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THE OLD MAN OF TIIE MOUNT'AIN.
PUBLISHED BY
WILLIAMI  B.  SWETT,
MARBLEHEAD, MASS. 
18 75.
b  q@ ~ X> ~ va<  -' +-  ~11  
VATLLAUDE   S      AIO
OF DEAF- MUTES.
Organized in 1854;  name(d after the illustrious founder of Deaf AlMute
instruction in America, Rev. THOMASs  1-. GALLAUUET.
An organ-)ization whose present aimn is to  purchiase a farm  ii. New
ELng,land(l, whore land( is cheap, and cotnvert it into an IND)USTRIAL
HIOMEE, where wvortlhy but unermploye(d muites can fin(l a I)place to work
an(l earn their board, at least.   In thllis way much practical goo(l canll be
(lone at small cost.
A  recent bequest of $500 has furnisihed a basis for operations, wlit(.h
it is desired to increase, ani( for whlicl end contr.butions are solicited,
of any size, to enable the Association to carry out its plans.
Donations received  by the Agents of this book will be  faithfully
applie(d an(l acknowle(lded.
Particulars furniishe(ld in circular form on application to
WILLIAM B. SWETT,
President and Genieral iManager,
MIARBLEHEAD, MASS.
O F F I C E RS.
rP, EASRERI,
JOSEPIT O. SANGER,
WESTBORO', MASS.
SECRETARY,
PROF. WM. II. WEEKS,
AM. ASYLUI[ FOR DEAF AND DUMIB, IIARTFORD, CONeT.
TRUSTEES,
THOIMAS BROWN, WEST HIENNIKER, N. ItI.
JOSEP'I O. SANGER, WESTBORO', MASS.
P-'OF. WM. H. WEEKS, IIARTFORD, CONN.
NIEW IENGL,AND 
ADVENTURES
OF A
- MUTE
__________  n'
THE OLD MAN OF THIE MOUNTAIN.
TWENTY-SEVENTH THOUSAND.
PUBLISHED BY
WILLIAM  B.  SWETT,
MARBLEHEAD, MASS.
1875. 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1874, by
WVILLIAM B. SWETT,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Electrotyped by Regan & Cashinan, 15, Corn'll, Boston. 
INTRODUCTION.
ANY  persons who visited the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and
A     particularly the Profile House, in 1866, and later years, will readily recognize the hero of these adventures, and the incidents connected therewith,
and will doubtless bear testimony to their truth.  The measuring of "The Old
Stone Face," and the placing of the images of the  "Panther" and the "Indian" upon Eagle Cliff, will be remembered as hazardous adventures successfully accomplished, and MR. WILLIAM B. SWuTT has the honor of their achievement.
Born at Henniker, N. HI., in 1824, with the full use of all his senses, but
losing his hearing while yet a lad, he was sent to the Institution for the Deaf
and Dumb at Hartford, Conn., and after completing the usual course of studies
there, returned to his home, and for awhile pursued the calling of his father,that of a carpenter and joiner. His capacity as a ready and faithful workman
procured him permanent work at the Mountains, where his restless and adventurous spirit brought him into many awkward and dangerous positions,
from which, however, he always emerged right-side up.
A ready thinker, and fluent in the use of the sign language, his talents have
brought him, of late, into other pursuits, having in view the welfare and improvement of his fellow-unfortunates. Prominent in all such movements, he
became interested in several societies of Deaf-Mutes, among which are the
BOSTON DEAF-MUTES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, and the BOSTON  DEAF-MIUTE
MIssION.
The profits of the previous editions of this volume- aggregating 15,000
copies - were devoted to the purposes of the above-named Societies; but
since they were issued, Mr. Swett has been taken ill, and disabled entirely from
any work whatever, besides losing the sight of one eye and being uncertain of
saving the other; and his only resource, at present, is to issue a new edition,the previous ones being exhausted, - and trust that the profits thereof may
help him along through this present affliction, peculiarly unfortunate to one
who had already lost hearing and speech. All purchasers of this book will understand that they are aiding a deaf-mute, who, while able, actively devoted his
energies to the welfare of his fellows in misfortune, and deserves some return
therefor in his now darkened days.
H. W. S.
1, 
WM. B. SWETT,
White "ountain Adventurer. 
ADVENTURES
OF A
DEAF-MUTE IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS,
FIRST SUMMER.
HOW I HAPPENED TO GO TO TIHE lOUNTAINAS.
EARLY in the year 1865, the proprietors of the Profile House, in
the Franconia Mountains, finding repairs and additions necessary
to their hotel, advertised for a large gang of workmen.
I received a pressing invitation to go up and work. The wages were
good, and expenses paid both ways.
I hesitated,-there was work enough at home; I had never been out
of work a single day, having always been soughit for to do all kinds of
work both in and out of town.  I was acknowledged to be a skilful and
steady workman.  I hesitated, also, because my family and myself had
been thrown into deep mourning by the recent death, from diphtheria, of
two of our children, our only boy and a girl; but after a few days of
reflection and consultation with my family, I decided to go.
I may as well say here, that, while the wages offered were very acceptable, they had not so much to do with my decision as had a desire to see
a place of which I had heard so much, and all idea that there would be
some chance to gratify my love of adventure.
Of adventure I subsequently had a good deal, as will be shown in the
course of my story.
I notified several persons, who were waiting for me to do some work
for them, that they must find some one else to do it, as I must go.  They
told me that they would wait until my return; and, bidding my family
good-by, I was whirled away over the iron track.
At Concord, N. H., while waiting for the train from Boston, I noticed
a strange-looking old man in the depot.  His hair and beard were long
and white, giving him a very patriarchal look.
The day was very cold, but he wore a straw hat and thin summer
clothes, and his neck and feet were bare.  Hle walked about with great
activity, taking snuff frequently from a bladder, which served him in                               (5)
14 
6
stead of a box.  He looked sharply at every one, and spoke to me once;
but when I put a finger to my ear and shook my head, he walked away.
I wondered who and what he was, and inclined to think him either insane or very odd. I have since seen him going about the streets of
Concord barefooted, and dressed in thin clothes, when the snow lay a
foot deep on the ground.
His name is Flagg; he lives in a log cabin at Pembroke, about fifteen
miles from Concord.  He professes to be a water-cure doctor, and is
about seventy-five years old.
Speculation in the various forms in which human nature crops out,
helped me to pass away the time till the train came along.
Before reaching Lake Village, the train stopped at a small station for
a supply of wood and water. Here a very ragged and dirty little boy
annoyed the passengers by passing up and down in the cars.  Meeting
the conductor, a large and powerful man, he pushed past him andl would
have gone out, but the conductor seized him and actually threw him out
of a window upon a wood-car that was slowly moving in an opposite
direction.  This little incident made every one roar with laughter.  The
boy was not hurt, though he was probably somewhat frightened.
After passing Lake Village, I caught my first glimpse of the peak of
Mount Washington, the highest of all the White Mountains.  Its summit
was wrapped in snow, and its sublime appearance gave me much food
for thought.
As we rode along, I caught occasional glimpses of sheets of water,
and at last the broad and beautiful Lake Winnipiseogee lay before me.
I no longer wondered at the name given it by the Indians, if, as some
say, it means " The Smile of the Great Spirit."  It has been called the
"Loch Lomond" of America.
Loch Lomond is a lake in Scotland, famous for its beauty, but it is
generally admitted, by those who have seen both, that Winnipiseogee is
the most beautiful of the two.
The late Hon. Edward Everett, speaking of a visit to this lake, said:
" I have been something of a traveller in our own country,-though not
so much as I could wish,-and in Europe have seen all that is most
attractive, from the Highlands of Scotland to the Golden Horn of Constantinlople,-from the summit of the Hartz Mountains to the Fountain
of Vaucluse; but my eye has yet to rest on a lovelier scene than that
which smiles around you as you sail from Weir's Landing to Centre
Harbor."
At the Pemnigewasset House, in Plymouth, where the train stopped for
dinner, I met that prince of good fellows, Hiram Bell, Esq., the landlord
of the hotel; formerly the well-known and popular landlord of the
Profile House. It was to hinm that I was indebted for the invitation to
go and work in the Mountains. 
7'
The deaf-mutes who composed the party which visited the Profile HIouse
and went up Mount Lafayette, in 1858, will remember Mr. Bell as a
liberal-hearted man and a genial friend. I shall elsewhere give an account of the adventures of this party, in connection with my own.
As the train neared Well's River, I was standing at the car door, looking out, and saw one of the car wheels fly off andc roll down the bank.
The next instant there was a terrible jarring; the stove-pipe was shaken
out, and the passengers were thrown into confusion. I could hardly
keep my feet, and concluded that I should be killed.
Some one gave the signal to "brake up" by pulling the cord that ran
through the train, and it was stopped without accident. After this we
moved slowly to the next stopping-place, where the damaged car was
removed and the train sped on.
In due time I reached Littleton, from which place are stages to all
parts of the Mountains. I was so anxious to secure a seat on the top
of the stage, that I climbed upon it first and gave orders about my baggage afterwards.
Our six stout horses carried us along at a good rate; on the way, I had
a fine view of the Mountains. One of the passengers pointed out Mount
Lafayette to me. The day was clear, and I could see that snow was falling on the mountain-top, while below it was the vast, black ravine in
which I afterwards nearly lost my life, of which I tell in the proper
place.
After passing Franconia, noted for its iron mine, and as being one of
the coldest places in the country, we saw a snow-storm coming down
upon us, and for a few moments it completely enveloped and blinded
us; when it cleared away, Mount Lafayette looked more majestic than
before, in its mantle of white.
All symptoms of life, except ourselves, soon disappeared, and for some
miles the road was through a gloomy forest, and at the end of this we
arrived at the Profile House.
Few of us having been prepared for the storm and cold, the fire and
a hot supper were very welcome indeed.
My signs and gestures, and my little slate, of which I made free use
in talking with my companions, soon attracted the attention of the
company, to most of whom a deaf-mute was evidently a new thing. One
man in particular, an Irishman, who was seated in a corner smoking a
pipe, after eyeing me intently for some time, approached me, laid a hand
on my shoulder, looked me in the face, and then, making the sign of the
cross, he nodded, went back to his seat, and resumed his pipe, apparently
satisfied that it was all right. I could not help smiling at his behavior,
and did not know what to think of it; but have since concluded that it
was his way of either getting acquainted or of expressing sympathy.
I retired to bed, but could not sleep; my  new situation and my owvn 
8
thoughts kept me awake.  I could feel the house shake from the action
of the wind, which was blowing hard, and, gathering  extraordinary
strength from compression in its passage through the Notch, struck with
great force upon the hotel, which, although a very large building, shook
like a person with the ague.
In the morning I was quite sick, having caught a bad cold in my ride
from Littleton. After breakfast I felt better, and took a walk; the
mountains, trees, rocks, and everything were covered with ice-the effect
of the frost-clouds during the night-and in the rays of the rising sun
everything glittered and glowed with all the colors of the rainbow.  It
was a magnificent sight; I thought of the fairy scenes in the " Arabian
Nights."
The scene increased in beauty as the sun rose higher, till the frostwork began to dissolve in the warmth, and in a short time everything
had returned to its usual dark and sombre hlue.
My  next thought was to visit the "Great Stone Face," "The Old
Man of the Mountain."
"The Old Man of the Mountain."
I had heard much of this great natural curiosity, and had thought that
there must be some resemblance to a human profile, but I was not prepared for the "accurate chiselling and astonishing sculpture" which
now met my eyes.
The "Profile" has " a stern, projecting; massive brow, which looks
as if it contained the thought and wisdom of centuries."  The nose is
straight, and finely cut." The lips are thin, and slightly parted, as if
about to speak.  The chin is " well thrown forward, and shows  the
hard, obstinate character of the' Old Man,' who has faced the storms
of ages with such unmoving steadiness."
As I stood there, and looked at the towering cliff on which the " Old
Man " is situated, all my appreciation of the grand  and  sublime ill
nature was awakened; and, mingled with other thoughts, came longings
for a closer acquaintance with the " Old Man," and dreams of " doing
an(i darinog" in those wild regions as none had ever done before.
To the general observer, who sees the " Old. Man" against a clear
sky, the expression is one of earnest expectation, mingled with that
heart-sickness produced by hope long deferred."  But the expression
varies with the weather.  Sometimes it appears on the point of giving
utterance to speech; sometimes it wears a settled scowl, and at others a
look of more than mortal sadness.
Clouds passing under the chin or above and around the forehead materially soften the expression, and, by bearding and wigging the face, make 
9
it very lifelike. The best time to see it is in the afternoon, when the
sun is behind it.  After a cold rain, I have seen the " Old Manl's" face
glisten beautifully, and wear a smiling look.
During the four seasons which I have spent at the " Profile House,"
I have studied the "Old Man" in all its aspects as seen from below.
It had a fascination for me which drew me to it in storm and in calm, by
day and by night, in season and out of season.  It was a strange and
unaccountable influence and an irresistible impulse.
Often as I have looked upon the "Old Man," both far and near, I am
not satisfied; it still has the old attraction for me, and I hope to continue my researches in the vicinity.
Returning to the hotel, I spent the rest of the day in looking out of
the windows upon the grand scenery with which it is surrounded, and in
recalling to mind the mountain adventures and narrow escapes of which
I had read, and trying to remember how the persons concerned acted, ill
order to escape the danger they were in.
