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SIEUR DE MONTS NATIONAL MONUMENT. 



The forests of Mount Desert Island were once full of wealth, and full 

 of wealth they still would be if the lumbermen had not done their work 

 so well. High up on the mountain sides, through the mountain gorges, 

 along the borders of the lakes and streams, everywhere to the water's 

 edge, the great trees growing on the thin but rich wood-soil were taken 

 out, as one may plainly see by their huge rotting stumps to-day. The 

 importance of preserving the woods which still remain no lover of 

 Nature can question. They are infinitely precious as a part of the wild 



Glacial boulder in a forested mountain valley 70c feet above the sea. 



scenery of the place and for their wonderful attraction to the city- 

 wearied man or woman in search of a summer home and resting-place. 



What the island was in the early days of its primeval beauty, when 

 Champlain sailed along its shore and for a century after, lies far beyond 

 the possibility of conjecture . now. Yet some idea of what these woods 

 once were may still be gained from a few favored spots where portions 

 of the ancient forest yet remain, and much of their original beauty may 

 be brought back if steps are taken to preserve them now and protect 

 from consuming forest fires the all-important humus in their soil. 



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