief things he could not raise The sire of Old New England days. And here and there the tavern stand Threw wide to all its ample door ; At night a mighty fire would roar Within its ponderous chimney side ; The jolly host, known far and wide, 40 A GUIDE TO PASOUANEY LAKE Dispensed the cheer with liberal hand, With merry tales convulsed the band. Not late the hours, — to bed at nine. The stage-coach comes with early morn, Announced by shout and whip and horn. With flourish grand, and dust and roar. At highest speed it gains the door. The urchiu looks in awe supine. And vows he'll be a whip sometime. Forgotten is the tavern stand. And dead the landlord many a year. Departed all the merry cheer. The rattling stage and loaded drays Have perished with the olden days. The progress of an age more grand Has swept them by with ruthless hand. Previous to the construction of the turnpike all the travel on the east side of the lake was over the Point road as it now is. At that time the only tavern on the east shore was the Whittemore house on the Point, still standing, while next south was the farm settled by Abram Hook, and later for many years known as the Levi DoUoff farm, one of the best in town. The present owner is Mr. E. P. Lind- say of Boston, who has transformed the brick farmhouse into an elegant summer home — "The Uplands." For beauty of situation this place can hardly be surpassed. Bridgewater Peak, otherwise known as Peaked hill, is the highest point of land in Bridgewater. It is in the same range as Bristol Peak in Bristol and only about two miles north, and has till lately shared the same name — Peaked hill. A little west of the summer home of Mr. Edward A. Marsh — "Skyfields," an old road runs nearly south. A ride of a mile from here brings one to the Cross place near the BRIDGEWATER 41 summit. About one-half mile from the fork of the road, and thirty rods from the highway on the east is a fine spring of water, which has been analyzed and reported to contain magnesia. The View is one of the finest to be found in this part of the state. To the north can be seen Moosilauke in Benton, the hotel on the summit being plainly visible to the naked eye. The next prominent summit to the east in Kinsman. Farther to the east ai'e Profile mountain and Mt. Lafayette with Franconia Notch between. A little to the right are the Haystacks, Twin mountains, the Osceola and Tecumseh group, and the monarch of all, — Mt. Washington. In nearly the same direction, and in the foreground, is Mt. Prospect, in Holderness. To the right of Prospect, in the distance, is the splendid Sandwich range — Sandwich Dome, Whiteface, Paugus, and Chocorua. Nearer is the village of Ashland, with Squam lake just beyond. The precipitous mountain forming the western wall of Squam is Mt. Israel in Sand- wnch. A little to the right are the Red hills in Moultou- boro, and to the right of these are the long Ossipee moun- tains. In this direction can be seen a large portion of Winnipesaukee lake, and often can be seen with the naked eye the steamers on its surface. At the right of the lake is the village of Meredith Center, with "Nigger" pond close by, and Kelley pond, noted for its fine pickerel fishing; a little farther to the right, and in the distance are Copple Crown mountain in Wolfeboro and the Belknap range. A fine view of the Pemigewasset valley is obtained. New Hampton village, with its fine school buildings, is not visi- ble, but the Dr. Dana meeting house is seen, and the Ma- goon church on Oak hill in Meredith. But few points of interest appear in the southeast and the neighboring sum- mits of the Bridgewater range shut out the view to the south, but turning the eye to the southwest the towering side of Kearsarge is plainly seen. A little to the right is 42 A GUIDE TO PAvSQUANEY LAKE Murray hill, in Hill, and Ragged mountain in Andover, with the long ridge of Mt. Sunapee. In the west, beyond Newfound lake, is Alexandria village, with old Cardi- gan in the distance. The eye takes in at one glance nearly the whole of Newfound lake, the Pasquaney of the aborig- ines, who dwelt on its shores, while Sugar Loaf with its steep sides overhanging the highway at its base, and the long ridge of Bear mountain is plainly seen. At the right of Bear mountain lies Hebron village. The highest point in the west almost over the village of Hebron is Cube mountain, in Orford, with Smarts mountain at the right. The huge bulk in the immediate foreground is Plymouth mountain, with Mt. Carr over its west and Moosilauke over its east slope. Midway between Smarts and Carr are Crosby moun- tain and Teuney hill in Hebron. Fifield's Spruce Hill. This is an elevation but a few rods in front of Mr. J. E. S. Fifield's former farmhouse, now Skyfields. The view is nearly the