92 Topographical Geology. 



among all classes, that enhances greatly the pleasure with which 

 every true American heart contemplates this scene ; since it must 

 be considered as exhibiting the happy influence of our free insti- 

 tutions. 



Valley of the Merrimack. 



The scenery along this river is characterised by beauty rather than 

 sublimity. The hills and mountains are rarely precipitous or very 

 lofty ; but generally of gentle ascent and capable of cultivation to 

 their summits. The attractions of the landscape consist of a noble 

 river, beautiful villages, and well cultivated fields and meadows. To 

 the man who loves to see natural scenery modified by human culture, 

 and on every side the marks of an intelligent and happy population, 

 with manufacturing establishments uncommonly flourishing, a ride 

 down this stream, on either bank, cannot but be highly interesting. 

 And when he approaches the ocean, let him enter Newburyport from, 

 the north, across the chain bridge, and he will have before him a de- 

 lightful view of one of the most beautiful towns in New England. 

 And if he wishes still farther to witness the riches of the surrounding 

 scenery, let him ascend the tower of the fifth church in that place, and 

 a wide scene of beauties on the land and the sea natural and artifi : 

 cial fills the circle of his vision. 



Boston Harbor. 



Let no man imagine that he has seen all that is interesting in the 

 scenery of Massachusetts, until he has made an excursion by water 

 in the harbor of Boston, as far at least as the Light House. A city is 

 always an imposing object when seen from the water, especially, if 

 like Boston, its site be considerably unequal and slope towards the 

 observer. But the numerous islands in this harbor, some of them 

 exceedingly picturesque and even unique in appearance, constitute no 

 small part of the attractions of this delightful excursion. 



View from the State House. 



Upon the whole there is not a more magnificent prospect in Massa- 

 chusetts, than that from the dome of the State House in Boston ; and 

 it will bear a comparison, it is said, with the most celebrated views of 

 a similar kind in Europe. This noble building stands upon Beacon 

 Hill, the highest spot in Boston ; and the lantern upon its dome is 

 about 200 feet above the harbor. From this elevation the whole of 



