ed to its present name. It is water- | person gained his wealth in a man

ed by a number of ponds, and by Black river and its branches. Albany lies 34 miles N. from Montpelier, and 9 S. of Irasburgh. Population, 1830, 683.

Albion, Me.

Kennebec co. This fine farming town lies on the stage road from Augusta to Bangor; 24 miles N. E. from the former, and 44 S. W. from the latter. Population, 1837, 1609. This town produced 10,728 bushels of wheat, in 1837.

Alburgh, Vt.

Grand Isle co. Settlements commenced here by emigrants from Canada, in 1782. This town lies at the N. W. corner of the state and of New England; 10 miles N. from North Hero, and 79 miles N. W. from Montpelier. It is bounded by the waters of Lake Champlain, except on the north, where it meets the Canada line, in north latitude 45°. The soil is, good and finely timbered. It has a mineral spring, of some repute in scrofulous cases. Population, 1830, 1,239.

Alexander, Me.

He

ner which illustrates the antiquity
of the propensity of the inhabitants
of this state to the once honored,
yet, now despised employment of
peddling, we will give the reader
a short notice of his history.
came from Scotland, with a great
number of other emigrants, in a
ship which was to land them at
Boston. Just before leaving the
ship he discovered a gold ring up-
on 'deck, for which he could find no
owner. Thus fortunately provided,
after his arrival he pawned the gold
ring for small articles of trade,
which he peddled in Boston and
Roxbury. He was very prosper-
ous, and finally became able to re-
deem the author of his success, and
pursue his business without embar-
rassment. After a few years of
constant activity, he acquired suffi-
cient property to purchase a planta-
tion of 3,500 acres in Killingly.
The gold ring was transmitted as a
sort of talisman, to his only son
Nell, who transferred it to his only
son Nell; who is now living at an
advanced age, and has already pla-
ced it in the hands of his grandson
Nell; and so it will doubtless con-
tinue from Nell to Nell, agreeably
to the request of the first Nell,
until the "last knell of the race is
tolled!"

Washington co. About 25 miles N. by W. from Machias, and S. of Baileyville, and Baring, which border on the river St. Croix. In this A singular tradition has been town are some ponds, which, with handed down to us by the aborithe large pond in Baring and Alex-gines concerning the origin of this ander, produce a large stream which lake.. empties into Cobscook bay. Population, 1837, 457.

Alexander's Lake.

This beautiful sheet of water, of about a mile in length and half a mile in breadth, lies in the town of Killingly, Ct., and was formerly known to the Indians by the name of Mashapaug. Its present name is derived from Nell Alexander, a man who settled at Killingly in 1720, and became proprietor of a large portion of the town. As this

In ancient times, when the red men of this quarter had long enjoyed prosperity, that is, when they had found plenty of game in the woods,and fish in the ponds and rivers,they at length fixed a time for a general powwow, a sort of festival for eating, drinking, smoking, singing and dancing. The spot chosen for this purpose was a sandy hill, or mountain, covered with tall pines, occupying the situation where the lake now lies. The pow wow lasted four days in succession, and was to

continue longer had not the Great | well watered by the higher sources Spirit, enraged at the licentiousness of Mousum river, which meets the which prevailed there, resolved to sea at Kennebunk. In this town punish them. Accordingly, while is a society of those neat and industhe red people in immense numbers trious horticulturists and artizans, were capering about upon the sum- denominated "Shakers." mit of the mountain, it suddenly gave way" beneath them, and sunk to a great depth, when the water from below rushed up and covered them all except one good old squaw, who occupied one of the peaks, which now bears the name of Loon's Island.

Mr. Barber in his admirable work entitled "Connecticut Historical Collections," from which this account is taken, observes, "whether the tradition is entitled to credit or not, we will do it justice by affirming that in a clear day, when there is no wind and the surface of the lake is smooth, the huge trunks and leafless branches of gigantic pines may be occasionally seen in the deepest part of the water, some of them reaching almost to the surface, in such huge and fantastic forms as to cause the beholder to startle!"

Alexandria, N. H.

Alford, Mass.