same as from the last named peak, except that the hills to the southeast obscure the range of view in that direction. ALEXANDRIA Distances. Bristol, 5 miles ; Hebron, 6 miles ; Mt. Cardi- gan, 6 miles ; Weltous Falls, 4 miles. Historical and Descriptive. Alexandria was, like New Chester, a part of the Masonian grant, spoken of under Bris- tol, and adjoined New Chester on the west. Both of these towns extended to the westerly line of this grant. The township was granted to James Minot and others July 7, 1773. The first settlements were made by Jonathan and Moses Corliss in 1769. The population in 1900 was 679. Alexandria comprises great natural beauties not surpas- sed by any other town in this region. The eastern and south- ern portions are rich in intervale lands. Rugged mountains guard it on three sides, while a portion of its eastern boundary, including the base of Sugar Loaf and the Ledges, is washed by the waters of Newfound lake. The principal occupation of the inhabitants is farming. With the excep. tion of a few sawmills there are no manufactories of any kind in the township. Recently some attention has been given to the mining of mica. Alexandria Village is simply a collection of houses about the church, whose green grounds and surroundings form a most pleasant center. The village is built on two streets crossing each other at right angles. The church, town hall, schoolhouse and the Haynes public library with a small but choice collection of books on its shelves, are the only public buildings. The houses are neat in appearance. There is an air of quiet about Alexandria that may be either fascinating or irksome according to the temperament of the visitor. Year after year the little village sleeps on, guarded by its encircling hills. The ele- vation of Alexandria village is about 605 feet. The present Union church is the only church edifice that 44 A. GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE has stood in the village for many years. It is now used almost exclusively by the Methodists, but years ago quite a strong Free Baptist organization existed and worshipped in this church. In the early days of the town there was a Congregational church and society here, and Rev. Enoch Whipple was installed as pastor July 3, 1788, the installa- tion sermon being preached by Rev. Zebediel Adams, pastor of the Congregational church at Lunenburg, Vt. But this society was short lived and Mr. Whipple, who finished his pastorate six years later, was probably its only pastor. Fowlers River is formed by numerous brooks that rise at the base of Cardigan, and flows, a rapid mountain stream, near the northern limits of the town, through the Alex- andria meadows into Bristol territory near Adamsville, and empties into the Take south of Breezy Point. Its chief tributaries, after leaving the foothills of Cardigan, are Foster brook, which drains Foster pond south of the village, and the stream that drains Goose pond south of Sugar Loaf. This river was named after a trapper and hunter by the name of Fowler. Before the settlement of this section, this man had a camp on the low land on the north side of this stream near its mouth. He accumulated a good store of furs and then suddenly disappeared and his fate was never known. It was supposed that he was killed by the Indians, but many years later a rusty gun barrel was found on the side of Sugar Loaf, which gave some foundation to the theory that he was accidently killed by his own gun, though nothing was found of his remains. Later a surveyor by the name of Tolford gave his own name to this river on a map he drew, but "Tolfords river" is only seen on one of the early maps drawn by him. The name was never recognized bt- the settlers, and Fowlers river still remains. Foster Pond, or Alexandria Bog, as it is sometimes called, is two miles south of the village and is often visited by fishermen in search of pickerel and horned pout, and by % jk? '\iAJ:J^"L^^ ALEXANDRIA 45 the lover of water lilies. It is reached by the road which runs southeast from Alexandria. This road is one of the most delightful in the section. Qoose Pond is two miles north of the village, a short distance south of Sugar Loaf. It is most easily reached by driving to Crawford's corner, thence to the late residence of Calvin Brown on the old Hebron road, from which point it is one-third of a mile distant across a pasture to the east. It may also be reached by a walk of three-fourths of a mile north from the Sugar Loaf road in Bristol. It contains horned pout, pickerel, perch, and eels, and is rather a famous pond for lilies. The Alexandria Meadows lie a mile north of the vil- lage along Fowlers river. They are quite beautiful in places, being broad and dotted with noble elms. From the bend of the road