I always had a love of adventure, but made it a rule " never to get
into danger until I had planned how to get out of it"; and I think it
very important and useful for people to study and remember how to
act in case of exposure to any kind of danger. If this were more generally practised, there would be much less loss of life. A person with
presence of mind has an immense advantage in case of accidents, and
is worth a hundred who are wild and distracted. Knowledge how to act
has saved my own life and limbs several times.
The next day I was able to go to work, and was much amused by the
whisperings and pointings of my fellow-workmen. They regarded me,
for some time, as a strange person, and seemed to be much afraid of my
slate and pencil. One of them, who stood near me one day when I pulled
out my slate for some purpose, ran away as fast as possible, showing fear
on his face; but whether in fun or earnest I did not know, nor did I care,
so long as there was nothing offensive in the mannier. In course of time
they got over this, and treated me as one of themselves.
The Bowling Alley at the foot of Cannon Mountain, so called, had
been entirely destroyed, and we were ordered to rebuild it.
It was destroyed in the following manner:
It snowed for half a day, then a cold rain followed, which froze solid;
then fell a foot of snow, and the next day was so warm that the snow
melted, and not being absorbed by the frozen ground, ran down the
mountain into the valley. Gulches and ravines were quickly flooded;
brooks became rivers, and cascades grew to cataracts.  Behind the alley
ran a small brook, which, overflowing its banks, undermined it and swept
it away. The hotel grounds were flooded, all the cellars filled with
water, andi much damage was done. After finishing the alley, we were
put to shingling the Profile House, the size of which may be imagined
. i
- I:".:,   -',,:,.
.   -. I - I 
.."      ti. I. 
10
from its taking eight men twelve days to finish the front side only, and
on that alone they used fifty thousand feet of shingles.
Snow-balling in Jtne.
One warm day in June, I made one of a party of eight persons which
ascended Cannon Mountain in search of quartz crystals, the distance
being about a mile and a half.
It was my first experience in climbing mountains, and I was soon very
tired.  The path had been damaged by the spring freshets, and the
ascent, hard at any time, was then unusually so.
The day was fine, but just as we reached the top of the mountain we
were enveloped in clouds, and could neither go for the crystals or enjoy
the fine view which can be had in clear weather.
We were obliged cautiously to retrace our steps, lest we should lose
our way. I was much disappointed, but comforted myself by the reflection that I could come again.
As we were descending, we saw, a short distance to one side of the
path, a patch of snow, about an acre in extent and a foot deep, so
situated in a hollow that the sun never shone upon it. We left the path
and went toward it: while looking around, some one proposed a little
fun. With the feelings of younger days, the members of the party,
whose ages ranged from thirty-five to sixty, divided into equal bodies
and took up positions, the agreement being to pelt each other until one
party should be driven firom the snow.
The snow was soft, and easily worked, and the snow-balls flew fast and
furious for more than an hour, when the party to which I belonged were
driven from the field by a skilful movement of the other party, under the
lead of an old gentleman of sixty, whose tactics would have been useful
on a more earnest battle-field, and obliged to surrender.
The severe exercise had stirred our blood and put us in good humor,
doing much to compensate us for the loss of our original object in coming up the Mountain; and we resumed our homeward way, well pleased
with the novel and uncommon incident of making and using snow-balls
in summer.
At Work in the " Flume."
I went one day with a gang of workmen to repair the bridge over the
Pemigewasset River, and the footways by which visitors reach  the
1 Flume." The storms and freshets of winter always do more or less
damage to the bridges, foot-paths, plank-walks, and other contrivances
for the convenience, comfort and safety of the summer visitors, which
are not removed at the close of the travelling season. 
11
I will try to give these who have not seen it some idea of this great
natural curiosity.
The "Flume" is reached from the bridge across the river, by a foot-path
which follows the course of the stream, crossing it often, leading up and
over steep rocks, and sometimes following the bed of the stream itself.
At every step something is seen to admire.
The stream pours itself through the " Flume" over an inclined plane
of smooth, polished rock, six hundred feet in length, and very gradual
in descent. Precipices from sixty to eighty feet high wall in the waters
on each side; the space between them averages about twenty feet, except
at the upper end, where the walls suddenly approach each other withia
ten feet, and hold suspended between them, in mid-air, an enormous boulder of granite, which looks as if a very small force would send it into the
stream below, so slight appears its hold between the cliffs. The precipices on each side are fringed with tall forest-trees, and the sun shines
into the ravine only about two hours a day.  It is at all times a grand
and gloomy scene.  The only way to get up this narrow gorge is by a
foot-way of planks and logs which is kept in repair by the proprietors.
A huge tree has fallen across from one side to the other, above the
boulder, and many persons have crossed the ravine on it.  It is a dizzy
height, and the foothold is not very secure, the log being rotten and
slippery.
Having repaired the bridge, we proceeded to the " Flume" to fix up
the foot-ways.  We there found an army of small black flies, or midges,
as they are called.  These troublesome little insects, which are far worse
than mosquitoes, abound in the woods and all over the mountains, and
annoy every one with merciless perseverance.  They seldom show themselves in the houses, and will keep away from a person who is smoking.
All workmen outside are obliged to make  a fire and keep up a smoke,
in order to be able to work.  We built a huge fire at one end of the
"Flume," and thus kept the flies away; a gust of wind would sometimes drive so much smoke in upon us as to compel us to drop our
tools, and run out to avoid suffocation. This hindered us a good deal,
but we preferred to be smoked out occasionally rather than to bear the
constant torment of the flies.
The logs on which the plank foot-ways of the previous summer had
rested having been washed away, it was necessary for us to cut down
some trees for new ones; in order to procure what we needed, we
ascended a narrow path to the top of one side of the ravine, and, cutting down the tress, we trimmed them and rolled them over the brink
into the chasm below.
Looking over to the opposite side of the ravine, I saw a tall tree
standing on the edge of the precipice, and determined to go across and
fell it; I wished to see it fall into the "Flume" with all its branches 
12
on.  Taking, my axe, I started over the log I have spoken of as lying
across the chasm; I had nearly reached the other side when my foot
struck a projectjlg knot, I lost my balance, and what saved me from
falling was a desperate spring, and my grasp on a bush which grew near
the edge. I was startled, and it was some time before I could go to
work; at last I began to cut down the tree, which soon began to reel,
and the breeze taking, it on the right side, it slowly inclined in the
desired direction; I ran to a safe distance, and leaned over the edge as
far as I dared, with one hand grasping the branch of a tree, to see it fall.
It went down head-foremost, and was, to my surprise, considerably
shorter than the depth of the ravine; it struck on its head, stood upri,ght for an instant, as if surprised at its novel situation, and then
its heavy butt-enld went down on the bed of the stream with a crash like
that of a thousand thunders. The earth shook and trembled beneath
my feet, and the sensations I then experienced will never be forgotten.
I felled two more trees, but not with the same success, and, we having
enough for the footways, I looked about for a way to the bottom of the
ravine. The log by which I had crossed was still open to me, and a
path was on the other side; but as I did not wish to trust the log again,
I finally scrambled down the steep side of the precipice, and reached the
bottom with only a few trifling bruises and scratches.  We were obliged
to work, much of the time, in three or four feet of water, which was
cold as ice, and were very glad when the job was finished.
Almost an Accident.
Early on the morning of the Fourth of July, the mulatto hostler of
the Profile House brought a small cannon, or swivel, into the front yard.
It had been used, the previous summer, for the entertainment of the
guests who wished to hear the echoes waked by its discharge on the
shore of Echo Lake, and had become rusty by long exposure  to the
weather.  The mulatto filled the cannon nearly full of fine sporting, gunpowder, grass and dirt, rammed it down as hard as possible, and then,
lighting a match, attempted to discharge it; failing to do so, he gave
it up for the present, and left the cannon in the yard.
Another man came along, discovered how the cannon was loaded, and
removed it to the back side of the hotel.  Having reached a distance
which he considered safe, he inserted a fuse in the priming, lit it, and
ran away.  The cannon burst; and a piece of iron weighing twenty
pounds went over the Profile House and buried itself in the front yrard,
less than four feet from one of the guests who was walking there.  It
was very fortunate that the mulatto did not succeed in discharging the 
13
cannon; he would have been torn in pieces, and much other damage
would have been done.
My First Visit to the " Old Man."
About the last of July I determined to pay a visit to the head of the
"Old Alan."  While getting ready for the attempt, I thought, if I got
there, I would set up a pole and raise a flag; I also concluded to re main on the top of the Mountain until after dark, and then build a large
bonfire.  I procured a hatchet, which I always thereafter carried in my
belt in all my wanderings, a flag ten feet long and five feet wide, a long
cord, a, bag of shavings, and kindling-wood and some provisions; alto gether they made a heavy load to carry to the top of the Mountain, a
mile and a half, on a hot day in summer.
At one o'clock, P. M., I left the Profile House, and commenced the
ascent of Cannon Mountain, so called from there being, near its top, a
rock, which, seen from a certain point, resembles a cannon mounted on
a carriage; it is also called Profile Mountain, as it is on its side that the
"Old Man" is situated.
I followed the footpath, and found it verv hard work to get along
with my load, but reached the top, and deposited it in a convenient place
for use at the proper time. After resting a little, I began to descend
toward the "Old M,an," which lies about a mile away in an opposite
direction from that in which I ascended. The way was far more difficult than I had supposed; huge rocks were scattered around, among
and over which I had to carefully choose my way. Long before I saw
any signs of the " Old M}an," I was much inclined to give it up; but I
remembered that some one had been on the Head before, and that
"what man has done, man may do."
I might not be, and probably was not, following the route taken by
the other party, but any way to the Head must be hard and dangerous;
so I pushed on, and was finally rewarded, as I supposed, by arriving at
the spot I wished to find. Looking about for a flag-staff, I saw that the
nearest wood was half a mile farther down, and that much of the way to
it lay along the brink of a frightful precipice. The descent required
great care; for in some places a slip of the foot would send me to be
dashed in pieces on the rocks more than a thousand feet below, and a
false step anywhere would be a serious thing. I finally reached the wood,
and selected a fine stick, fifteen feet long, and five inches in diameter at
the larger end, which I trimmed with my hatchet, and succeeded, after
immense labor, in transporting to what seemed to be the right place.
From the spot where I stood I could see the lake at the foot of the
Mountain, and many people on the shore.  I had told no one of my in 
14
tentions when I left the hotel, and now began to regret it, as, if anything prevented me from getting back, nobody would know where to look
for me, and the consequences might not be pleasant. However, by getting on a large rock and waving the flag, I attracted the attention of the
people, who waved hats and handkerchiefs to show that they saw me.
I now felt easier in my mind, as, if I was missed, my location would
readily be inferred.
Raising the pole, I placed it in a cleft in a rock, piling large stones
around it to secure it, and then flung the flag to the breeze.
I saw it was getting late, and I made the best of my way back to
the place where I had left my load.  The descent was hard, as I have
said, but the return was worse, and I was nearly exhausted before reaching the top. Selecting a good place near the " Cannon," I spent the
next two hours in collecting wood, brush, and green spruce-trees; at the
end of that time I had a very large pile, under which I arranged the
kindlings, and sat down to wait for the proper time to set the pile on fire.
I determined to wait until nine o'clock, because many of the guests would
then be in the piazza of the hotel, and also because the stages usually
arrived about that time. It now occurred to me that I had not taken
time to consider the enterprise carefully, in all its bearings, before starting.
There was no moon; I had omitted to bring a lantern, and I might
find it difficult to get back, if I was obliged to stay out all night. To
miss the path would be dangerous in the extreme, and to keep it in the
darkness would be difficult. I might meet with the same {mishap as that
which happened in the year 1859 to Charles Barrett, a wealthy deafmute of Boston, now dead.  He was one of a party of deaf-mutes who
had been attending a Convention in Vermont, and were now visiting the
Profile House.  Most of them had made the ascent of Mount Lafayette,
and they were seated around the fire after supper, enjoying themselves,
when one of them suddenly asked what became of Mr. Barrett, who had
not accompanied them up the Mountain. None of them had seen him
since their return. Investigation proved that he was not about the
hotel, but one of the servants remembered having seen him going up
the path leading to the top of Cannon Mountain, and that he was alone.
This caused instant alarm, and men were despatched up the Mountain,
with lanterns, to hunt for him. As the search progressed, his hat, cravat,
coat, etc., were found in various places.  Hle was finally found far out
of the regular path, wandering aimlessly and distractedly about, and
most completely lost. Before him, and directly in his way, was a steep
precipice, and in all probability a few minutes' delay would have proved
fatal.  When he found that he was saved, his strength, which was nearly
exhausted, gave way entirely, and hlie became unconscious. It was necessary to carry him most of the way back to the hotel, where a liberal
use of restoratives soon put him all right. 
15
Having thought it all over, I concluded to carry out my original plan,
and proceeded to eat my luncheon as a beginning.  The wind in this
elevated spot blew quite hard, and I felt chilly, as my clothing was
damp with perspiration. Finding a cleft in a rock which would protect
me from the wind, I crept into it and remained two hours; the large
bag in which I had brought the shavings served me as a shawl, and I
was quite comfortable in body, although still somewhat uneasy in mind
about getting down.
All was utter silence around me; the rapidly-increasing darkness, and
the distance back, were not pleasant subjects for thought.
