47 



Perkins was born was also pointed out. In concluding his remarks, 

 he stated that agriculture was the principal productive industry of the 

 town, although there were several extensive shoe manufactories, a 

 wagon manufactory, etc., all of which enjoyed a reputation for good 

 work. 



The company then separated into small parties, and under the direc- 

 tion of kind guides, visited the several localities of interest ; many 

 ascended the "Great Hill" and enjoyed the extensive and beautiful 

 views from that eminence ; some visited Hood's Pond ; some went to 

 the Academy, some to River Hill, the cemeteries, etc., while the great 

 majority at some time during the day called at the old Capen House, 

 which is said to be over two centuries old, and whose proprietor has 

 returned so far as practicable to the original plan and finish of the 

 house throughout ; while the farm bequeathed to the Essex Agricul- 

 tural Society by the late Dr. John G. Treadwell, was not neglected. 

 The farm is now carried on by Mr. A. H. Gould, who, in accordance 

 with the provisions of the Treadwell will, is conducting a series of 

 experiments in practical agriculture. 



The Great Hill is well named, its massive dimensions fully justify- 

 ing the title. Quite a number of the party visited it and toiled up its 

 tedious ascent. From its summit a magnificent panorama of Topsfleld 

 and the surrounding country is spread out, the scenery presenting a 

 picturesque combination of village, house dotted hills, woods and iso- 

 lated settlements. As the eye sweeps the horizon, distant mountains 

 present their cloud-like outlines, while the settlements at Beverly, 

 Wenham and Hamilton, and the white beach at Ipswich are plainly 

 in sight. 



The high lands and bald hills of the surrounding towns are con- 

 spicuous, the meeting-house at Linebrook parish, within the limits of 

 Ipswich, appearing conspicuously and apparently at the foot of one 

 them. At the foot of Great Hill, on the eastern side, there is quite 

 a little village, and not far from this locality, there are numerous 

 hollows and remains of cellars where it is supposed the original set- 

 tlers of Topsfield dwelt. This locality is called "the College," be- 

 cause the town officials and like dignitaries, are said to have resided 

 there. 



The locality of the copper mine is in the south-west side of the 

 town, near the Danvers and Middleton lines. In July or August, 

 1839. it was opened, with what was then thought a fair promise of 

 success, both as to the quantity and quality of the metal ; but nothing 

 came of the effort, and nothing remains of the mine more valuable than 

 its traditionary reputation. The story which led to the effort to work 

 it in 1839, is substantially this : Seventy years before, an Englishman, 

 named Bunting, of a scientific turn and solitary habits, while rambling 