on these meadows is the best point from which to study Cardigan. Baldface shows a symmetrical rocky dome, the minor ridges on the right and left seeming to enhance its prominence. The lower slopes are clothed with forests, but the grey and desolate summits tower a thousand feet above the trees. The rocky walls are fur- rowed with chasms, while broad veins of white quartz glisten like snow upon the upper slopes. In the morning it is frequently beautiful with the fog from the river screening its lower slopes from view ; at noonday it is grand with all its rocky precipices standing out in the glare of the sun, but toward evening it is both grand and beautiful as it towers against the sunset sky clad in a robe of misty purple. Nor is Cardigan the only attraction from these mead- ows. Pine and Forbes mountains with their splendid forests tower in the southwest. Farther to the south. Ragged mountain lifts its long blue ridge to view, while on the northeast Sugar Loaf and Bear mountain array themselves in imposing grandeur. There is no other combination of mountain and meadow in this region that can compare with 46 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE this. Whoever has the fortune to drive over these mead- ows late in a summer afternoon will not soon forget it. Sugar Loaf flountain, the abrupt summit southeast of Bear mountain, can be ascended by taking the old Alex- andria and Hebron road mentioned on page 32, and, after reaching its highest point, bearing to the east through the cleared land to the summit. It may also be ascended from the east by leaving the Bristol and Hebron road about one- fourth of a mile north of the Ledges. The view of the lake from the summit is very pleasing, and the view to the south includes Sanboruton, Kearsarge, and several nearer mountains. A few rods from the summit on the east is a fine, never-failing spring. The eastern wall of this moun- tain is very precipitous and ledgy. The View. The broad summit of Sugar Loaf affords views of great beauty. The feature is, of course, the lake itself, which can be seen in its entire' extent. One of the most beautiful of distance views is that in the northeast, over East Hebron, where a lordly company of mountains fills the low gap between Teuney hill in Hebron and Ply- mouth mountain in East Hebron. On the left is Lafayette, and the twin pyramids of Liberty and Flume ; then follow Scar Ridge, the Osceola and Tecumseh group, the Campton mountains and Sandwich Dome. In the southeast, at the right of Bristol Peak, is Mt. Belknap beyond Laconia, and still farther to the right is the immense Sanbornton moun- tain. Kearsarge and Sunapee in the south and southwest, and Cardigan and Bear mountain in the w-est complete the prominent mountains visible. Goose pond and Alexandria village are visible at the southwestern base of Sugar Loaf. The Ledges is the name applied to the eastern wall of Sugar Loaf mountain, which rises abruptly from the lake, the Bristol and Hebron road passing directly under it. (See page 4.) Weltons Falls are situated on a brook among the foot- WKLTciX S I'AIJ.S ALEXANDRIA 47 hills of Cardigan. They are distant five miles from Alex- andria village and are best reached from thence by taking the hill road at the west end of the village and joining the river road about two miles beyond. Leaving the road, strike across the pasture and, bearing to the right, descend to the brook, where a few broad ledges form an excellent crossing. The path to the falls follows the brook along the outskirts of the forest for an eighth of a mile. Soon the cliffs on the right assume such proportions as to form a minia- ture canon, while the roaring of the waters ahead sounds distinctly in the solitude. The path emerges on a smooth ledge by the edge of the stream and the beholder finds him- self surrounded on all sides, save on that by which he came, with high rocky walls reaching an altitude of seventy feet, while, through a rent in the cliff before him, a narrow foam- ing mass of water falls into the shadowed pool beneath. Everywhere the cliffs are dark with spray and dripping moss, while along their rugged tops great trees cast their shadows in the water below. The path leads up to the left through the woods and above the falls. A short distance up the steep slope is an excellent spot from which to view the falls, and from here one for the first time appreciates the height of the surround- ing cliffs. Above the main falls there are a series of others which perhaps better deserve the name of rapids, and by following the indistinct trail it will lead to a point where they can be seen to good advantage. Overhanging these there is a large excavation in the rock which resembles a cave from which an excellent view is obtained of the