I was indeed, for the time, " monarch of all I surveyed"; but if my
realm was limited by my vision, it was small indeed, and my crown by
no means sat lightly on my brow. My watch finally told me, by the aid
of a match, that it was nine o'clock, and I fired the pile; the wind
fanned the flame to a huge blaze thirty feet or more in height, which
illuminated the scene for miles around, and was quickly seen firom the
hotel.  They told me afterwards that a cry of " fire" was raised, and
every one of the three hundred and fifty persons then at the hotel was
outside in a very few minutes, and enjoyed the scene very much.  In
about half an hour the fire died away; as soon as my eyes, which had
been blinded by the blaze, became accustomed to the darkness, I set
out to return; I could barely see to keep the path, and stumbled and fell
quite often.
After a long and tedious journey, I arrived at the Profile House with
no other damage than a bruised knee.  The next morning inquiry was
made about the fire, and a desire was expressed to see the person who
made it; I was sent for and presented to the company, who, on being
acquainted with the facts, made up a handsome contribution for me.
The contribution was very welcome, I am free to say; but I do not think
that I would do the same job over again for the same amount.  A man
will sometimes do a thing for his own gratification which he cannot afterward be hired to do at any price.
Going down to the lake, I was surprised to find that the pole was not
on the Head, but some distance from it, among a group of rocks called
Adam's Apples."  Not content to leave the job half done, I jumped
into a boat, rowed across the lake, and struck off and up through the
pathless woods to the pole, which I planted in another place.  The Head
was a very difficult and dangerous place to move or stand on. Returning to the lake, I found that the pole was in the right place.
In a few days, work was discontinued on the hotel, as the proprietors
were obliged to give all their time to the rapidly-increasing number of
guests, and I was dismissed, with orders to return after the travellilng
season was over. And so ended my first summer at the Mountains. 
16
SE COsD SUTMME R.
IN GENERAL.
HE travelling season at the Mountains begins about the last of June
or by the middle of July, and ends in September, or early in October.
While at home, during the summer or fall, waiting the close of the
travelling season, that I might return to the Mountains and watch the
approach of winter, I laid my plans, and provided things which experience and observation had taught me were necessary in mountain wanderings: strong clothing, not easily torn by bushes and briars, through
which I might have to force my way; a knapsack, drinking-flask, handaxe, etc.  I rejected the idea of a gun, as being both inconvenient and
unnecessary.  An axe, I thought, would serve all ordinary purposes of
offence and defence, and in case of the appearance of a bear or other
large animal, I could run away.  My grandfather-a deaf-mute-used
only to carry a hay-fork when he went after his cows, at a time when
wild beasts were plenty; and he said hlie found it a very efficient weapon.
Orders at last came for me to return and resume work at the Profile
House, and I accordingly departed for the Mountains, where, on my
arrival, I received a hearty welcome.
The first thing I did after arriving there, was to hurry down to the spot
from which the "Profile" can best be seen, and take a good look at my
old friend, whose towering form loomed up in the gathering darkness like
some grim sentinel standing guard over the forest.  Having paid my
respects to him, I returned to the hotel, of which I will give a brief description:
It has four hundred windows, and can accommodate several hundred
guests. It is built in the form of a cross, and stands on a level plain,
a few acres in extent, surrounded on all sides by lofty mountains. Its
front faces the Franconia Notch, through which the waters of the Echo
and Profile Lakes flow into the Pemigewasset River, and thence into
Lake Winnipisoegee.  It is one of the most convenient, commodious, and
best-managed hotels in the Mlountains; it is within easy distance of
some of the most interesting of the natural curiosities: Eagle Cliff,
Echo and Profile Lakes, the Cascade and Falls, the "Old Man," the
Basin, Pool, and Flume, Walker's Falls, and other minor objects. With
its telegraph and stage offices, its hosts of servants and hundreds of
guests, it is a town in itself.  Immense quantities of provisions are con
sumed, and teams are constantly bringing the necessaries and luxuries
of life over the Mountains firom Littleton, eleven miles off. The estab.
lishment is supplied with pure mountain spring water, than which the
worldi knows no better article.  The stables are extensive, as the travel 
17
demands it, and I have often counted three hundred and fifty horses
stabled at once.
Echo Lake.
About thlree-fourths of a mile from the Profile House, nestling among
the hills, and surrounded by a dense growth of trees, lies Echo Lake, a
beautiful sheet of water, from which can be seen Eagle Cliff, Cannon
Mountain, and Bald Mountain.  It is remarkable for its echoes; the
blowing, of a tin horn, or shouting with the voice, will awake the "babbling gossips of the air," who will return the sounds with wonderful
distinctness; the report of a swivel or gun fired in a certain direction,
will reverberate like peals of thunder among the Mountains.  All this I
know only from hearsay, and waking the echoes is one of the few occasions on which I keenly feel my loss of hearing. The best time to visit
the lake is near sunset,-the magical beauty of the scene can then be.
best understood; and, if a man be in a meditative mood, there is no
better place to " look through nature ul) to nature's God."
Take a boat. and row to the middle of the lake, which is about one
mile long and three-quarters of a mile wide, and of great depth and
clearness, and, by looking down into the water, you can readily imagine yourself floating in mid-air.
I have twice stolen out at midnight, and paddled around the lake by
moonlight.  On one occasion, the report having spread that a bear and
a deer had been seen at the farther end of the lake, my curiosity induced
me to take a boat and go down to the place by moonlight, to see if anything, was to be seen.  Arriving there, I stepped on shore, advanced a
few steps, and peered into the bushes.  I could see nothing; and the
perfect stillness around me, together with the strange hour, gave me a
sudden panic, and I dashed into the boat and swept homeward with all
possible speed.
The lake is a very popular resort, and parties often carry musical instruments out in the boats, the playing, of which has a very fine effect.
It is one of those places of which the more you see the more you wish
to see.
Eagle  Cl ff.
On the left of the Profile House is Eagle Cliff, a huge columnar crag,
which towers far into the air, andcl seems almost to overhang the hotel,
although it is in reality quite a distance off.  Its top is a huge mass of
jagged rocks, which leans over so nmucel  that it seems ready to fall from
its place.  The cliff derives its name from the fact that, high utp on its
face, and plainly visible from the hotel, there is a black-ooking hole, 
18
where, for many years, a pair of eagles built their nest.  Some mischievous persons went up one summer, with fire-arms, and frightened them
away, much to the grief and indignation of the visitors, to whom the
noble birds had afforded much gratification.
I have several times seen eagles sailing about the spot, and occasionally diving into the woods and then soaring away. I could not, from the
distance, ascertain whether they obtained any prey, but was much interested in their movements, and wished for a nearer view.  One day I
was watching an eagle who had been hovering about the spot for some
days, when I determined to get nearer, if possible. I plunged into the
woods, and made my way as directly as I could towards the cliff. Reaching, its foot, I commenced  climbing up, taking care to keep out of
sight of the eagle, who was now directly above me, sailing in a circle.
I reached the foot of the crag, a distance of about three-quarters of a
mile, after much exertion, and halted to rest. Through the branches
above me I saw that the eagle had gone up higher, and I was afraid I had
frightened him away.  Wishing to get a better position, I crept cautiously on my hands and knees, andl had nearly arrived at the place I
wished, when I saw a plump rabbit sitting near its burrow. I sat down
and watched it. In a few minutes I saw a dark object drop rapidly
from the sky; the rabbit disappeared in its burrow; and the baffled eagle,
for it was he, paused a moment, as if considering the situation, and then
spreading his broad wings, he soared aloft again.  He was only a short
distance from me, and I had a splendid view of him.  He was a noble
specimen of the king of birds, with broad wings, heavy beak, and powerfuil claws. A momentary wish for a gun crossed my mind, but the
next minute I was ashamed of myself, for it seemed almost a crime to
shoot such a bird.
In about five minutes the rabbit appeared again, and almost at the
same instant the eagle swept down, with a speed which set the bushes
and leaves in motion like a breeze; and, grasping the unlucky rabbit in
its claws, sailed gracefully away over the forest, and disappeared behind
the cliff.
Before leaving the spot I took a survey of the rocks at the foot of the
crag, and in one place I noticed a huge slab of rock standing on its edge,
with a very slight hold on the face of the cliff.  It had been loosened
by firost, or other causes, and was evidently ready to slip or slide down
the mountain by a very slilght force.  It would, I think, cover  a quarter
of an acre, and certainly weighed many tons.
The nlext spring, before the snow had quite disappeared, I was one
day going to dinner with the rest of the workmen, when I suddenly felt
a hleavy jarring of the earth beneath my feet.  At the same instant the
man behind me gave me a heavy blow on the back, and when I turned
sharply around, pointed to Eagle Cliff. I looked, and saw that the great 
19
slab before mentioned had got loose, and gone crashing and tearing to
the foot of the Mountain.  Deaf though I was, I was sensible of a terrible crash and an indescribable roaring.  An immense column of smoke
rose slowly up, and gradually disappeared.
The next morning I was one of a party who ascended to the spot
where the slab had been.  The immense mass of rock had cleared a path
for itself for many rods below, sweeping the trees before it like chaff, and
grinding some of them to powder.  Rocks, large and small, were scattered far and wide, as they had been hurled from the path of the slab in
its passage downward.  I have seen snow-avalanches sweep down  a
mountain-side, and carry much before them, but this, being a solid mass
of rock, far exceeded them in destructive force.  I am inclined to think
a number of such slides, at different periods, are what caused the outline of a human face known as " The Old MIan," and I also think that,
in time, other slides will occur which will entirely obliterate it. In my
explorations over and upon the rocks which constitute the " Profile,"
I have noticed crevices and cracks in abundance, on which the action of
frost and ice must eventually have a ruinous result.  Of this I shall speak
more fully hereafter,.and shall also have more to say of Eagle Cliff,
with which I afterwards became intimnately acquainted.
Building a Boat-House.
A  boathouse being required at the Profile Lake, I was selected to
build it. It was by no means a pleasant job, not on account of the
workl-that was easy enough-but by reason of the spot being just within
the woods, which close down on the lake and swarm with midgets.
These pests of the mountains often shorten the visits of tourists; they
especially interfere with the labors of the artists, the enjoyment of the
ramblers, and peace of everybody, everywhere, except in the hotels, their
immediate vicinity, and some few other favored spots. I commenced
operations, keeping up a fire to windward, and working in the smoke as
best I might.  From the spot where I worked I had a full view of the
Old Man," and, during the month that I was stationed there, I saw
him in all the various aspects which the changes in the weather give
him.  My attention was divided between my work and the " Old- Mian"
a good part of the time, and I often hit my fingers in the attempt to
drive a nail and look the other way at once.  Somehow, I could not
help looking; the stern old face had a sort of fascination for me, and
I almost worshipped it sometimes. Working at the lake, I had charge
of the boats used by the guests of the hotel.  One day I saw a stout
old gentlelman and three ladies coming towards the boats.
They stopped to enjoy the scenery for some time, and then the old gein 
20
tleman called for me.  I had my eyes on him, expecting to be spoken
to, and I pointed to my ears and shook my head.   Ie pointed to the boat,
with a smile, and then to himself and party, sicgnifing that he wanted
one. I came down and east one off for him; he stepped into it, stood
erect, while the ladies took seats, and then throwing off his coat and
gloves, he sat down, put out the oars, and sent the boat over the surface of the lake with a long, regular stroke, which showed him to be
a sailor, and a man-of-war. In the course of an hour he returned, paid
the customary fee, and went away.  His bearing convinced me  that he
was no ordinary man.  There were no signs of rank about him, only an
indefinable somnething which created that impression.  In the evening
there was a ball, and I saw the old gentleman walking about with
quite a crowd following, and learned that he was Admiral Farragut. I
mentally did homage to the naval hero, and studied him with interest,
during his stay in the grand parlor where the ball took place.  The next
day, while I was at work as usual, the Admiral came along, asked for
slate and pencil, and engaged me in conversation in regard to the circumstances attending my visit to the " Old Man," while I was constructing
my "; model"; a copy of which, hanging in the hqtel, had attracted his
attention on the previous evening. In regard to my exploration on the
dizzy heights of the "Profile," the Admiral asked me if I was not
afraid at the time; to which, Yankee-like, I replied by asking him if
he was not afraid when he stood in the shrouds of his vessel at the capture of New Orleans?  Hle incidentally remarked that he was acquainted
with the veteran Laurent Clere, who came from France, the first instructor of deaf-mutes in America, and others of our notable men.
At the close of the iinterview I felt much elated by having had a personal conversation, all to myself, with the hero of New Orleans.  There
was nothing remarkable, to be sure, in his talking with me  as he did;
but in my regard to the fact as one of the events of my life, I am  no
more absurd, to say the least, than are the multitudes who throng wherever our great statesmen and generals happen to sojourn, and crowd
and elbow eaeh other in desperate eagerness to get a sight of the man
or a shake of his hand.  The Admiral impressed me as a dignified, but
genial old man, with nothing of the aristocrat about him- a genuine
son of the sea- fond of society, and carrying with him a certain air,
which, while conducive to social intercourse, repelled any approach to
familiarity. I hoped to see him again, but when I returned from my
work at night, I learned that hle was gone. I saw him, some time afterward, in the Railroad Station, at IIartford, Conn., and had the pleasure
of being recognized, and getting a shake of his hand, just as he stepped
on board of a train. lIe stands high in my estimation of men, and, heroworship or not, I say: Long live Admiral Farragut. 
21
A TVeek with a Phiotograp7her.
