The Merrimack River: its source and its tributaries. Embracing a history of manufactures, and of the towns along its course; their geography, topography, and products, with a description of the magnificent natural scenery about its upper waters./ By J. W. Meader.

TIIE 3TERPIMACK' RITVERP;
cornseq(uence, the outlet of Goose or Measley Pond, which falls into
the \Vinnipesaukee at MAeredith Village, being one of its largest affluents. Discharging, an important river, and constantly maintaining,
full banks, its poverty of resource, ani( the extensive surface presented to the depleting process of evaporation, this lake is a problem,
the solution of which can only be reached by the conclusion that it
is fe(l by invisible subterranean springs, very large and numerous.
Ne.ilrv all of the territory on the eastern side is drained by the
Cochecho. which has its source or sources in the immediate vicinity,
and it is well estahlislhed that the lake can easily be turned and
(dIrained into the Cocliecho instead of its present channel, thus
r,kiing a vast difference in the power of the noble Merrimack; for,
without this important tributary. and more especially without this
indispensable reservoir, the supply would fiall short. Experience
and a wise forecast combined have led the great companies along the
river to provide artificial means to reduce the whole extent of this
vast reservoir several feet, to meet the contingencies of hot weather
and dry seasons.
'I'he lake abounds in fish of many varieties; the lake trout and the
picklerel being the most important and valuable. Cusk are much
prized by many, and perch and horned-pout may be taken at any
time, b)y the most inexperienced anglers, in quantities to suit. A
variety of soilt —wa.ter fish were some years since placed in this lake
by experimenting pi-lrties; but as nothiing was seen or known of them
,Yerwardsll, it wais presumed they found their level either in a "watory grave" or thlroug,h the channel of the WVinnipesaukee and the
-L\eririimack in a miiore congenial clement, the briny deep.
L-1eo trout are taikenl, but niot so plentiful or so large as formerly;
still an occasional laker of gratifyiug (dimensions is hooked, varying
ii size from three to thirty pounds. In June, 1868, one was
thtken out weihling seventeen and a half pounds. The sportsman is
always liable to procure a coveted contest with at least one of these
stout and powerful fellows. I)eep fishing, is the only mode of taking
them: and, proceeding to the approved fishinc,-,rounds in a skiff,
with an oarsman to assist,'the sportsman takes the soundings, which
vary from sixty to eighty feet, then lowers the hook, attached to a
strong line, sufficiently near the bottom, and nervously awaits the
issue. Unmistakable demonstrations from the deep, warning him that
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