basin, and the brook as it flows away down the canon. The roof of this cave has been worn into the perfect resemblance of a pulpit sounding=board by the action of the water for ages. To the student of natural history the vicinity of these falls is exceedingly interesting, and to one of this class we are indebted for the following description: "There are 48 A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE some indications that the pool itself is in the line of a fault, but there is plenty of evidence to show that the greater part of the ravine was worn by water, a regular canon. The cliff on both sides shows indications of erosion in their smooth appearance and more especially in the pot holes which appear in several places far above the present level of the water. Better evidence than this could not be wished that the brook which falls into the pool twenty feet below has once, ages ago, been at a much higher level, going over the precipice in one leap. Were the brook larger we should expect such effects, but that so small a stream should have accomplished so much, gives us some faint idea of the time these granite rocks have been opposing its quiet irresis- tible force." Mount Cardigan lies between the towns of Orange and Alexandria, a huge, three-crested mass of granite, whose general direction is north and south, and whose length of base is about five miles. The middle peak is symmetrical in shape, and is known as Baldface. It is the highest elevation in this part of the state, having an alti- tude of 3,156 feet above the sea level. The mountain is ex- ceedingly precipitous on the Alexandria side. Baldface is especially sheer, falling almost perpendicularly for 1200 feet into the forests below, while the spurs from the flank- ing peaks, running out to the east, enclose a vast ravine, or scoop, that forms one of the chief attractions of the mountain. Cardigan usually takes the snow from three to five weeks earlier than the valleys at its feet. Often in early fall it is the only snow-covered peak in the state south of Warren. There is a sad story of death connected with this stern old mountain. In the spring of 1827, Mrs. Chellis of Orange disappeared mysteriously from her home, and week after week went by without news of her whereabouts. In J AI.EXANDRIA 49 September of the same year some wood choppers at work in the forest ou the eastern side of the mountain, about a quarter of a mile above the site of the Holt farmhouse, found a human skeleton in a little clearing, scarce an acre in extent. An examination of the clothing proved that the remains were those of Mrs. Chellis. Just how she met her death was never known. Probably she was overtaken on the mountain by clouds or darkness, lost her way in the trackless forest and finally died from hunger and fatigue. The remains were found by the edge of the brook which might indicate that she lay down to drink and never rose again. Mr. Chellis asserted that she was demented and was inclined to the belief that she started to visit friends in Gro- ton, and attempted to make a short cut by crossing the mountain. In 1855 Cardigan was swept of its splendid forests by a devastating fire. The flames made an illumination that ren- dered the adjacent country as bright as noonday. The north peak made a particularly brilliant appearance, and, as the flames curled about the tall trees on the sky line, a beholder remarked that they looked like screws of fire. From that day this summit has been known among the old inhabitants as Firescrew. There are two points in Alexandria from which to as- cend Cardigan. The first is from the house of Aaron Clark, that leads up the mountain between Baldface and the next summit on the south. The second is made from the Holt, or John G. Ackerman, place up the northern ridge of the mountain. The most popular of these routes is from Clarke's. From here, after reaching the woods, a well-defined path ascends for over a mile by easy stages through the forest. At the upper edge of this forest there is a steep ledge which must be passed and which requires considerable effort to sur- mount. After surmounting this it is best to bear slightly so A GUIDE TO PASQUANEY LAKE to the left and cross the shallow ravine quite near the southern peak of the mountain. There is a springe of deli- cious water just beyond this crossing marked by a low cairn. From here one can make his own way to the sum- mit over the highly-inclined ledges, there being no more difficulties to encounter. Those who select the other route should leave their teams at the Ackerman place and follow the ridge, which runs almost in a straight line for Firescrew. There is no well-defined path, but there are but few woods and the formation of the ground is such that there is no difficulty in