There came to the Profile House a seedy-looking man, whose bagtgage
was two heavy chests, and who, as we soon discovered, was a photo grapher, sent by a firm in New York to take views of the places of
interest in the Mountains.  IHe was not a very prepossessing individual;
wore an armny uniform, and had only one eye, black and piercing, but
we were soon interested in him.  We learned that he went out with
Dr. IKane's expedition in search of Sir John Franklin, as a photographer,
but the intense cold prevented him from taking views, and he was otherwise employed.  Hle had been in the army during our civil war, and a
splinter destroyed one of his eyes at the battle of Mlalvern IHill.
He had come to the Mountains at the wrong time, July and Augrust
being the best months for photographing. Hle remained over a week
without seeing a single fair day, and was almost in despair.  Hle wished
to engage me to guide and assist him in taking views, at the first opportunity, and I obtained permission to help him for a week. Hle wished
to go to some parts of the Mountains which had never been visited by
photographers.
We loaded ourselves with his apparatus and other necessary articles,
and went here and there for some time with varied success. -Ie at
last decided to ascend Eagle Cliff, and try to get views of the Profile
Iouse and the surrounding scenery.  Our loads weighed over a hundred
pounds each, and the ascent was hard indeed, but we finally reached the
spot where I had watched the eagle, as related before. WVe cut down several trees, made a clearing, and built a staging about six feet high,
from which a wide view could be had.  lie succeeded ill taking several
good pictures.
The next day we talked it over, and determined to camp out two
days. Taking our loads, as before, with provisions enough to last until
our return, we proceeded to the " Basin," taking views on the way.
The " Basin" is a deep hollow worn in the solid granite by the longcontinued  action of the water, which falls into it over a ledge a few
feet in height, and escapes through a small opening at the opposite side.
Its shortest width is twenty feet, and its depth fifteen feet.  It forms a
mammoth bowl, which is always filled with very cold and pure water.
The water is very clear, and the bottom can be distinctly seen. Viewed
from a certain spot on one side, the other side assumes the form of a
gigantic foot, with the sole outward, and fully exposed to the action of
the water. It is a beautiful place, close to the road, and it is pleasant
to linger there and watch the eddying whirl of waters.
At the Basin we determined to remain all day and night. After taking a few views in different positions, in each of which I figured, the
photographer removed his apparatus to the other side, andl had got it 
22
adjusted, when  he hit one leg of the stand with his foot and sent the
whole into the Basin.  In trying to save it, he slipped, and fell in himself.  I was standing near him, and, knowing that he could not swim, I
made such haste to catch him that I, too, went headlong into the water.
The water was icy cold, it being near November. Being a good swimmer, I soon placed my companion where he could hold on for a few minutes, and having got out myself, I helped him to do the same.  WVe were
in a bad way, certainly; both of us wet to the skin, and the apparatus
fifteen feet under water. The poor fellow actually wept, believing he
had lost it forever; but I told him I would get it again, even if I had
to dive for it.  Procuring a long pole, we made a very good grappling
with some nails we had with us, and let it down, but found it too short.
Splicing it with cords, we again let it down, and, as I was feeling about
for the object of our search, I lost my balance and fell into the Basin a
second time.  I had, at previous times, like many others, stood on the
brink of the Basin, and longed for a plunge in the " delicious-looking
bath"; but I changed my mind entirely after this second experience,
and at all subsequent visits to the spot, I " looked but longed no more."
Undaunted, I climbed out, and we renewed our attempts to recover the
apparatus, which we finally succeeded in doing.
Oh! how we capered and laughed, forgetting that we were thoroughly
wet, two miles from any house, and without the means to make a fire.
By the time that we began to realize our situation, and consider what we
should do, a team happened along and we procured some matches of the
driver, and determined to stay all night, as we had at first intended.
We built a large fire, and so far dried our clothes that we felt comfortable, and then worked on till near sundown, when we looked about
for a place to spend the night.  I remembered having seen a small shanty,
somewhere in the vicinity, a year before, and went to look for it.  After
a diligent search, I found it about half a mile away, and returned to
guide my comrade to it, marking the trees as I went, to insure a speedy
return. It was the best place we could find; and we proceeded to make
ourselves comfortable, although the fact that there was an old bear-trap
near by, brought up rather unpleasant associations; the idea of one of
those animals coming along, not being agreeable.
We ate our supper cold, and made our bed with moss and blankets.
We were afraid to build a fire in that place, for fear of a conflagration in
the woods, a thing which had happened before from the same cause. The
gloom of the forest, and the rapidly-increasing darkness, were indeed
thrilling. The darkness put it out of our power to converse, which was
rather uncomfortable. All was utter silence to me; my companion
doing the hearing for both of us, while, I suppose, I did my share of
the thinking.  Neither of us slept much that night, the strangeness
of my position and my own thoughts keeping me awake; while the 
23
rustling of swaying branches, the voice of falling waters, and the hooting of owls, made it impossible for him to sleep.  Hie told me afterward,
that the owls scared him badly; and I confessed that my imagination
conjured up. so many bears, snakes, and other denizens of the forest,
that I was heartily glad when morning came.  At day-break nmy companion fell asleep, and remained so, until a large owl, of which I had a
good view, awakened him by its hooting, when I told him to keep watch,
and was soon asleep, careless whether he obeyed orders or not.
Refreshed by our naps, we ate our breakfasts and returned to the
Basin, from which we went to the Pool, but were unable to take any
-views, on account of cloudy weather. We took lodgings at the Flume
House, and the next day, after obtaining views of the Flume, we commenced our return.
Arriving at the foot of Mount Lafayette, we halted, and held a consultationl as to the possible advantage of ascending it, and the probability of being able to obtain views from its summit.  It was late in the
season, and the ascent was dangerous, on account of the frost-clouds,
to be caught in one of which is almost certain death.
I had ventured up, a few days before, at a time when there was a
dense frost-cloud, and all the trees above were covered with a white and
glistening coat of frost. I wanted to feel how cold it was, and to ascertain how far I could endure it.  (The reader will observe, that to go up
when a frost-cloud is abroad, and approach it from below, is a very different thing from having one sweep down upon, and envelope, the unfortunate person who happens to be in the way. In the former case,
one can retreat at pleasure; in the latter, one seldom escapes with life.)
I carried with me overcoat and mittens, which I did not need to put on
for some time, it being a warm day.  As I approached the border of
the frost-cloud, I put them on,.and ventured some distance up.  I felt it,
sure enough.  It was a stinging, suffocating cold; the air was filled with
minute particles of frozen mist, and my hair and beard were quickly
white; while nay clothes, before I left, were frozen stiff. When I could
bear the cold no longer, I beat a retreat.
I noticed a very singular thing during my stay:  The wind was blowing quite hard, and the particles of mist or frost, clinging to the trees
and to each other, made icicles, which did not hang down as we generally
see them, but stood out horizontally from trees, rocks, stumps, etc., giving the whole a very striking appearance.
As I descended to warmer regions, the heat gradually thawed out my
frozen clothes; and when I arrived at the foot of the mountain, I was
as wet as if I had been plunged under water.  It will now be seen how
dangerous it was for us to venture up. If we reached the top, and a
frost-cloud should be seen coming, we could not possibly reach a place
of safety with our loads. We finally decided to make the attempt. 
24
The photographer and myself slowly ascended with our heavy loads,
keeping a sharp look-out, after leaving the line of the forest, for any appearance of danger.  As we neared the top of the Mountain we saw a
spot of cloud afar off, which I knew was a sign of the approach of the
frost-demon, and we turned and rapidly made our way back, narrowly
escaping the deadly embraces of the cloud, so speedidly did it sweep after
us.  Of course, all our labor was lost; taking views was impossible.
We gave up the attempt, and returned to the Profile House.   The next
day we made an equally fruitless ascent of Cannon M-ountain; after
which, the p)rospect was so bad that my photographing friend gave up
the job, packed his things, bade farewell to the Mlountains, and returned
to New York.
A Deaf and Dumb Guide better than None.
Soon after the departure of my friend the one-eyed photograph man,
a gentleman made his appearance at the Profile House, who hailed from
New Jersey.  He came very late, as the season ha(d closed to all intents
and purposes, and only a few stragglers remained of the swarm of visitors.
He inquired for a Guide, and was told that the regular Guides had all
gone home, but that I would make a good one, as I was well acquainted
with the Mountains, and had served in that capacity before. On learning that I was deaf and dumb, he flatly refused to take me, adding some
very uncomplimentary remarks, which were reported to me, of which I
took no apparent notice, although I made a memorandum of them in my
mind.  One day he ventured out alone, in searchof Walker's Falls, of
which I shall have more to say hereafter. It was in the afternoon, and
the hill-tops were enveloped in clouds. The distance to the Falls, from
the road leading to the Flume House, is one mile and a-half. Neglect
and mountain storms had nearly obliterated that half of the path nearest
the Falls, making it easy to lose one's way.  At sundown, the gentleman had not returned, and an alarm was raised. I was requested to go
in search of him, and a.t once consented, glad of the chance to show him
that his estimation of a Deaf and Dumb was wrong; and I started off
alone.  After leaving the road, I soon found his trail in the soft moss,
it retaining the impression of a person's foot for a long time, and pursued it with all possible haste, as the dusk was coming on and time was
precious.
It was necessary for me to keep directlyr on the trail, and I, being deaf,
might pass quite near him without seeing him, and he might not see or
hear me.  I found, by the direction of his trail, that he had gone wrong,
and could not possibly have reached the Falls. I found him perched on a
rock, wiping hlis brow vigorously. Hle had given himself up for lost, and
his conduct, when he saw me, somewhat belied his previously-expressed 
25
opinion of a deaf-mute guide.  I-e caught my hand and shook it warmly.
We had no time to waste in words, and if we had, it was too dark to
write, by which method only could we communicate.
Beckoning him to follow, I took the back track, and went forward at a
rapid rate, up hill and down, over rocks and stumps, throulgh bushes
and briars, intent on gaining the main road before utter darkness came
on.  Hle came after me, panting and perspiring, frequently stumbling
over some obstacles, and falling headlong; and, plainly objecting to such
rapid locomotion, I confess to having experienced a sort of malicious
pleasure in leading him such a race, in consideration of his remarks on
me the other day.  After a while I became  slightly anxious, as the
darkness increased, lest we should miss the way; but while turning it
over in my mind, we burst through a clump of bushes, directly into the
road, and I shortly had the pleasure of seeing him safe in the arms of
his anxious wife.
For the rest of his stay, he employed me  as his guide, paying me
liberally; besides stating, at the close of my engagement, that, although
he had travelled much, both in the old world and the new, he had never
had a better guide.
My Ascent of Mount Lafayette.
The most remarkable sight I had ever witnessed, occurred one afternoon this season.  The clouds were gathering, and slowly descending,
and there was every appearance of a rain-storm, when I determined to
venture up the 3lountain, to see whether it was clear at the top.  I hur
riedl up as fast as I could, and having made the ascent, passing through
a dense cloud on my way, I was rewarded by a singular si(ght.  Below
me, and shlutting off all other view, was, apparently, a thick field of
cotton, almost tempting me to jump into its soft folds. I learned, afterward, that soon after my departure from the hotel it commenced raining heavily, and the people there thought I was in a bad plight for venturing on the Mountain at such an improper time.  They did not appreciate my love of adventure, and my desire to experience the sensation
of being above a storm-cloud.  I had often read of persons standing onl
the top of a mountain while there was a storm raging below them, and
I now felt quite elated at nmy good fortune in witnessing a similar scene.
Very soon the cotton-cloud chlanged to a bright red color, as if on fire,
caught from the sun, which was shining brightly above.  The scene now
became sublime, beyond my ability to describe.  I was reminded of the
Israelites fleeing from E-gypt, guided by a pillar of fire by night.  For
many miles around, this nmagnificenlt sight met my eye.  Soon, however,
I noticed that the cloud was rising, which made me feel quite unelasy,
for fear that I should get a thorough soaking, whichll would relcnder mne 
26
quite nncomfortalble, and perhaps place me in a dangerous plight from
the cold and wet, and there was no chance for escape; so I had to content myself by waiting its approach.  I saw no lightning, nor did I feel
any jar from the thunder, in which  I was somewhat disappointed.  As
the cloud arose, I was agreeably surprised to find that it did not rain at
all, but there was a thick mist or cloud rising fast, and in a few minutes
it had passed above my head, slowly unitillng, until it appeared like a
great white cloth or sheet spread over many miles around. The whole
Mountain range came into full view, in all its grandeur and majesty.
I was riveted to the spot in amazement at this unexpected scene, and
I can hardly find words to portray the beautiful spectacle. The rising
of a mammoth curtain in a mammoth theatre, might give some idea of
what I beheld coming into view: a grand panorama of splendid and
varied landscape.  Mount Washington, thirty miles away, revealed itself
in mighty grandeur, with all its surroundings of minor hills.  But the
descending sun warned me not to tarry, but to hasten down while yet
there was daylight enough to guide my steps. I found most of the path
very wet and muddy, but reached the hotel without harm.
A Party Overwhelmed by a Severe I?ain-Storm.
To show the danger there is in incautiously attempting an ascent of
the Mountains, I will narrate an incident that occurred inll the early part
of this season.
A party of five gentlemen and five ladies determined to risk the
ascent of Mount Lafayette quite early, being, I think, the first party of
the season, notwithstanding the remonstrances of the hotel-keeper. The
weather appeared quite unpromising, but, having a guide, they ventured
off, and reached the top of the Mountain without particular adventure.
