CHAPTER VIII. 



TOPOGRAPHY OF COOS COUNTY. 



BY J. H. HUNTINGTON. 



IhE extreme northern part of New Hampshire is covered by a con- 

 tinuous primeval forest ; and the surface of the country is broken 

 by undulating ridges, which here and there rise to mountain heights. In 

 these forests, almost on the boundary of Quebec province, is the source 

 of the Connecticut river; and in the extreme north-east corner of the 

 state is a small lake, which is the principal source of the MagaUoway 

 river. Scarcely anything more is known to the dwellers on the banks of 

 the Connecticut as to its source, than they know of the source of the 

 Nile. Hence we shall give a somewhat minute description of this 

 section. 



The difficulties encountered in traversing an unbroken forest are many 

 and varied. At times the experience is most pleasurable, and, again, 

 obstacles are encountered that are almost insurmountable. To-day we 

 cross a beautiful lake. The clear, sparkling waters reflect the bright sun- 

 light, while along its borders are mirrored the trees that stand in stately 

 grandeur on its shores. To-morrow its waters roll in tumultuous 

 wave, and the clouds rest almost on the bosom of the lake. To-day we 

 traverse its shores, and walk upon the soft green moss that lies spread 

 under the trees of evergreen like a carpet, so soft and elastic to the 