making one's way over the three-fourths of a mile that lies between Ackermau's and the nearest point of Firescrew. Having reached the point above the forest line the view is unobstructed and one has no difficulty in making his way to Baldface, three-fourth of a mile distant, and while travel- ing this distance grand views are constantly to be seen. Following the backbone of the ridge one soon finds him- self directly under the dome of Baldface. This is very steep and rugged in appearance, but, by using the rock crevices as a footing, can be ascended without difficulty in a few minutes. The summit is less than an acre in extent. On the east the precipice is very sheer, Holt's and Acker- man's appearing almost underneath. The slope of the northern ridge also appears so steep that one is amazed to think he ever scaled it. The Orange slope is much more gradual, falling away in a series of broad terraces that are feathered with the white skeletons of a dead forest. About half way from Ackerman's to Firescrew there is a fine spring of water and there are sulphur springs some ten rods from the summit of Firescrew on the west slope. On the west side there is a carriage road from Orange to near the summit, the distance from Grafton Depot via this road to the summit being about seven miles and from Canaan depot 5 1-2 miles. ALEXANDRIA 5I Parties from Hebron and Groton usually ascend the mountain from the north side. Teams are left beside the road on the height of the land between Groton and Orange, from which point there is a well-defined path to the sum- mit, one and one-half miles distant. Water is found when about half way up. The View. Almost due south over the south summits of the Cardigan ranpe is the massive dome of Kearsarge, with its long spur running to the right over which, and far beyond, is Crotched mountain in P'rancestown, and slightly to the right of this, the summits of Pack Monadnock range, so nearly in line as not to be separately distinguishable. More to the right is the high peak of Mouaduock, fifty- three miles distant, and nearer are the hills of Hancock and Antrim. It is claimed that in the dearest weather the Massachusetts peak of Wachusett is visible midway between Monadnock and Pack Mouaduock. To the right of Monad- nock and much nearer is the truncated cone of Lovell mountain in Washington, with the long ridge of Mt. Suna- pee on its right and somewhat nearer. New London village and Colby academy, sixteen miles distant, are visible nearly in line with Lovell. Across the valley on the southwest is the summit of Melvin hill in Springfield with gentle wooded slopes both north and south. A little south of west, and close at hand, is Hoyt hill, with Orange pond at its base, and beyond these is the peak of Croydon, steep to the south, in the long ridge forming Croydon mountain. Over this peak is the high flat top of Equinox mountain, in Vermont, sixty-four miles distant, with Strattoa mountain on its left, and a little nearer. The Green mountains are visible run- ning along to the north from Equinox. Over the north end of the Croydon ridge looms Ascutuey, a striking mountain mass. To the right of Ascutney in the Green mountain range is a double summit, probably Whiterocks. The massive Shrewsbury is next, with the twin pyramids of 52 A GUIDE TO PASOUANEY LAKE Killingtou and Pico still farther along, the village of East Canaan, in the foreground, being nearly in line between these last two peaks. The line of the Northern railroad is seen between East Canaan and Enfield village, which is visible on the north shore of Mascoma lake. To the right of East Canaan is Hart's pond, with Canaan and Factory villages on its farther shore. Slightly to the right of these villages and beyond is the long ridge of Moose mountain in Hanover, distinguishable by its slide. In the Green moun- tain range, far beyond and to the right of Moose, is the con- spicuous form of Camel's Hump, sixty-eight miles away, while more to the right is the long crest of Mt. Mansfield, seventy-six miles distant. Smarts mountkin, in Dorchester, a bold mass, precipi- tous on th€ south, shuts out for a time the distant view. To the right of Smarts, and more remote, is Mt. Cube, in Orford, with Pierniont mountain next and slightly farther. On the right of Piermont is the broad and fiat-topped Mt. Mist, in Warren; then comes Black mountain, highest of the Benton hills. Next is the huge mass of Moosilauke, the hotel on its summit being easil}' distinguished. In the depressions between these different mountains are several distant peaks which are visible only in the clearest weather, and whose identity it is most difficult to deter- mine. The distant cone between Smarts and Cube is pro- bably Jay Peak, in Vermont, near the Canada line ninty- five