They had hardly dismounted, and taken a view of the scene before them,
when they were surrounded by a dense cloud, which totally obscured their
vision. Quickly mounting their horses, they had gone but a few rods
when a heavy rain-storm burst upon them, forming a torrent, which filled
the path so that they could not find their way.
The horses refused to move, being frightened and bewildered, and
even a hard beating had no effect upon them. The whole party was in a
very dangerous plight, for they were pitiable-looking objects, completely
drenched; and the ladies looked most miserable, helpless, and trembling
with fear and the cold. They were held on to the horses by the gentlemen
accompanying them, or they would have fallen exhausted to the ground.
The rain poured in ceaseless torrents, as if from sheer malice, to punish
the imprudent adventurers.
There was great consternation at the hotel when the storm came on,
as it seemed unlikely that any of the party could survive its chilling 
27
effects. A quick consultation was had, and volunteers called for to go
to the rescue.  I quickly offered my services; and six others following
my example, we hastily procured a two-horse carriage, and drove with
great speed the three miles to the foot of the Mountain. I-Here we unharnessed the horses from the carriage, tying them, so they should not
stray, and proceeded on foot up the Mountain, which we did with great
difficulty, dcliscomnfort, and danger, the path being filled with water, and
the pelting rain nearly blinding us.  Finally, we reached the spot where
the party stood, more dead than alive, and truly pitiable objects to behold. WVe did not stop to ask any questions, but quickly got the ladies
off the horses, gave them a drink of something which the strictest teetotaller would probably not have denied them under the circumstances, and
then each took one of the ladies and started down the Mountain again,
the gentlemen gladly following with all possible speed. The horses
were also induced to move, and when we got half way down, and had
partially revived the almost perishing party, we again mounted them on
their horses, putting a man on each side to hold them in place.  By dint
of great caution, we finally reached the carriage, into which we placed
the ladies, letting their horses gallop off towards home. Again harnessing our horses to the carriage, we started off with all speed to the hotel,
where we arrived without further mishap. The travelling party received
prompt aid and by careful nursing, and the use of proper stimulants,
they were fortunately able to be about the next morning, apparently
none the worse for their dangerous predicament.
The Adventurous Little Girl.
One Sunday afternoon, a little waiter-girl, not more than eleven years
old, banteringly said that she would ascend Mount Lafayette alone, if
no one would accompany her. Some of the older boys, who were fond
of mischief, wishing to see some fun, and to test her strength, offered to
go with her, promising help, if necessary, in the ascent and descent.
So off they started to the foot of the Mountain, without the knowledge of any older persons. The ascent was very difficult for one so
young; she started up very courageously, but her strength not being
equal to the task, she soon faltered; but the boys cruelly drove her up,
by threats. She often wavered, but fnlually was enabled to nearly reach
the top, a distance of about three miles from the foot of the Mountain.
Here her tired limbs refused any longer to sustain her, and she fell, exhausted, to the ground.
The boys became quite alarmed at this result of their persuasion and
threats, and, finding that the sun was getting well down, they became
frightened, for fear that they should all perish with the cold at night.
One of the oldest, more courageous than the rest, offered to stay with 
28
the little girl while the rest should hasten back for help. Arriving at the
hotel, they quickly gave the alarm, and men were despatched for the
little adventurer.  She was brought down the M1ountain more dead than
alive, having fearful spasms, and reached the hotel utterly exhausted.
A messenger was sent five miles for a doctor, by whose care she was
revived, but without any particular desire to try such a jaunt again. It
is, perhaps, needless to say, that the b)oys were more careful afterward,
heartily thankful that no ill effects followed their fool-hardiness.
Taking the Measure of the Old( Man of the Mountain.
One dlay, while looking at the stucco-workers at the hotel, the idea
struck me that a fac-simile of the " Old MIan of the 3Mountain " might
be made of Calcined Plaster. This was an idea which promised large
rewards if it could be accomplished. But how to get an exact counterfeit presentment of His High Mightiness, that was the question.
Cheered with the hope of success, I soon had my wits at work determining how to get at the measurements of the various rocks which combine
to make up this wonderiful profile.  I was satisfied that it would take
many weary hours of toil and danger to accomplish the task I had laid
out for myself, but I was determined to succeed, and I did.
Preparing a clothes-line forty feet long, and a piece of white cotton
cloth about four feet square, to the top and bottom of which I fastened
heavy pieces of wood, so that their weight should keep the cloth smooth
when spread out and suspended. One morning, without informing ally
one of my intention, I started quite early, taking along the line and
cloth, not forgetting a lunch, and my little hatchet, and made the ascent
directly from the Bowling Alley, straight to the Face, instead of by the
ordinary path.  The ascent was very difficult and dangerous, and I was
very much fatigued, but finally succeeded in gaining the top.
After careful examination below, I reached the top of the head, and
having attached my cloth to the line, I lowered it over the face, and fastened it in a crack in the rock.  I could not see where it landed; so,
after partaking of my lunch, I started back down the louutain, being
obliged to go to a point eighty rods beyond the hotel, in order to see
where the cloth had rested. I found that it had landed on the nose,
and, as that was one-half the height of the whole profile, I knew that
the entire height must be eighty feet, or twice the length of my forty-foot
line.
While I was still looking up at the face, some-one gave the alarm at
the hotel, that some vandal had painted a white spot on the Old M1an's
nose, and quite spoiled his beauty.  The hotel keeper sent his clerk to
ascertain what had been done, and to stop further depredations.  Finding
me intently watching the head, he presumed at once that I was the mis 
29
chief-maker; he shook his fist at me, and then asked me, in writing,
why I painted that spot on the nose?  I laughed outright; ani( soon
mollified him by telling him that it was impossible for any, live man to
get upon the nose.  I then explained my object, and the means of ol) taining the correct distances for the proposed fac-simile. Ile then re turned to the hotel, and reported to the proprietor, who afterward
desired me to be quick, and remove the unsightly spot.
So, early the next morning, I again ascended the MIountain, this
time in a dense clotud; and having removed the cloth, returlned( to the
hotel in season for breakfast.
The visit to the head was repeated in a few days, and I then even
ventured, more than once, under the chin, which proved extremely liaz- 
ardclous; and, but for my determination to get an accurate measuremenlt,
would have been quickly abandoned, as too risky for mortal manil to un dertake.  I was told that no man had ever been known to go there be fore; but, whether true or not, I do not intend ever to riskl my wife's
husband's neck on any such desperate errand again; all the money in Wall
Street would now be no allurement. I accomplished my task, and suc ceecled in getting, by various methods, the exact size and form of the
various features which combine to form this most wonderful profile.
When I reported this last part of the adventure, no one was willing, to
believe that I had really been under the chin.  Finding them so faithless, I offered to go once more, and prove my presence by building a
fire under the chin, the smoke of which would be visible from the road.
Tifis I did; and then returning, without serious suffering, I was welcomed
with amazement.
The spot I reached was directly under the chin, about twenty feet
below it.  If it had been possible to take along a short ladder, I could
have gained foothold on a small projection, and touched the chin, which
was about fifteen feet from thie top to the neck, but it would have been
extremely hazardous; for, if I had tripped ever so little, and lost my
balance, I should have gone down the cliff some two thousand feet, and
been dashed to pieces on the ragged rocks below.  In case of such a
termination, it is not likely that these sketches would ever have seen the
light; and, after considering the matter of late, I am rather glad that
I was preserved from falling.
I was very successful in making the desired model, and produced a
truthful representation of the " Great Stone Face," for which I received
the highest praise, and of which I made and sold a large number of
copies.
The successful accomplishment of this undertaking rendered me quite
famous in the Mountain region and there; are many who visited the
Mountains that year, who greatly assisted me in disposing of copies of
the model.  Among these was one of the editors of the New York 
30
Journal of Commerce, who gave me a "first-rate notice" in his gigantic
newspaper, from which I extract the following:
" Mr. Wm. B. Swett, an iingenious dleaf-mute, who has been employed
for several summers at the Profile I-louse, in the Franconlia Mountains,
andcl who is noted for his nmany adventures among them, pro(uced, during the summer of 1866, a remarkable work,- a fitc-simile of the Great
Stone Face.
"It was made from actual measurement; taken at great risk of life and
limb, he having been on the brow five times, and is said to be the first,
and perhaps the only man, who ever ventured under the Chin, to get a
correct view of the rocks which constitute the face.
'" The fact is not generally known, that the' Profile' is produced, not
by the edge of one rock, but by the accidental grouping of a number of
rocks, at various distances from each other.
"The front of the top of the lprecipice, which is about sixteen hundred
feet highl-, is a group of rocks one hundred feet in breadth, and eighty
feet high.  The Nose is forty feet from the Forehead.  The Mouth,
which seems an opening of two thin lips, is a side-long chasm, or break,
of fifty feet in extent.
"Viewedl from the front, the Profile disappears, and can, indeed, only
be seen from one point."
The Panther and I.dian on Eagle Cliff.
Always on the look-out for opportunities to make a sensation, andcl add
to the attraction of the localities, b)oth for my own profit  and that of
the proprietors, I conceived the idea of placing a wooden panther high
up on Eagle Cliff, facing the hotel.
After frequent visits to the Cliff, for the purpose of selectingT a good
place, and of calculating the distance, I went to work on my model.
Aware that "' distance lends enchantinent to views," I drew the outlines
roughly, and made it eighteen feet long, and large in proportion.  It
representedl the aninmal in a crouchingi attitude, ready for a spring.  I
made it in nine pieces, usingr pine l)lanlk, one inch thick, for tile purpose.
Having matched and painted, or d(auibed these pieces to my satisfaction,
I made nine secret visits to the selected spot, to which I had previously
blazed " a path, carryingi one )ieee eachi tinme.  I secreted the pieces
in the bushles, and waited for tlie p)'ol)er timne. When the hotel was well
filled with guests, myself andcl a })oy went  up one1   morning at three
o'clock, and put the model togetlhe, nailing it firmly to trees, and bracingo it well.  The  location was th-e b)ink of a precipice; aind, during
erection, I had to crawl around oii its very edge, where there was so
little foot-hold that I had a rop )(- tou(nd myi waist, the other end of
which was lashed to a tree.  Aft(r the model was up, it looked so rough 
31
and uncouth that I began to have misgivings as to the effect firom the
hotel; and having given it a few more daubs of paint, I hurried back,
anxious to get the first view of it firom the place. It was not yet six
o'clock, and no one had yet appeared. Having assured myself that the
model was rightly placed, looked quite natural, and could not fail to be
noticed, I retired, to watch the effect, feeling highly gratified with my
success.   Some early risers soon appeared on the piazza, stretching
themselves, rubbing their eyes, and expanding their lungs with copious
inhalations of the keen, pure, and bracing Mountain air.  I-taving cleared
the night-mists from eye and brain, they proceeded to enjoy the prospect.
One of them, looking in the direction of the Cliff, suddenly started,
rubbed his eyes, and looked again, to be sure he was not deceived, and
called the attention of the next to the.nodel. Instantly, all was excitement; the more casual spectators apparently taking it for a reality, and
the cry of " a panther! a panther!!" which rang througrh the house,
soon brought all who were about to the piazza and front yard; while
those yet in their rooms threw up their windows, and looked eagerly
forth; telescopes and opera-glasses were brought into requisition, and
soon settled the nature of the object, after which, the guests began to
speculate as to the author of this exploit.  The editor of the New York
Journal of Commerce, who had some previous knowledge of me, decided that it must be my doing,.  Hle hunted me up, and asked me about
it. I told him the whole story; whereupon he took me with him, and
introduced me to the crowd, who listened with interest to his repetition of my story, voted the deed a success, and made up a handsome
purse, which was presented to me as a token of their appreciation.
The next spring I returned, and found the panther still in its place.
A visit to the spot proved it to be uninjured by the storms of the past
winter, and I determiined to put up the figure of an Indian with a gun,
in the act of shooting the panther.  I made the figure and the gun of
the same material I had used in constructing the panther-inch-pine
lumber.
The Indian was twenty feet high, and his gun was sixteen feet long,
the barrel being eight inches wide.  When I got the thing ready, I was
very weak, from the effects of a bad cold, and was unable to conduct my
operations as secretly as before.  I, however, communicated my  project
to as few persons as possible, and got a gang of tenl men to carry the
pieces and the necessary implements, while I went with them to guide them
to the spot, and to superintend operations.  The day was hot, and the
ascent rough, so that I was soon exhausted, and had to be helped on the
way. Long before we arrived at our destination, I was almost dead for want
of a drink of water.  We had broughllt none with us, but discovered
a place where water was oozing from the face of the rock.  It did not
come fast enough to give me a drink, and it was thinly spread over so 
much surface that I could only moisten my  parched lip and tongue.
Taking a bag,, which I had with me, I half filled it with the soft moss of
the forest; and, by pressing the bag against the face of the rock, als
sorbed all the water that came.  When the bag, by its increased weight,
appeared to contain a sufficient quantity, I applied my mouth to a corner,
compressed the bag with my hands, and obtained a copious and delicious
draught.  HIaving satisfied my thirst, I again applied the bag to the
rock, filled( it as full as possible, and resumed the ascent.  The bag furnished several refreshing draughts of water before we reached the desired
place.  It was necessary to locate the Indian at a considerable distance
from the panther, in order to secure the proper effect; and, as we could
not see the latter, it required several trips to and firo, and some nice
calculations; but we finally got it right, as observation firom the hotel
afterwards proved.  Having nailed it to the trees, and braced it firmly,
we returned to the Profile House, where the guests showed their appreciation of the enterprise by a second liberal collection. At latest accounts
during the summluer of 1869, the panther and Indian still remained.
