clxviii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
“ From this place my journey led me over a rugged, moun- 
tainous country, to Lake Champlain, along which I coasted as far as 
Hurlington in Vermont. Here I found the little Coot-footed Trin- 
ga or Phalarope that you sent to Mr. Peale ; a new and elegantly 
marked Hawk ; and observed some Black Ducks. The shores are 
alternate sandy bays, and rocky headlands running into the lake. 
Every tavern was crowded with officers, soldiers, and travellers. 
Eight of us were left without a bed ; but having an excellent great 
coat, I laid myself down in a corner with a determination of sleep- 
ing in defiance of the uproar of the house, and the rage of my com- 
panions, who would not disgrace themselves by a prostration of this 
sort. 
iit * ^ ^ ^ 
“ From Lake Champlain I traversed a rude mountainous re- 
gion to Connecticut river, one hundred miles above Dartmouth 
College. I spent several days with the gun in Groton, and Rye- 
gale townships, and made some discoveries. From this I coasted 
along the Connecticut to a place called Haverhill, ten miles from 
the foot of Moose-hillock, one of the highest of the White Mountams 
of Newhampshire. I spent the greater part of a day in ascending 
to the peak of one of these majestic mountains, whence I had the 
most sublime and astonishing view that was ever afforded me. One 
immensity of forest lay below, extended on all sides to the farthest 
verge of the horizon ; while the only prominent objects were the 
columns of smoke from burning woods, that rose from various parts 
of the earth beneath to the heavens; for the day was beautiful and 
serene. Hence I travelled to Dartmouth, and thence in a direct 
course to Boston. From Boston I passed through Portsmouth to 
Portland, and got some things new; my return was by a different 
route. I have procured three new and beautiful Hawks ; and have 
gleaned up a stock of remarks that will be useful to me hereafter. 
“ I hope, my dear sir, that you have been well since I left you. 
I have myself been several times afflicted with a violent palpita- 
