EXPLORATIONS AMONG THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. 93 



of mountain atmospheric phenomena. The defeat of our plans coming to 

 the knowledge of Mr. William Little, of Manchester, the owner of the 

 house on the top of Moosilauke, he generously offered its free use for 

 the occupation of Mr. Huntington's party that winter. The proposal 

 being made to Mr. Huntington, he adopted it without hesitation, 

 although, in consequence of bad chirography, "Moosilauke" was mis- 

 taken for " Monadnock." Moosilauke, situated in Benton, is some twelve 

 or fifteen miles distant from the Franconia range, and in a fully exposed 

 position, being nearly five thousand feet high, and within the Arctic zone 

 of climate. 



It was late autumn before any preparations were made. Wood and 

 provisions had to be hauled up a mountain bridle-path more than a mile ; 

 and it was necessary to fit up a comfortable room. On the 23d of 

 November, an ascent, to make these preparations, was attempted. The 

 day was unfavorable ; and, upon reaching the bald portion of the moun- 

 tain, nearly a mile from the house on the summit, the party were met by 

 such a furious storm of wind and driving snow that they were obliged to 

 retreat. The following day, however, the attempt was successful; and 

 three days were spent in arranging for winter quarters. On the last day 

 of December, Mr. Huntington finally ascended the mountain, to remain 

 for two months, accompanied by Mr. A. F. Clough, photographer, of 

 Warren, whose enthusiasm, backed by resolution and great powers of 

 physical endurance, proved of the greatest value, both in this and the Mt. 

 Washington expedition. The limited supply of provisions which had 

 been taken up necessitated a short stay ; and the descent from the moun- 

 tain was made on the last day of February. It may be proper to add 

 that the whole expense of this expedition was borne by those who par- 

 ticipated in it, chiefly by Mr. Huntington. 



By the two months spent on this summit, the possibility of living on a 

 mountain top during the winter was fully demonstrated. The observa- 

 tions made were published in the newspapers ; and the public were, to 

 some extent, prepared for the expedition of the ensuing winter, for which 

 ways and means began to be early devised. 



The following extract will be read with the greater interest, since the 

 author — though the strongest, on both mountains — has been the first to 

 yield to the attacks of disease. He died of gangrene on the lungs, in 1 8;2. 