A Perilous Adventure.
One Saturdayt noon, after dinner, the other workmen and myself were
outside of the hotel, chatting and smoking, before resuming work, when
one of them asked me, in a bantering way, if I could ascend Eagle Cliff
directly from the hotel, instead of taking the usual roundabout way.
After some hesitation, I said I could do it, and would go if I could get
permission to leave work, and that I would fling, out a white flag at the
top.  All the lumber which we used had to be brought over the MIountains on teams, and it was slow and tedious work. This was before the
idea occurred to the prop,rietors to build a steam saw-mill, which was
afterwards done, and from which an ample supply was furnislhed.  As
we happened to be out of lumber at the time, I readily obtained leave
of absence.
ProcuLing a table-cloth and some stout twine, and taking( neither coat,
axe, or lulnchl, as usual - so confident was I that I should need none of
them   I plungedl into the woods, about two o'clock, P. Mr., and commenced the ascent.  The day was warm;  the work uncomfortable; and
the mnidgets, or wood-flies, more troublesome than ever.  I had to keepl)
my hands constantly in motion about my face to keep them off; their bite
being always annoying,, and often poisonous.  The ascent became more
and more difficult, and I made up my mind that it was a mad work to get
to the top; but, to think of returning, was not pleasant, as the boys would
laugh at mc.  I might take the usual way, and no one be the wiser; but
that would be a clheat, and so I kept on.  I had often to scramble up on my
hands and knees, and to pull myself up by roots and bushes, and be
82 
33
very cautious about it, as they had no firm hold in the ground, and were
easily pulled up.  A bush suddenly gave way in one place, and, had not
a large tree prevented it, I should have had a serious fall upon the
jagged rocks twenty feet below.  It was now impossible to descend, for
I was on a ledge from which no downward path was visible.  Working
my way up, with immense labor, I at last discovered a huge crack or
fissure, some thirty feet long, two feet wide, and ten feet high, with
several trees growing in it, and I squeezed myself up and throughl it.  At
its end I was glad to see that I was near the top, which I quicklily
gained.  While resting from the fatigue induced by my exertions, I was
troubled with unpleasant doubts about a safe return; but I dismissed
them for the present, and, climbing the tallest tree I could find, I obtained a truly sublime view. The tree waved gently to and fro in the
wind with a soothing effect; Lafayette lifted itself far toward  the sky,
and far below me was the Profile I-Iouse, looking no larger than a birdhouse, such as are often set up by boys.  I longed to have some of my
friends present to share my delighlt.  I tied the table-cloth out on the
branches, and immediately the guests and workmen began to congregate
in front of the hotel, and to wave their handkerchiefs, to show that they
saw that I had really reached the top, although they probably had not
expected to see me make my appearance in the top of a tree.  Desending from the tree, after an hour of true enjoyment, I was soon convinced
that it was impossible to return by the way I had come, and that myl
only course was to makle the best of my way to the columnar crag, and
search for a path down its side.  The distance was only half a mile,
but the undergrowth was so thick, and fallen trees so numerous, that my
progress was very slow.  I now repented not having brought my handaxe, with which to cut my way through.  The pitiless mi(dgets followed
me in clouds; I never smoke, or I could easily have kept them off.
I have tried mosquito-netting around my head and face, but found it to
answer no good purpose, as, besides being easily torn, it interfered with
the frequent necessitv of wiping away the perspiration, and was otherwise uncomfortable.
From the brink of the crag, to which I finally attained, I had another
glorious view of the hills; a small part of the chin of the "Old alan"
could be seen, but nothing of the nose, mouth, or forehead.  I built a
small fire in a hole in the rock, both to drive off the midgets and
attract the attention of those below. The crowd soon saw the smoke,
and the waving of handkerchiefs was repeated.
I had stepped on a piece of rock to have a better view, and, as I
turned to get down, I felt it move; with a sudden spring, I grasped a
bush, and fell fiat upon my breast, wlhile the stone rolled over, and went
thundering down the precipice. I wished to get down the cliff, it is true,
but not in that hasty fashion, as I camne near doing.  Putting out tho 
34
fire, a precaution  the importance of whichl  I would impress upon,I all
who build fires in the woods, the neglect of it having caused many cxtensive conflagrations, I resumed nmy search for a way down.   During
this time, a pair of large owls flew up firom the depths below, fluttered
blindly about for a moment or two, and then dovre down again.  I amn not
superstitious, otherwise the appearance of  these birds, considered of
evil omen, at such a time and place, might have depressed my already
heavy spirits.  After a long search, I foiund I was ill a tiTght place, and
saw no other way out of it than to go  down the opposite side of the
cliff, and ascend MIount Lafayette.
Viewcd from a distance, the deep, black ravLine that scars the AIountain-sidle seemed easy of ascent; a complete deception, as will be seen.
Once at the top of the ravinec, I could easily gain the well-known bridlepath, and from that point the  way was clear.  I should also have another
extensive view, and it was rare for one to get three different views, from
points so far apart, on the same day.  I was admonished to make haste,
as the sun, considering the distance I had yet to go and the probable
and possible difficulties of the way, was unpleasantly near setting.
I ran, jumped and slid as far as the bottom of the valley, where I
Stopped to quench my thirst in a clear, sparllidng brook which ran there,
built a fire to keep the midgets away, and sat down to rest a little, contemplating, meanwhile, the yawning blackness of the ravine, which was
now directly in front of me, and looked gloomny enough, but its very
gloom was sublime.
As soon as I got well rested, I commenced the ascent in earnest.  I
was frequently oblig(ed to cross and re-cross the rushing brook; the sides
were very steep, and tiees and bushes were scattered here and there, but
the ravine was mostly lined, as far as one could see, with large and small
stones, from which the rains had washed away the earth, until many of
them stood ready to roll down at a touch, or even at a heavy jar.  The
sun slhone straighlt into the chasm, and the lofty sides kept the wind
away; the leat was almost suffocating, and before long most of my
clothinig was saturated with perspiration.   The ascent, comparatively
easy at first, became more difficult every moment, and the heat more oppressive; to think of stopping was out of the question, as eight miles
still lay between myself and the Profile House.  Detention, by darkness,
would very likely be death.  I could not shorten the distance by climbing the side, for the underbrush was impenetrable without an axe.  So I
pushed along, painfully; I was much fatigued and excited; my feet were
sore; the soles of my shoes, new the day before, being worn through.
I began to fear I could not extricate nmyself from the ravine, and I
prayed for deliverance as I had never prayed before; thoughts of my
family, and of my past life, flashed through my mind.
It is remarkable how rapidly and clearly a man can think when in 
35
danger; in whlat a short space of time every- act of his life, good( or bad,
passes in review before him.
About this time, I stepped on a loose rock, which slid from uinder my
feet, anid rolled heavily downward, startiing numerous other rocks in its
course, and raising an immense cloudcl of dust.  I soon dliscovered a new
source of danger; the jar, and the reverberations of thie rolling stones
below me, had startedl those above, and they now rolled past in considerable numbers, some of them passing quite near me.  The rock on
which I now stood- to which I had(l sprung when the other gave way -
was quite slippery, and I could not move out of the way should any of
the stones come in my direction, lest I lose my footing and follow them
to the bottom.
Thle ravine above andcl ahead of me was steep, and quite smooth.
Lookiing up, to see how long, the commnotion was likely to last, I saw a
huge rock far up the slope, coming directly down upon me at a fearful
speed.  I also noticed that a large rock cropped out ten or twelve feet
above my head, and that the coming stone would hit it, and, in all probability, fetch both upon me, land hurl me to destruction.  MIentally bidding farewell to the world, and commiending my spirit to God, I kept my
eyes fixed on the rock.  It struck the projection - which proved to be
a solid spur in the Mountain-side, and consequently did not move -
bouinded over my head, and went spinining to the bottom, where it flew
into a thousand pieces.
A few more stones passed me, and then all became quiet again.  I cannot describe my feeling,s at this deliverance; but I imnagine I know how
a man feels who has been reprieved at the foot of the gallows.
I now took couragre, and resumed the ascent, picking my way up carefully.  Farther on, I came to a broad, flat rock, steep, wet and slippery.
Being unable to go around it on either side, I wenit down on hands and
knees and crawled up its surface.  Reaching what I thought a safe place,
I attempted to stand upright.  AIy feet slipped, and I fell on my face,
bruising myself considerably.  I slid on alnd(l down till my eye caught a
little crack in the rock, into which I got the ends of my fingers, and thus
stopped the descent, thiough it seemed only a postponement  of the
inevitable end; for of course I could not hold on forever.  I could
not move; the clouds of mildgets which had followed me all along, now
seemed to know that their opportunity had come, and settled in a mass
on my nleck, face and hands.  The torment was terrible, but I was helpless.
Over tlhe surface of the rock on which I was spread out, the water
trickled from a spring( above, and I was soon quite wet.  If I was
obligedl to stay out all night, my only safety was in having a good fire.
Since leavingi the last place where I had made a fire, I had discovered
that I laid my matchles on the ground, while lilghting it, and left them 
36
there; and that I had but one solitar- match, which was  in my vest
pocket.  Alv greatest fear now was, that this one match would get wet,
and I be thus reduced to extremity.
Looking carefully around, I saw a crevice, not far from my feet, into
which, if I could get my feet, I could resume my progress on lhands and
knees.  The length of my legs, inconvenient at times, now dlid me good
service, as they could just reach it.  Cautiously letting go my hold with
one hand, and findcling it was safe, I indulged in a savage sweep at the
midgets on my face, giving me a slighllt relief.  A little exertion enabled
me to get out of nmy dangerous situation, crawl away, continue my upward progress, and reach the strange-looking rock near the top of the
Iountain, known as the "Altar," where I dropped on the moss, utterly
exhausted, but very thankful that the worst was over.
A little dirty water helped to revive me.  The sun was near settingit had set long ago to those in the valleys below - and the air, clearer
than at any of my previous visits, afforded me  a most magnificent view,
the beauty of which chained me to my seat, till the light began to fade
away.  Mv one match proved to have fortunately remained unwet, and
the descent of the \Iountain, by the bridle-path, now began.
The sharp stones hurt my feet, and my progress was not rapid; when
the woods below the cone of the MIountain were reached, the darkness
rendered further progress dangerous without a light; the idea of a night
in the woods was rejected; a pile of white birch-bark was collected, and a
torch made; the one mnlatch, upon the ignitionl of which so much  depended, was drawn, with a prayer for success; the torch blazed forth,
and by its light the foot of the Mlountain was reached at last.  Then
followed a long rest on the grass at the side of the road, rendered
doubly sweet by a knowledge that the danger was passed, and only two
miles of smooth travel now intervened.
The hotel was  finally reached, and it is doubted if a more famished
tatterdemalion was ever seen within its walls than entered tlheml about
ten o'clock that night, and sank helplessly on a chair.
My entrance cut short the speculations, and allayed the anxieties, of
all concerned.  Every attention was rendered; a bountiful supper was
furnished, and, after doing it ample justice, I was glad to crawl off to
bed.  The next day, a full account of the adventure, on my part, and a
liberal collection on that of the guests, ended the matter for the present.
I was so lame that I had to sit down all day, and was unable to work. 
37
TIHIRD SUMMER.
Ice Blockade o?t t7te Ammionoosuc.
ARLY  in the spring, I was again called to return to the Profile
House.  Bitter experience, in former seasons, had taught me that
I might expect snow-storms and wintry weather, and so I took the precaution to be provided for such contingencies.  A thick riding-blanket
and warm mittens are excellent companions on such a journey.
Arriving at Franconia by stagte, from Littleton, I was not a little
amazed to find solid cakles of ice, large and small, scattered all over the
town, in the fields, gardens, and orchards, not omitting the open doors
of barns andcl shleds.  Some of the front doors of thle dwellings were
completely blocked up, and the whole appearance of thlings generally
was most singular.  It appeared as if the spirits of thle MIountains had
been having, a grand inece, the weapons being cakes of ice.  I am not
sure which side beat.  Upon inquiring into the cause of this strange
appearance, I learned that a sudden fieshlet lhadl taklen place on the Ammlonoosuc River, caused by the snow melting along the ravine of lIount
Lafay-ette, and the water had rushed down, breakiing the ice in the river
into fragments, which were carried all over the town when an ice-jam
occurred, whichl kept the water back, and submerged the town some three
feet.  This accounted for the ice in such unusual places.  The road had
been cleared out to make travelling possible.
While we were preparing to go forward, we were suddenly overtaken
by a violent snow-storm, which came  almnost unheralded.  We were prepared for it- our stout blankets keeping us comfortable-  but the snow
very soon became too deep for the stage to proceed on whleels, so we
were obliged to halt, and hold a consultation.
We dcletermined to go on, in spite of the storm, provided we could find
some sort of a sled large enoughl to take us all along.  There were about
a dozen of us, all told, and not afraid of the weather.  After considerable search, we procured a wood-sledcl belonging to a farmer near by; and
bhaving, hitched  our horses to it, and enveloped ourselves in our blankets
and buffalo-robes, the driver cracked his whip, and off we started in
high glee.  The way was rather uncertain:, but sooni the storm ceased,
almost as suddenly as it commenced, and we  had a splendid moonlight
riclde thlrough the gloomy forest, arriving safely at the Profile House.
