74 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



Portsmouth. With a firm determination to obtain a fine prospect, they 

 remained four days near the top in a small stone cabin, until the weather 

 became propitious. With the beginning of the present century, visitors 

 to the White Mountains increased in number. In 1819, the number 

 averaged ten or twelve annually ; and the pioneer settlers began to pro- 

 vide means for their accommodation. Abel Crawford and his sons were 

 the efficient guides of the early visitors ; and many traditions are still 

 current of their skill and strength, both as guides and hunters. They 

 were all of the largest stature; and Ethan Allen, known as the "giant of 

 the mountains," was nearly seven feet in height. With additional facili- 

 ties, the number of visitors gradually increased, so that in 1858 it was 

 estimated that five thousand annually ascended the various bridle-paths. 

 In 1870, the number was estimated at seven thousand, of whom five 

 thousand registered their names at the Tip-top house. 



Of all the adventurous lives which have been passed among the 

 shadows of these mountains, perhaps none exceeds, in thrilling interest 

 and remarkable contrasts, that of Ethan Allen Crawford, whom we have 

 already had occasion several times to mention. A considerable " History 

 of the White Mountains," with his experiences and reminiscences, has 

 been left us by his own hand. Many of the wisest and most distin- 

 guished of the country were entertained under his rude roof, who grate- 

 fully remembered his hospitality and his faithful service in guiding them 

 to the great ridge. He would come home from a bear-fight to find in his 

 house, perhaps, "a member of congress, Daniel Webster," who desired his 

 assistance on foot to the summit of Mt. Washington. Ethan says that 

 they went up "without meeting anything worthy of note, more than was 

 common for me to find; but to him things appeared interesting. And 

 when we arrived there he addressed himself in this way, saying, — 'Mt. 

 Washington, I have come a long distance, and have toiled hard to arrive 

 at your summit, and now you give me a cold reception. I am extremely 

 sorry that I shall not have time enough to view this grand prospect which 

 lies before me; and nothing prevents but the uncomfortable atmosphere 

 in which you reside.'" The snow from a sudden squall froze upon them 

 as they descended. The statesman had evidently become interested in 

 his guide, for Ethan adds that "the next morning, after paying his bill, he 

 made me a handsome present of twenty dollars." 



