94 FLY-FISHING IN MAINE LAKES. 



reach that well-known locality. Here at that time, 

 but which has since been burned, was a fine hotel, 

 the Alpine House, where the traveller from a 

 distance would often stay for a day or two, to re- 

 cover from the fatigues' of his journey, and enjoy 

 the fine view of the mountains to be had at this 

 point. But the stage-coach, and a nearer view of 

 the hills, had more charms for us ; and so, amid the 

 rush of happy tourists, we climb to our lofty outside 

 seats. 



The fall before our visit, Mr. J. M. Thompson, 

 who for many years had been the proprietor of the 

 " Glen," was drowned during one of the greatest 

 freshets that had occurred for many years, and 

 which completely changed the course of many of 

 the mountain streams. 



His sons were this year keeping the hotel, in 

 company with Mr. Stephen Cummings of Portland. 

 The care of the horses and carriages devolved 

 upon Mr. Whitney Thompson, and the office 

 duties upon another son, Charles, all old school 

 acquaintances. That the stable duties required a 

 person of energy and experience, may be under- 

 stood when I mention that something like three 

 hundred horses were usually required to supply 

 the demand : they were employed on the stages 

 between the Glen and Gorham, in ascending the 