miles distant. Between Mist and Black, and between Mist and Piermont, are other faint and unrecognized sum- mits. On the right of and nearer than Moosilauke, is Mt. Carr with a spur running off to the east. In front of Carr, and to the right, is the low Mt. Rattlesnake, in Rumney, with the sharp peak of Kineo beyond, showing over the spur of Carr. Through the gap between Carr and Kineo, is the summit of Mt. Kinsman, with Cannon mountain on ALEXANDRIA 53 its right, showing beyond Kiueo. Eagle Cliff, marking Franconia Notch, is just visible over the right slope of Kineo, and then follow in succession the high pyramids of the Franconia range, forming a most striking pictui'e. Lafayette on Xhe left, then Lincoln, Haystack, Liberty, Flume and Big Coolidge with its conspicuous slide. In the near foreground are the hills of Groton, showing over the north summit of Cardigan. Slightl}' farther, showing to the right of the Franconia range is Ml. Stinson, in P^umuey, sending off a long shoulder to the east, while nearer is the peak of Crosby mountain, in Hebron, with broad-sloped Tenney hill more to the right. In the dis- tance the Twin mountain range looms between Flume mountain and Big Coolidge. More to the right is the wil- derness peak of Hancock, showing a precipitous slope on the east and a level-topped spur running to the west. Beyond this is Mt. Washington, braced on the left by Cla}-, Jefferson and Adams of the Presidential range. On the right, and nearer than Hancock, is Osceola, with a high dome and ininor peaks, and slightly nearer is the peak of Tecumseh, showing slightly to the right of the high secondary summit of Osceola. More to the right and nearer are the pink ledges of Welch mountain, over which is the flat-wooded ridge of Kaucamagus. More to the right are the four splendid peaks of Tri-pyramid, the upper portion of the great slide being visible on its flank, just to the left of Bald Knob, a spur of the Sandwich Dome, whose high peak is slightly to the right over the Campton mountains. Then come the bleached cliffs of Whiteface and the rugged crest of Chocorua. Nearer than Chocorua and slightly to the right is Mt. Israel, pre- cipitous to the south, and showing over Mt. Prospect in Holderuess. The vSquam range can be seen running down toward Squam lake. Over the middle of this range, and very remote, is the long ridge of Mt. Pleasant in Maine. 54 A GUIDE TO PASOUANEY LAKE Just to the left of Squam lake, and nearer, is Plymoutli mountain, while beyond the lake, and to the right, is double-crested Red hill. Beyond Red hill is the long Ossipee range extending to the right and showing several peaks. In the foreground, slightly to the right of Squam lake, is Bear mountain, Hebron, and on its right Newfound lake, only the south portion being visible and this ap- parently divided by the islands. Beyond the lake are the Bridgewater hills, with Bristol Peak at their south ex- tremity, and over these shows the wide expanse of Win- nipesaukee, with Copple Crown mountain conspicuous on its farther shore. The double-peaked Belknap is next and nearer showing over the New Hampton hills. Far- ther to the right ami somewhat nearer is the wooded San- bornton mountain, with a portion of Bristol village visible in line. On the right of Sanbornton .and beyond are the hills of Gilmanton with the highlands in Strafford, Pitts- field and Epsom still more remote. In the immediate foreground over the south summits of Cardigan, is Pine mountain covered with forests. Through the gap be- tween Pine and Forbes, is Page mountain, in Hill, with the wooded top of Wilson mountain on its right. The Uncanoonucs show far away in the south over the left slope of Ragged mountain, which stretches along to the right. Over the right of this mountain is the distant curve of Joe English hill in New Boston. In the valley at the foot of Ragged mountain is Danbury village. Altitudes of Principal Mountains Visible from Cardigan Ascutney, Belknap, Black, Camel's Hump, Cannon, Carr, Cliocorua, Copple Crown, Crotched, Croydon, Cube, Hancock, Jay Peak, Kearsarge, Killingtou, Kineo, Kinsman, Lafayette, Liberty, Lincoln, Lovell, Mansfield, FEET. FEET. 3,186 Melvin Hill, 2,234 2.394 Mist, 2,243 3.571 Monadnock, 3.169 4,118 Moose, 2,320 3.850 Moosilauke, 4,811 3,522 Osceola, 4.397 3,540 Ossipee, 2,361 2,100 Pack Monadnock, 2,289 2,066 Pierremont, 2,167 2,789 Pleasant (Maine), 2,018 2,927 Prospect, 2,072 4,420 Ragged, 2,256 4,018 Red Hill, 2,038 2,943 Sandwich Dome, 3,999 4,230 Smarts, 2,500 3,427 Stinson, 2,707 4,200 Sunapee, 2,683 5,259 Tripyramid, 4,200 4.500 Twin, 4,920 5,101 Uncanoonuc, 1,333 2,487 Wachusett, 2,012 4,348 Washington, 6.293 One copy del. to Cat. Div. AI13 3 f-^'*^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 984 908 5 C