Berkshire co. On the line of the state of New York, and watered by branches of Green river. Some manufactories of leather and shoes. 125 miles W from Boston, 14 S. by W. from Lenox, and 24 E. of Hudson, N. Y. Population, 1837, 441. Incorporated, 1773.

Allenstown, N. H.

Merrimack co. On the Suncook river, 11 miles S. E. from Concord, and 38 W. from Portsmouth. The land generally is of an ordinary quality, though there are some fine farms. The town is principally covered with a growth of oak and pine timber; and great quantities of lumber are annually taken down the river: Allenstown is well watered, though no large stream passes through it. Great Bear brook furnishes the principal mill seats. Grafton co. A small part of New- Catamount hill is the highest land found lake lies in this town. Al-in town. At the E. end of this hill exandria is 30 miles N. W. from is a precipice of 70 feet nearly perConcord, and 40 S. E. from Haver-pendicular, at the foot of which is a hill. Population, 1830, 1,083. Incorporated, 1782. On Fowler's and Smith's rivers and several other smaller streams are about 2000 acres of intervale land, which produce flax, potatoes and grass in abundOther parts of the town are favorable for wheat and maize.This town was first settled by Jonathan, John M. and William Corliss, in 1769.

ance.

cavern of some extent, inclining upwards. The first settlers were Rob't Buntin and others. In 1748, while at work on the western bank of the Merrimack river,opposite the mouth of the Suncook, in company with James Carr, Mr. Buntin and his son, ten years of age, were surprised by a party of Indians. Carr attempted to escape, and was shot down. Buntin and his son, making no resistance, were not harmed; but taken through the wilderness to Canada, One of the shire towns of York and sold to a French trader at Montcounty. It lies 24 miles N. from real; with whom they remained York, 35 S. from Portland and 86 about eleven months, escaped, and S. W. from Augusta. Incorpora- fortunately reached home in safety. ted, 1808. Population, 1837, 1,360. Andrew, the son, continued on his This is a good farming town and is | father's farm until the commence

Alfred, Me.

ment of the revolution, when, entering the service of his country, he died in her defence at White Plains, Oct. 28, 1776. Incorporated July 2, 1831. Population, 1830, 421.

Alna, Me.

This town is situated in the county of Lincoln, 10 miles N. from Wiscasset, 54 N. E. from Portland, and 20 S. S. E. from Augusta. Incorporated 1794. Population, 1837, 1,138. This is a pleasant town and well watered by Sheepscot river.

Alstead, N. H.,

Cheshire co., is 12 miles S. E. from Charlestown,14 N.from Keene and 50 W. by S. from Concord. This town is well watered by small streams. Cold river passes through the N. W. part; and some of the

Alton, N. H.

Strafford co. This town lies 22 miles N. E. from Concord, and 25 N. W. from Dover, and is bounded N. by Winnepisiogee lake and bay. The town is rough and uneven; the soil hard and rocky, but productive when well cultivated. The growth of wood is chiefly oak, beech, maple and pine. The principal elevations are Mount-Major and Prospect Hill. Merrymeeting bay extends S. about 1800 rods into this town, where it receives the waters of Merrymeeting river. Half-moon pond, between Alton and Barnstead, is 300 rods long and 150 wide. This town was originally called New Durham Gore, and was settled in 1770, by Jacob Chamberlain and others. It was incorporated Jan. 15, 1796. Population in 1830, 1,993. town has 2000 sheep.

Amesbury, Mass.

This

This town is situated on the N. side of Merrimack river, in the county of Essex, 40 miles N. E. from Boston, 6 N. W. from New

hill. Population, 1837, 2,567. It was taken from Salisbury in 1668, and is separated from it by Powow river, a navigable stream for vessels of 300 tons. A pond, covering about 1000 acres, back of the town, 90 feet above the sea, serves as a reservoir for a constant and extensive water power. The manufacture of flannel and satinet is very extensively pursued. The amount of those articles manufactured in the year ending April 1, 1837, was $425,000. Many vessels are built here of superior timber, and the manufacture of boots, shoes, leath

