Account of an Excursion to Mount Katahdin. 29 
the original soil and vegetation were swept away, so that the denu- 
ded ledges of granite appeared in some places, while in others 
they were covered with great quantities of a coarse gravel, evidently 
produced by the crumbling of some of the coarse varieties of gran- 
ite, much of which was seen ina state of partial disintegration. The 
flank of the mountain on which the slide is situated is covered with a 
low growth of white birch, (Betula populifolia.) Some small bushes 
of the same have sprung up in the path of the slide and in time will- 
probably cover it. 
At sunset we had ascended about one third of the height of the 
mountain, when finding the ascent very tiresome, we determined to 
encamp forthe night. We selected for our camp a spot in the 
birch woods on the western edge of the slide, near which was a 
stream of excellent water. It was with much difficulty that we suc- 
ceeded in making a small fire, our only fuel being the green trunks 
of the birch, and a few fragments of dead wood found in the slide. 
We felt very sensibly the want of the dry hemlock and cedar, which 
had so well served us for fuel the preceding evening. After supper 
we rolled ourselves up in our blankets, and with no canopy but the 
heavens, prepared for repose, for which the fatigues of the day had 
given us sufficient desire. ‘The evening was clear, except a cloud 
which rested on the highest summit. During the evening some 
brilliant flashes of aurora borealis were seen, 
Saturday, Aug. 13.—OQur disappointment was very great this 
morning at finding ourselves surrounded by a drizzly mist, which 
threatened rain, and completely prevented our enjoying any view of 
the surrounding country. After waiting a while, in hopes of its 
clearing away, we commenced our ascent, placing ourselves abreast 
of each other that the stones which one might loosen should cause 
no injuries to the rest of the party. The slide near our encamp- 
ment was about forty yards wide, narrowing very slowly towards 
the top. Soon after leaving our campI discovered fragments of 
compact limestone containing distinct impressions of 'Terebratule. 
These were found in the path of the slide, but a slight examination 
convinced me that they were masses which had been deposited on 
the mountain by diluvial action. Mr. Keely informs that rolled 
masses of similar limestone have been found near Waterville College. 
From the steepness of the mountain, the slipping of the loose 
stones and gravel, and the weight of our clothes drenched with the 
rain, our progress was slow, and very fatiguing; we toiled on, how-» 
