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.

ITS SOURCE AND ITS TRIBUTAPIES.
CHIAPTER VI.
Gilford. - Alton. - Wolfboro'. - Tuftonborough. - Meredith. - Sanbornton. - North field. - Canterbury. - Shakers. - Pembroke. - Suncook River. - Gilmanton. -
Barnstead. - Pittsfield. - Epsom. - Allenstown. - Contoocook River. - Ilillsboro'. -
Gov. Pierce. - Henniker. - Washington, etc. - Hopkinton.
GILFORD, on the lake shore, is a flourishing town, enterprising
and lively. The principal village is on the falls of the Winnipesaukee River, and is largely engaged in manufacturing. The extensive
repair-shop of the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad is located
here, giving profitable employment to a large amount of superior
mechanical skill. Besides this and mnills, there are many factories
and shops for various manufacturing and mechanical purposes.
Several large islands in the lake belong to Gilford. Gunstock
Mountains, a range of considerable elevation, rising in Gilmanton,
extend into this town almost to the lake. Gilford was originally a
part of Gilmanton, and was incorporated in 1812. It is one of the
most flourishing towns in the State. Two streams enter the lake
from this town, namely, Gunstock and Miles Rivers.
'Alton, on the south side of the lake, was incorporated a little more
than seventy years since. It was formerly called New Durham
Gore, and received its present name from one of the settlers, - being
named for Alton in England. Merry Meeting or Alton Bay makes
out from the lake about seven miles into this town, and receivds
Merry Meeting River. Mt. Major and Prospect IHIill are the principal elevations; from the latter, the Atlantic is visible in clear
weather.
The Cochecho River has its source just north of here, almost on
the margin of the lake, and is a rapid and important stream; flowing
south-east it is caught at Doter, and bound for the use and benefit of
man. The Cochecho railroad has its terminus at Alton, and moun tain travel from Bostoii, via Boston and Maine Railroad to Dover
and the Cochecho to the lake, finds an easy and expeditious route to
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