Here a rousing, fire and a hot supper soon put us to rights, and  the
evening passedcl in great good humor.  The next mornili's sun revealed
snow-drifts reaching twentv feet in height. 
38
A  Visit to the Other Side of" Cannon Mountain."
I started off, one day, with the intention of visiting the scene of the
great conflagration caused by a fire kindled by some careless company
of gentlemen, in the woods, years ago, on the other side  of  " Cannon Mountain." Ascending by the path which leads to its top, I soon
reached it, and struck into the pathless woods, coming out, after a while,
directly upon the place I sought.  It was a desolate waste, of fifteen
square miles; a wilderness of jagged and shattered rocks, charred stumps,
and tangled briars, upon which the sun beat down in unobstructed fervor,
making the place a very purgatory. The purgatorial appearance of the
place was much increased by the presence of clouds of midgets, (woodflies,) which pursued me with unrelenting vigor throughout my  visit,
obliging me to keep one hand continually in motion, to defend myself
from their attacks. I had intended to explore the place sufficiently to
obtain a fair idea of it, and then retrace my steps. I picked my way up
and down, over and among the rocks, many of which were of immense
size, and all looked as if rent and scattered by some great convulsion
of nature, for angular shapes were universal; there not being a round,
naturally-shaped rock within the range of my vision.  Coining to a place
where the rocks shot sheer dlown for several feet, I jumped off without
due calculation, and the impetus of the leap carried me much farther
than I had intended to go. When I finally brought up, I found myself
in a sort of amphitheatre, the open side of it being directly ahead of me
in the direction I had been pursuing, while above and behind me, the
steep ascent forbade return. I had, therefore, to keep on, and trust to
reaching the woods at the foot of the Mountain, through which I must
find my way, in a roundabout direction, to the hotel.
The rocks around me abounded in remarkable resemblances to such
things as tombs, pulpits, water-wheels, etc., and but a slight stretch of
the imagination was necessary to conjure up many other things, even
animals and persons, fiom the maze of fantastical shapes around. It
was impossible to make haste, so I proceeded at a slow pace, stopping
now and then to examine whatever attracted my attention; sending
rocks down the steep places, to see them fly to splinters at the bottom,
and otherwise amusing myself. I finally reached the woods, after a tiresome tramp, and, in their cool shade, I stopped to rest and eat my luncheon. Having duly refreshed myself, I took observations, and plunged
into the woods in the direction of home. After getting several falls,
tearing my clothes to tatters, and being several times at fault, I found
myself in a familiar locality, and had no further trouble in getting
home.
.10 
39
An Avalanche on " Bald Mountain."
In reviewing my visit to the desolate region referred to above, my rolling of rocks down the steeps, and the effects thereof, made me desirous
of witnessing the same thing on a grander scale.
I remembered, in one of my visits to " Bald  -iountain," so called
from its lofty top being round and bare, to have seen an immense boulder
of granite standing upright, quite near the brink of a long, steep incline
which shot clear from the top of the Mountain to the line of forest, and
far below it. I thought it would be fun to roll that boulder down the
steep; but, how to do it? I paid two or three visits to the spot, to calculate the possibility of starting it, and to ascertain what implements
were necessary, and how many hands would be required.  Haviing completed my arrangements, I broached the subject to some of the workmen.  It was a Saturday afternoon, and work was dlull.  The idea was
readily taken up, and a party of seven men, besides myself, started for
the top of the Mountain, distant about five miles. We carried wooden
levers.  Arriving at the spot, we arranged our implements, and applied
them at the proper place, having first tried our unitedl strength on it, and
found it immovable. As the lever was steadily applied to the rock, it
gradually yielded; and, as soon as its balance was sufficiently disturbed
to insure its going over, a sharp, quick jerk was given to the bar, and
we scattered instantly, turning, as soon as we reached a safe distance, to
watch the effect.  The rock turned over slowly once or twice, and then,
gathering headway at each revolution, it thundered down the slope at a
fearful rate of speed, raising great clouds of smoke and dust, and drawing
streams of fire from the rocks, over which it tore its way.  We  saw it
reach the forest line, and we saw the tall trees go down before it like
grass before the mower's scythe.  It disappeared firom view, leaving a
long, broad avenue behind it. That rock was the most speedy and effective path-maker that I ever saw.  After all was over, I followed the
trail of the rock down the slope, and was astonished at the ruin it had
wrought.  It was exactly as if a tornado had been along.
Retracing my steps, I joined the rest in a lutnch; having finished it,
we went leisturely back to the Profile Hlouse, well satisfied with the result
of our afternoon's frolic.
Walker's Falls.
These Falls, although well worth seeing, and comparatively easy of
access with a competent guide, are y-et neglected by the great majority
of tourists.  In fact, judged by the general practice of visitors, to have
been to the Mountains is one thing, to have been over them —to have
" done" them -is quite another. 
40
I have alread  related how I went in search of tlhe gentlemain whlo cot
lost in the attempt to find these Falls without a guid-e, and( the incidents
connected therewith.  The next spring I went with a gummingr party to
guide them to the Falls.  The  Iountains are covered mostly with sprucetrees, on which chewin,g-gum can be found in abundance, especially on the
sunny side of the hills.  Parties often go after gum.  They carry poles
about eilght feet long, having chisels f-tstened to the smaller end, with which
to cut off the gum when found highl up the trees.  The return of such
a party, and the distribution of the gum, causes an amount of chlewing
that would astonishi a cow.  The distance from the Profile I-ouse was
about five miles.  There was enoughl snow still on the g(rolnd to render
it difficult to find the true path, and leaves and dead branches had been
strewed around so thickly the previous winter, as to increase the perplexity of a first passage, to the extent of making the way rather devious.  I was several times at fault; and, most of the party getting tired
out, voted to return, which they did, and got lost, caulght in a heavy
shower, and were thloroughlyl soaked long before tllhey struck the road
leading to the hotel.  Two of the party pushed on, talking me withl them
we soon found the path, and shortly arrived at the Falls, in viewing which
we found ample satisfaction for coming.  Sated with views of the rushing waters, and the surrounding scenery from various points, we finally
turned into the woods in search of gum.  One of us struck the fresh
track of a deer, and, entirely forgettingr the coming( storm, which had been
gradually darkening the air for some time, we gave chase, hoping, to see
the animal.  We continued the puirsuit until the heavy pattering of the
rainr brought us to our senses.  Ilaltingc on the top of a slilght elevation,
we saw that we were completely lost.   iy two companions  now wished
that they had returned withl the main body of the party, altlhough, as it
afterwards appeared, had they done so without me they wouldl have
been no better off.  After some search, I saw  a lanldmark which had a
familiar lookl, andc was sure that, by taking a downward direction, we
should strike the bridle-path.  The other two, however, insisted on going
in the opposite direction, and I deferred to them so far as to let tlemn
try it, althlough I was morallv certain that we slhould becolme still more
involved in the mazes of the forest.  They went up and down for two
hours, without success, and then gave it up.  By this time we were
thoroughly wet and tired.  Tturning about, and bid(lding them follow, I
sped down the side of the 5Iountain as straight as possible, through mud,
mire, and( bushes, over rocks, stumps, and logs, dodging here and there
to avoid the trees, and gaiining impetus at every ste)p, until we reached
the low lands, where I looked about for a running stream, knowing that
if I could find one I could easily tell, by the direction in which it ran,
whiclh way to go.  Finding one, we followed it down, and soon came to
a familiar path, which led us safely out of the difficulty.  Had the two 
41
men been left to themselves, it would probably have been a "gone case
with them.
A few weeks after this I went out again, withl the intention of examining, the Falls, and more thoroulghly exploring their neighlborhloodl.  I
was advised not to go, as the weather threatened to be bad; but, even
while admitting the fact, I went.  I reached the foot of the Falls, and
had commenced  the ascent, when I discovered a violent thunder-storm
approachling,.  There was a cave situated in the side of the cliff, which
was called Lion's Cave, some eilghty rods above my head, which promised
shelter if I could reach it in season.  I hastened up the steep ascent,
much of the way on my hands and knees, until I had nearly reached it,
when my progress was barred by a chasm, not visible from below.   One
side of the chlasm was higher than the other; and, taking my hatchlet
from my belt, I felled and roughly trimmed a stout sapling, which I laid
across the chasm, and which, half-ladder, hlalf-brildge, enabled( me to cross
and gain the coveted shelter.  I had imagined( it to be a lhugte cleft in the
rock, but it proved to be only about six feet deep, anid not highll enougtl
for me to stand up in, although I could sit comfortably, and be perfectly
sheltered.  Thile shlower burst soon; the rain drove ini sheets across thle
valley below me; it poured down from the MIountain above, forming L
thick, unbroken curtain before the mouth of the cave; a miniature Niagara, in fact, which tossed andl tumbled dlown the slope into the brookl
below, now swollen to a river.  I enjoyed the scene vastly; but the omnipresent midgets soon found me out, and attacked me, serioutsly interfering with my pleasure, and forcing me  to make  a fire andl smoke them
out.  In thle course of an hour, the shlower ceased as suddenly as it llhad
begun.  Descendingl from my elevated perch, and deferring my intended
explorations to a future time, I went home, and was jeered and latghled
at for my folly, until they discovered that my clothes were dryl, when
they stopped laughing, and desired particulars, which I gave them.
At anothler time, an old( lady insisted on visiting the Falls, and engaged me as gulide.  In company withl several men and two lad(lies, she
lhired a team, and set out.  When the party reached the spot where persons wishing to visit the Falls must ali,ght, and take the foot-p)a.th, all
except the old lady had chlanged their minds, and( decided to keep on
and visit the Basin.  She adhered to her original intention, and, after
ordering the team to wait for her on its return, she jumped out, and I
followed her, the rest of the party going, on.  Looking illp, previous to
entering the woods, I saw that one of the sudden storms peculiar to
]Iountain regions had stolen upo n us unawares, was rearing its crest
above the tree-tops, and would soon burst upon us.  If tlhose who had
gone on should see the storm in season, they would return at fill speed;
but that would not save any of us from a drenching, and I determined
to risk being left for the present, and shelter my' companion.  Calling her 
42
attention to the storm, she readily comprehecnded that we could not visit
the Falls, and signified her willingness to go wherever I chose.  I led
her away some distance into the woods, to a broad, overhangingc rock,
which I had noticed iln a previous ramble, underneath which I fixed seats
for her and myself, and got snugly settled just as the shlower came oln.
The thunder roared; the  lightning flashed; the tall forest-trees bowed
and writhed under the violence of the wind, and the rain fell in torrents;
but we were safe and dry, and could calmly look out and enjoy tlhe really
sublime spectacle.  The old lady was in high glee at the thoughtl  of the
miserable plight in which the rest of the party must nlecessarily be, without protection of any kind.  After the rain had passed away, she listened for the team, and when she heard it coming up the road, we proceeded to its side and waited for it to come up.  It was a sorry-looking
company that we beheldcl,- all wet, draggled, and woe-begone; and we
laughed heartily, both at their appearance and at their unfeigned(l astonishmrent at our cldry and comfortable condition.  We got in, and dashed
away for the hotel, where our wet companions hutrried off in searlch of
dry clothing and fires.  The old lady stood up all the way, declining, to
sit down where everything was soaked, and she chuckled right merrily,
to think that insistilng on going to the Falls had saved her from a wetting.
Firewo?-ks on Proftile Lake.
It had become a regular custom for those guests who had passed the
season at the Profile House, to get up some sort of a party or pic-nlic
before separating, as a fittingf close for their holiday season.  I almost
always had a hand in the arrangements, for the hotel-keeper generally
recommended me as a handy —man on such occasions-  Being somewhat
ready-witted, and withal not afraid of a little hard work, I usually
managed to give satisfaction.
Once I had been requested to make preparations for a jolly good( time
at the old Flume House, which was then unoccupied.  A party of about
fifty ladies and gentlemen proposed to have a supper and ball, and I
was somenvwhat nonplussedl to arrange for their comfort, as there was no
furniture in the building, and it was six miles distant from the Profile
House.  HIowever, at it I went, cutting up fence-boards for tables, and
made seats by the aid of work-benches.  The dining-hall I decorated
with evergreell as well as I could, and made it look quite respectable.
Many delicacies had been sent all the way firom New York, and the other
viands were procured from the Profile House.
By dint of hard work, I managaed to get all ready for company; and
in the afternoon a long line of carriages appeared, with flags flying and
music pla-ying.  The party was received with (due ceremony, and ushered
into the parlors, where tlhey- deposited their extra clothling.  lThen came 
43
a hop, and afterwards a large fire was built outside, where some green
corn was roasted ill a primitive manner.  When all things were ready,
the party was ushered into the diningr-hall, and were much surprised at
the appearance of the tables.  Every one seemed to elljoy the scene,
and made the hall ring with their jokes and laughter.  Then came toasts
and speeches, the leader of the party occupying an old wagon-seat which
I found in the barn.  Their merry-making lasted until midnigTht, when
all returned to the Profile house, highly gratified with their entertain
ment, and unanimously voting that the whole occasion was a decided
success, even if it was improvised by a deaf-nmute.
