1857.] View of Mount Washington. 371 



crystal water gusliing from those cool springs would be refresh- 

 ing. How true it is that "'distance lends enchantment to the view." 



The house to the right, as you look at the engraving, was built in 

 1852, within a few feet of the highest part of the mountain which is 

 six thousand two hundred and eighfij-fice feet above the ocean level. 

 It is built of huge unhewn stones blasted from the mighty pyramid 

 of rock on which it stands. It is fiistened to its foundation by 

 strong iron bolts and the roof is held down to its place by four 

 iron cables which, passing tightly over it, are firmly anchored in 

 .the rock fore and aft. The tip top house, on the very pinnacle 

 of the mountain, was built in the summer of 1853. It is also of 

 rough stone, has a flat roof and is held to its place with anchors 

 and bolts, as the other. Indeed without this precaution the whole 

 structure would be scattered in fragments by the fearful hurricanes 

 of winter that hold high revelry in these upper regions. 



The following is a description from the pen of another, of the 

 scene represented by the accompanying cut. 



" These two houses are unitedly managed by a company of hardy 

 mountaineers, who spare no pains to make this famous resort a true 

 home to the admiring stranger and pleasant resting place to travel- 

 worn pilgrims. 



All who seek health and, pleasure in this pure mountain climate 

 or a gratification of curiosity for the wonderful in sublime scenery 

 will find here ample accommodations for their comfort, both day 

 and night. The changing scenes and reflections connected with 

 every sun- set and sun-rise, enjoyed from this elevation, are remark- 

 able beyond description. Here too, sunlight plays upon the bold 

 rocks, while' black storms armed with wind and thunder, move like 

 the shadows of destroying giants in the regions below. Here the 

 moon with its starry host sends down the solemn light upon the 

 gray crags, kindling into a fiery glow a hundred lakes, ponds, rivers 

 and dashing mountain streams, and strangely enlivening every shady 

 glen with flitting lights and shades for the sombre world. Never 

 did Seer from the land of the Pyramids, or Chaldean star-gazer 

 study the Heavens from an Observatory like this. Ye who would 

 enjoy the sports of stream and forest come to these mountains ! 

 Ye who have love for novelty and a desire for true pleasure come and 

 behold God's wisdom displayed in the bold outlines of this gigantic 

 monument of His Almighty power ] Here the undying features of 

 grandeur were molded in imperishable materials bv His hand." 



