EPISODES 



391 



been reaped, the fruits of the forests and orchards hung 

 clustering around us, and as we came in view of the 

 Penobscot River, our hearts thrilled with joy. Its broad 

 transparent waters here spread out their unruffled surface, 

 there danced along the rapids, while canoes filled with 

 Indians glided swiftly in every direction, raising before 

 them the timorous waterfowl that had already flocked in 

 from the north. Mountains, which you well know are 

 indispensable in a beautiful landscape, reared their ma- 

 jestic crests in the distance. The Canada Jay leaped 

 gaily from branch to twig; the Kingfisher, as if vexed at 

 being suddenly surprised, rattled loudly as it swiftly flew 

 ofi'; and the Fish Hawk and Eagle spread their broad 

 wings over the waters. All around was beautiful, and we 

 gazed on the scene with delight, as seated on a verdant 

 bank, we refreshed our frames f roni our replenished stores. 

 A few rare birds were procured here, and the rest of 

 the road being level and firm, we trotted on at a good 

 pace for several hours, the Penobscot keeping company 

 with us. 



Now we came to a deep creek, of which the bridge was 

 undergoing repairs, and the people saw our vehicle ap- 

 proach with much surprise. They, however, assisted us 

 with pleasure, by placing a few logs across, along which 

 our horses one after the other were carefully led, and 

 the cart afterwards carried. These good fellows were so 

 averse to our recompensing them for their labor that after 

 some altercation we were obliged absolutely to force what 

 we deemed a suitable reward upon them. 



Next day we continued our journey along the Penob- 

 scot, the country changing its aspect at every mile, and 

 when we first descried Old Town, that village of saw- 

 mills looked like an island covered with manufactories. 

 The people here are noted for their industry and perse- 

 verance, and any one possessing a mill, and attending to 

 his saws, and the floating of the timber into his dams, is 