But there was another occasion which, while the management of it
bothered my brains somewhat, yet proved to be a very agreeable and
brilliant affair.
At a distance of about eighty rods from the hotel is a pretty sheet of
water, called Profile Lake; or, more properly, " The Old AIan's Washbowl."  Surrounded by high hills and a dcense forest, it has a most
sombre appearance, particularly at nighlt  The idea was started by  a
gentleman from New York, connected with the Joutrnal of Conmmere,
and another from Phlliladclelphia, of having a row on the lake at night,
with a grand display of fireworks.  When asked if I understood how to
manage the rockets, etc., I had to plead partial ignorance; but dclid not
doubt that I could make a proper display with a little instruction.  So
the whole arrangement of the night's display was left to me, and a busy
time I had of it for two days; the fireworks had been ordered from
Boston, and arrived in due time.  Procuring all the boats that could be
found on Echo Lake and Profile Lake, eighteen in all, we had them
cleaned, and fitted up with a Chinese lantern at each end.  I went to the
other end of the lake, about a quarter of a mile from the boat-house, and
prepared a big pile of dry and green boughs, twigs and brush, all ready
for a bonfire.  Then I had a large ball, some two feet in diameter, made
of rags, well smeared with tar, fastened to the top of a pole about twelve
feet high, which I set on a float made from  an old barn-door, and
anchored it in the middle of the lake.
When the evening, came, I was all ready for our grand celebration.
Before the select party who were to occupy the boats arrived, with the
assistance of one man, I had all the Chinese lanterns lighted up with
sperm candles, presenting a very pretty spectacle.  Then caine the party
down the road, headed by a balcnd of music, and followed by nearly all
the guests from the hotel who wished to witness the novel scene.   Our
brilliant fleet of boats was quickly filled by the ladies and gentlemen,
with the band, while I had gone out into the lake in a boat, with one
assistant to help me about the rockets, which I fired from time to time
amid the cheers of the spectators.  The effect was very brilliant, for the
night was very dark, and no stars appeared to interfere with the general 
44
effect, The glare of the rockets and Roman candles presented a magnificent, yet peculiarly sombre appearance, which quite astonished the
spectators, who fairly yelled with delight. I could see by the light of
the lanterns, that the party in the boats were quite excited, waving their
handkerchiefs and huzzaing.
I now pushed off to the pile of brush and lighted it, and quickly
rowed away, so that I might not be seen. It soon worked up into a
strong blaze, causing the flames to ascend some forty feet; this had a
novel effect, lighting up the whole lake. After this had subsided, I set
fire to the grand illuminator on the float, which I did by means of a rag
saturated with oil, at the end of a long stick; at the same time setting
file raft to rocking, so that the pole appeared to wave to and fro, like
a vessel on a high sea. The effect of this was very brilliant, also, and it
burned quite a while. The performance closed with another display
of fireworks, the various colors having a peculiarly beautiful effect with
such weird surroundings.  The party appeared to be satisfied with the
entertainment, and rowing back to the boat-house, they landed, taking
the Chinese lanterns for company, marched back to the hotel, enlivening
the way wvith songs and cheers. On arriving at the hotel a sumptuous
supper was in readiness, and a hop in the grand saloon closed the
evening's amusement.  I received many thanks for my part of the performance, and I look back with mnuch pleasure upon that evening spent
on Profile Lake.
One incident somewhat marred the enjoyment of one of the party,a lady, who disdained any assistance on leaving the boat. Being
rather stout and solid, she contrived, while standing upon the edge of
the boat and trying to spring upon the platform, to push the boat away
from it, and her ladyship fell plump into the water.  She was quickly
rescued, but thoroughly soaked; and quite disgusted with the sudden
change of scene.  Hurrying to the hotel, she was quickly arrayed inll dry
clothing, and means to be a little more careful next time.
The next morning one of the guests, seeing the preparations for leaving by so many of his friends, concluded to attempt one more piece of
fun; and so, before the stages were ready, he called me to his aid with
half a dozen others of the employ'es.  HIe rigged us up in grotesque
costumes, consisting of the oldest and oddest garments that could be
found.  Guns, brooms, or wooden swords furnished our armament; and
with huge pieces of tin upon our breasts, we presented an appearance much
like Falstaff's brave army. Thus equipped as genuine country police, we
waited in a side-room until the stages began to fill up, when we suddenly
marched out, and going directly into the office of the hotel, pretended
that there had been some pickpockets at work. We arrested several
of the most prominent of the party, and took them into one of the public
rooms, where we searched them, and made a pretence of finding the lost 
45
wallets. A mock trial was commenced at once; and it being soon
discovered that it was all a sham, the evidence proceeded, to the great
amusement of the bystanders. The jury finally acquitted the prisoners
of any positive act of wrong-doing, and they were dismissedl by the
learned judge, with an injunction to be carefuil and never do so again,
or the majesty of the law might visit them with some punishment awful
to contemplate.  This farce over, the departing guests gave us a round
of cheers, and they rolled away to the duties and cares of life in the
outside world.
After so much fun and amusement, I found it rather hard to settle
down again to daily labor; but the summer was passing, and there was
work to be done before cold weather should put anl embargo on our
labors.  So I soon settled down to it, and gave my brains a resting-spell,
while my hands and tools found plenty to do to keep off any sense of
loneliness.
MY LAST ADVENTURE, AND A TRIP AROUND
THE MOUNTAINS.
As cold weather was approaching, and the work so far completed to
the satisfaction of the proprietor of the hotel, all the workmenl  were
dismissed, and informed their services would not be required next year;
so I concluded on bidding adieu to the Mountains.
I had calculated on malking further explorations, in other inaccessible
places, if I had time and opportunity, but finally gave up the idlea, getting somewhat wearied of the " Adventures."  I therefore turned  my
thoughts to Boston, as the most suitable field for me to labor in for the
welfare of the Deaf-Miutes; but before taking my final leave, I decided
on a trip around the White Mountains, intending to make the best use
of my time.
Packing up my tools and trunk, I forwarded them home, not wishing
to encumber myself with anything but a warm blanket.  The prospect
of a pleasant journey- one hundred and thirty miles- was very cheering, as the weather was unusually pleasant for the season of the year.
Bidding adieu to all my friends at the hotel, I jumped  on top) of the
stage-coach, not caring to ride inside; if I had done so, manl, beautiful
views would have been lost sight of. 3My first stopping-place was at
Bethlehem; I made my way to the Bethlehem Hotel, where I met an
old friend, who had been famous among the mountain people for his
daring adventures, far eclipsing my own.  It was he who offered to bet
a sum of money that he would wheel a bag of corn, on a wheelbarrow,
to Plymouth, thirty miles up and down hills, on condition, if he should 
46
win, that the loser should pay the stake, and provide him with a situa tion in one of the hotels. Hle was successful in his undertaking, though
it was a very arduous task, taking a day and a half to accomplish.  He
rested at the Profile I-Iouse the night he performed his feat. The wheelbarrow he used was decorated and varnished, and hung up in a conspicuous place in the hotel, with his name inscribed on it, as a reward for
his triumph.
The view, as seen from the Bethlehem I-Hotel, was very fine, andl in the
distance loomed up Mount Washingcton, the direction which I intended to
take.  Leaving Bethlehem, we were pleasantly jogging along when suddefly, almnost, a heavy rain-storm set in.  Two of the men whlo sat on top
with me jumped off, and got inside the coach, which was already fill,
leavingr me to keep company with the driver.  I was not in the least discomnfited, but wrapped myself up snu(l3y in my blanket, and pulled down
tihe rim of my hat, and in a few moments I was drenched through and
thirough.  Not having any change of clothing with Ine, I was in a sorry
plight, but resolved to make the best of it.  In a short time the storm
abated, and the sun shone out beautifully, and by its heat I partially
dried mny clothes, and soon reached the White Mountain Itlouse, where
half an hour was allowed for changing horses, which I availed my self of
by getting thoroughly dcry in the kitchen.
After a ride of thirty miles I reached the Crawford House, and was
immediately recognized by several lwho knew me, and invited to stay
there, free of all charge. Not having time to spare, I hastened back
three-rniles to the depot of the railroad up Mount Washington, and had
the satisfaction of examining the engine and track; but was sorely
disappointed( at not having a chance to ride up, though fully satisfied of
the greatness of its undertaking.  Early next morning, before the guests
were up, I had some lunch ready; and, with my cane for a conmpanion,
determined to take a da-y's tramp, and visit the Elephant.  The outline
of the rock shows the head, ear, proboscis and mouth. Thle Silver Cascade is a beautiful fall; the Pulpit is a curious, towering rock, by the
foot of the mountain; the Old Maid of the Mount, and the Yotung Man
of the Mountain, the Infant and the WViley House, so famous inll history
for the destruction of a whole family of seven by an avalanche of snow
and rock, were examined minutely, aflfording me much pleasure.
The Ol(L Maid and the Young Man disappointed me somewhat, for I
had an idea their faces were as attractive as "The Old Man."  The
outlines were not half as good as my 1old friend's.  The Devil's Den, the
Apron, and other places of interest were visited.  I was not in the least
molested by the midgets, as they had nearly disappeared with the
approach of cold weather.  The Wiley tHouse is a very interesting place
to visit; it contains several articles which belonged to the ill-fated
family before mentioned, such as a table, crockery-ware, boots, hats, 
47
guns, etc.  In most of the rooms the names of visitors are written all
over the walls.  I inscribed my name high up on the wall, having the
advantage, in height, over most of the guests.  I visited the spot where
the unfortunate family are buried, and the great rock that rolled down
the mountain.  It seems they had been deceived by the echlos of the
rolling avalanche, and fled in the wrong direction; they would have been
saved had they gone across the road, on the opposite side. Their house
stood uninjured.
Having satisfied my curiosity, I made my way back to the Crawford
House, a distance of six miles.  The sun was setting, and a rain-storm
approaching from behind the mountain.  Being three miles from the
hotel, or any house to shelter me, I did not like the idea of being
drenched, as I was before, by the Rain Fiend, as I called it; and fortunatel) I discovered a projecting rock a few rods from where I stood,
and fled to it, barely reaching it before the rain poured down in torrents.
I chuckled over my luck, for I al,wavs considered myself a lucky fellow.
The rain over, I was glad to come out with  dry clothes.   I soon
reached the hotel, and ate a hearty supper, for I was "as hungry as a
wolf."
The next morning I met a man of whom I had some knowledge, who
had been guide and servant at the Profile House.  He was poor when I
first knew him, but now he wore gold and diamond rings, and was very
fashionably dressed.  I-e had just married a rich heiress, from New
York.  It seems he was acting as a guide up Mount Washington, and
amongst the party was a lady oil horseback, who, at first sight, became
violently enamored of him.  After some billing and cooing, they were
mnarried, and he now ri(les in a two-lorse carriage.  Ile was  a lucky
fellow, indeed, and I wished myself in his place; but, on seconal thoughllt,
I remembered I had a loving wife, which is far better than a rich heiress.
The ride up Mount Washingtonll had been entirely stopped, on account
of the great danger of being caught in frost-clouds, which sadly d(lisappointed( me, for I desired to see the Tip Top House, and all the
surrounding hills, but especially the monument of Lizzrie Bourne, il
whose fate I felt a lively interest.  She had gone up with her uncle, a
doctor, late in the season, and late in the afternoon, without a guide, and
contrary to the advice of their friends.  They both got lost in their
ascent, and wandered about till dark.  She had gone out of the path,
and wandered among the bushes and shrubs, until nearly all her clothes
were torn off; and, unable to stand the cold, she fell down  and died.
The doctor was discovered, nearly frozen, keeping guard over her, and
was rescued.  She was greatly mourned, and her remains  were sent
home.  A monument was erected to her memory by her friends, with
rocks found on the spot where she died.
It had been my intention to cross the Mountain to the Glen IIouse,
:.. 4.::.    -'.:'
,,,    -     t,.,           I.1 
48
but I was dissuaded from it, no guide being willing to risk going up with
me. To think of further stay would prove of no advantage to me, so I
decided to hurry home direct, instead of carrying out my planl, and was
sadly disappointed. I bade good-by to the Crawford House, and took
stage direct to Centre Harbor.  One little incident I witnessed, which I
shall never forget: As we were riding down a hill, I noticed a beautiful
girl sitting on a chair, a rod or more from a lonely dwelling-house by the
road-side, holding a pan in her lap, and in it were some blackberries in
boxes of white birch. She was waiting the approach of stages to sell
berries to passengers, as had been her custom.  The horses were a little
unmanageable, and the driver tried to stop them, putting his foot on the
break to allow the passengers to dismount and purchase the berries; but
the whiffle-tree behind the horses knocked her over, and spilled them all.
I discovered she had but one leg.  She was an exceedingly pretty girl,
and her head was covered with a profusion of curls.  Fortunately she was
not hurt; but being unable to stand up, and overpowered with grief at the
loss of her berries, it was truly pitiable to see her. All the passengers
heartily sympathized with her; they jumped out, raised her up, and
kissed her, lifting her on her chair. Her hands were soon well-filled with
mioney, to compensate her for the fright and loss.  She was as meek as
she was beautiful. How she came to lose her leg, I never learnt.
Reaching the Centre House, and crossing Winnipiseogee Lake on the
steamer Laity of the Lake, I took the cars and reached home, highly
gratified with my THREE SUMMERS' ADVENTURES.
..  1..:..'. I I 
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MBe,N  0
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