582    rivers    in new-hampshire.

springs within its bosom. Its outlet is the rapid river of its own
name. Its height, above the level of the sea, is 472 feet. It is
stored with a great variety of excellent fish. In the summer sea-
son steamboats, sloops, and smaller vessels ply on its waters, and    gj

in the winter season it presents an icy expansion of great useful-
ness and beauty.

It is said to contain 365 islands, several of which compose farms
of from 200 to 500 acres.

Of the scenery of this lake Edward Everett has left this testi-
mony, in a speech made in New-Hampshire some years ago :    “I

have been something of a traveler in our own country, though less
than I could wish, and in Europe have seen all that is attractive,
from the Highlands of Scotland to the Golden Horn of Constanti-
nople—from the summit of the Hartz Mountains to the fountains
of Vauclure ; but my eye has yet to rest on a lovelier scene than
that which smiles around you as you sail from Wier’s Landing to
Center Harbor.*’ What is true of this trip is true of that from
Wolfeborough to Wier’s, aud in fact of all the trips to be taken
upon the lake. The most experienced call them equally fine.

In the warm season the two splendid steamers, Lady of the
Lake, and Mt. Washington, both new, ply upon the lake; two
points at which it may be approached from the south, and two
points of departure for the mountains. The former runs between
the Wier’s, Centre Harbor, and Wolfeborough, and the latter be-
tween Alton Bay, Wolfeborough, and Centre Harbor. The Bos-
ton, Concord, and Montreal Railroad connects with the former at
Wier’s, and the Boston and Maine with the latter, at Alton Bay.

At Wolfeborough there is a rail connection with the Eastern Rail-
road by the Wolfeborough branch, at Wolfeborough Junction, in
Wakefield.

There are many other small lakes and ponds in various sections
of the State, all having their peculiar charms, of which mention
has been made in describing the towns in which they are located-

RIVERS IN NEW-HAMPSHIRE.

Owing to the mountainous and elevated position of the State,
and the proximity to the ocean, the streams are necessarily short,
with rapid currents, and produce some of the best water power in
the country.