branches of Ashuelot river have their sources in this town. There are a number of ponds, the principal of which is Warren's pond ;length, 250 rods, breadth, 150. Perch and pickerel are here caught in great abundance. The soil is strong and productive, and the farmsburyport, and 7 N. E. from Havergenerally well cultivated. Manufactures flourish in this town, and great attention is paid to education. Alstead was originally called Newton, and was granted by charter, August 6, 1763, to Samuel Chase and 69 others, General Amos Shepard, who was for many years a member of the General Court of this state, and President of the Senate from 1797 to 1804, resided in this town, and was one of its principal inhabitants from 1777 to the time of his death, Jan. 1, 1812. By his persevering industry, his economy and correctness in business, and at the same time, by a rigid ad-er, chairs, phaetons, gigs, and carherence to uprightness and integrity in his dealings with his fellow men, he acquired a handsome fortune, and was in many things, a pattern worthy of imitation. ulation in 1830, 1,552. This town has 6000 sheep.

The

ryalls is very considerable. total amount of the various manufactures of this place is about $500,000 annually. About half the popPopulation of the town is engaged in mechanical labor. Josiah Bartlett, M. D. one of the signers of the

small) joiners' planes, stoves, steel | 6 1-2 miles from the Notch of the hammers, pistols, and bowie knives. White Mountains, where the deTotal annual amount of manufac-scent is 50 feet, cut through a mass tures, about $200,000. See Reg-of stratified granite.

ister.

Amity, Me.

Washington co. Township No. 10, first range of townships from the east line of the state, about 100 miles N. E. from Bangor. Incorporated 1836. Population, 1837, 130. This town has fine soil for wheat.

Amonoosuck Rivers, N. H.

Amoskeag Falls & Village, N. H.

These falls are in the Merrimack river; between Goffstown on the W. and Manchester on the E. The whole fall of the river, within the distance of half a mile, is 54 feet, producing a great hydraulic power. A company, with a large capital, have commenced forming canals and erecting buildings for manufacturing purposes on a very extensive scale. Their plan provides for 37 mills, each containing 6000 spindles. Two canals, 2 factories, a number of dwelling houses, machine shops, &c. are now nearly completed. The canals are each a mile in length, and will, when com

Upper and Lower. The Upper Amonoosuck rises in the ungranted lands north of the White Mountains, and passing N. E. into Dummer, approaches to within a few miles of the Androscoggin; thence turning abruptly to the S. W. it pursues that direction and falls into Connec-pleted, be equal to any works of the ticut river near the centre of Northumberland. Its whole length is about 50 miles. The valley of the Upper Amonoosuck is 7 or 8 miles in breadth, and more than 20 in length: it is scooped out with great beauty, the surface gently rising to the summits of the mountains on the N. The Lower Amonoosuck rises on the W. side of the White Mountains, and after running a course of 50 miles, falls into the Connecticut just above Haverhill, by a mouth 100 yards wide. At the distance of two miles from its mouth, it receives the Wild Amonoosuck, a stream 40 yards wide, and, when raised by freshets, very swift and furious in its course. The waters of the Amonoosuck are pure, and its bed clean; the current lively, and in some places rapid. The valley of the Lower Amonoosuck is about half a mile in width, and was probably once the bed of a lake, its S. W. limit being the rise of ground at its foot, over which the waters descended in their course to the Connecticut. There is a fine fall in this river about

kind in our country. The village is in Goffstown, 16 miles below Concord and 18 miles above Nashua; delightfully situated on the banks of these majestic falls. Amoskeag is already a place of considerable business, and must eventually become the mart of large manufacturing operations. The vicinity of these falls was much frequented by the Indians. The Sachem Wonolanset resided here. The tribe under him was sometimes molested by the Mohawks, who carried terror to the hearts of all the eastern Indians. In time of war between these hostile tribes, the Indians living in the neighborhood of the falls, concealed their provisions in the large cavities of the rocks on the island in the middle of the upper part of the fall. They entertained an idea that their deity had cut out these cavities for that purpose.

Andover, Me.

Oxford co. This town was incorporated in 1804. Population, 1837, 551. It lies about 30 miles N. W. from Paris, 61 W. N. W. from Au